OVERVIEW and HISTORY
The Cottage Grove Police Department was established in December of 1982 by an intergovernmental agreement to jointly serve the Village and Town of Cottage Grove. The agency has operated from several locations since its beginning; Flynn Hall, the Cottage Grove Town Hall, the Emergency Services Building and our current facility at the intersection of County Highway N and Nora Road. This facility was remodeled and opened in February of 2006. The building contains offices for investigators and adminstrative and support personnel, squad room for officers, interview rooms, evidence processing and storage, conference room, garage and storage.
The staff of full time officers (Chief, Supervisor, Detective, Officers) is supported by part time officers and a full and part-time Clerk. Around the clock call response and patrol is maintained by the department. 911 emergency calls are received by the Dane County Public Safety Communications Center in Madison and relayed to the on-duty officer via radio and mobile data computer.
Officers participate in various training programs during the year through regular in-service training with members of other police agencies in the county. They also attend courses on specialized topics that enhance their ability and skills to provide effective and efficient services to the community. New officers participate in a field training program and all officers receive training and certifications in a number of core areas.
The department participates in and is affiliated with national, state and Dane County Chief's of Police organizations, the county-wide drug and gang task force, a financial crime investigator's network, a county-wide criminal information exchange network, Safe Community Coalition, Crime Stoppers and state and regional drug and gang organizations. The department is a member of the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
During the year, the agency participates in traffic and safety initiatives through DOT Bureau of Transportation safety programs and our membership in the Safe Community Coalition. Some of these programs are: drunk driver enforcement, underage alcohol enforcement, pedestrian safety projects, speed reduction efforts, improved child safety in school zones, child safety initiatives, increased safety belt use and many other activities aimed at reducing traffic crashes and enhancing the safety of motorist, pedestrians, bicyclists and community residents.
The Department also partners with the Dane County Sheriff's Office, RSVP of Dane County, Triad of Dane County and local volunteers for the Cottage Grove TRIAD group that regularly meets and sponsors programs for seniors in the community.
A school resource officer from the Monona Police Department serves the Glacial Drumlin Middle School in Cottage Grove through a partnership with the school district and City of Monona.