Department Information

The Coldwater Police Department offers several services to local residents and business owners to enhance the community oriented policing atmosphere.

Business Alert

    The Business Alert program is an information sharing program between the local businesses and the Coldwater Police Department.  Via the use of electronic mail, the police department can quickly and efficiently provide crime information to the business community.  If you should have any questions or would like to be a part of the business alert program please contact Chief Randy Waltmire.

Vehicle Unlocks

    The Coldwater Police Department is one of the lasts departments in the area to still provide assistance when someone has locked their keys in their vehicle.  Anyone residing or visiting our community can utilize this service by contacting the police department.  The department has the necessary tools to safely gain entry into most locked vehicles.

Fingerprinting

    On an annual basis the police department fingerprints most kindergarten school children.  The police department makes appearances at various community functions to provide fingerprinting for all children.  Beginning in 2008 the police department is going to start handing out DNA sample kits.  These kits can be used by the parents to collect DNA from their children and be able to keep it in case ever needed by law enforcement.

    Fingerprinting is also available for employment or background purposes.  The department now submits fingerprints electronically by using the Webcheck system.  This new system costs $20.00 per person to complete.  The reason for the charge is because the police department gets charged to submit fingerprints electronically.  As of June 1, 2006 inked fingerprints are no longer accepted for submission.

    All checks should be made payable to : The Village of Coldwater.  Fingerprinting is generally done Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 1:00PM.  Other times can be arranged but it will require an appointment.

Third Grade Safety Belt Program

    In conjunction with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the police department puts on an annual Third Grade Safety Belt Program in which most 3rd grade students receive instruction on the importance of safety belt usage. 

(Ptl. McDonald instructs the 3rd Grade Safety Belt Program.)

Summer School Physical Education

    One of the patrolman assists the Coldwater Schools Summer School Physical Education class.  Bike rides are used during this program and a bike patrol officer rides along with the class to make sure they get to and from their destination safely.  This is an opportune time for the officers to interact with the kids to get to know them and for them to get to know the officer.

Vacation House Checks

    Security checks are offered for residents who are vacationing or for vacant residences.  These residences are checked usually on a nightly basis for security.  There is a form that can be filled out at the police department to give the officers all necessary information needed to perform these checks. 

Bicycle Licenses

    Village ordinance REQUIRES village residents to have their bikes licensed.  The license does cost $1.00 and it is non-expiring.  The department needs to see the bike to get the proper identification information from it and record it in case the bike is lost or stolen.  You may contact any on-duty officer to get a bike license.

Self-Protection Clinic for Females

    In March of 2008, Officer Amanda McDonald began teaching a Self-Protection Clinic for Females.  This is a 3 hour class split into classroom time and hands-on time.  The classroom section focuses on how to change your thinking habits about yourself and how you see the world around you.  The hands-on section of the class shows some simple strike techniques and redirection of force.  Sometimes all you need is a couple of seconds to get away and this will give you ways to get those few precious seconds that could make the difference.

    The police department is planning on conducting these classes for residents.  If you are interested you can call the police department at (419) 678-2356 and your name and phone number will be put on a list for the next available class.