Police
Welcome to the Norwalk Police Department
Since the founding of the Norwalk Police Department in 1856, the officers and employees of the agency have served the community with distinction. The current departmental staff is proud of the long history of service to the community and pledge to continue this high level of service. Officers of the department strive to serve the community in a manner that is reflective of the desires and needs of all residents of Norwalk.
To this end the following mission statement has been developed:
With commitment and resolve, the Norwalk Police Department will provide noticeable, professional and dedicated service through citizen focused efforts that solve problems, maintain public trust and produce a safe, prosperous community.
In the pursuit of this mission, we will maintain value oriented service that emphasizes:
- Accountability for our actions and in-actions
- Citizen-centric customer service
- The diversity of life experience among us
We also encourage all members of the community to take an active role in the protection of life and property as together we work to make Norwalk the metro’s most desirable place to live and work.
Greg Staples, Chief of Police
Click here for a message from the Chief
Contact Us
Norwalk Public Safety
1100 Chatham Avenue
Norwalk, IA 50211
Emergencies: 911
Non-Emergencies: 515.222.3321
Phone: 515.981.0228 (Administration)
Fax: 515.981.5839
Email: Norwalk Police Department
Organizational Structure
The Norwalk Police Department is a full service law enforcement agency that provides public safety services 24 hours per day. The department is comprised of 13 sworn officers and two civilian administrative assistants. The department consists of a Chief, an Assistant Chief, two Sergeants, eight Patrol Officers and a School Resource Officer. One of the administrative assistants is a full time police employee and the other is a shared employee with the Department of Parks and Recreation.
The community is also served by Zena, our beloved Police K9.
Norwalk Police Department Organizational Chart
Juvenile Outreach
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistant Education)
DARE is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. It gives the kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs (alcohol and tobacco), gangs and violence.
The DARE program is taught to all Norwalk 5th grade students. Just a few things we implement in DARE are learning how to have high self-esteem, saying NO to peer pressure, and how to be positive role models. The classes have scenario based sessions that shows students ways to say NO in various negative situations. We teach the program with the hope that the students will take what they have learned in DARE and apply it to their own lives and make the choice to lead a Drug Free Life.
Jr. Police Academy
This program is a partnership between the Parks and Rec Department and the Norwalk Police, and is an opportunity for the police officers to build a positive bridge with the youth of the community. Cadets will take part in fingerprinting, investigating a crime scene, taking photos, casting footprints, and running an obstacle course. It is available for students who have completed 3rd - 6th grade and is usually held in July.
Bicycle Safety
Each spring the police, parks and recreation and fire departments collaborate to conduct a bike rodeo for area youth. Participants are taught the “rules of the road”, the importance of safety equipment, and how to complete an inspection of their bicycles. Several obstacle courses allow the kids to show off what they have learned and help identify areas they may need to improve upon. All participants in need receive a new helmet and get the opportunity to win a new bike. This event culminates with the annual Mayor’s bike ride.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Norwalk officers’ conduct a variety of drug and alcohol awareness classes each year in addition to the DARE program. These classes are conducted in the Norwalk secondary schools. Officers serve as guest speakers in the health and government classes. These classes help to continue the development of positive relationships with Norwalk teens. High school students especially enjoy the bi-annual classes utilizing the departments Fatal Vision Goggles. Students attempt to perform several tasks that include driving a golf cart through an obstacle course, while experiencing the simulated effect alcohol has on their vision. Students frequently comment on their inability to complete the scenarios that would otherwise have been quite simple.
Character Education
Upon request, Norwalk officers will conduct a core of classes based on Developmental Assets. Eight classes are divided into four external asset categories (support, empowerment, boundaries & expectation, and constructive use of time) and four internal asset categories (commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity). This program is taught as part of the school health curriculum or in conjunction with various summer camps.
Personal and Situational Safety
Working closely with the schools, daycares, area church groups, and the Warren County Extension Office, Norwalk officers provide annual safety classes throughout the community. Popular topics include stranger danger, pedestrian safety, babysitting safety, and internet safety.
The Law and You
This class gives our teenage residents education in topics such as probable cause, reasonable suspicion, and search and seizure etc. The course is designed to teach the students about how our constitutional protections are applied by law enforcement and how those protections give citizens their rights and responsibilities.
Lunch with the Chief
From time to time, the Chief of Police will visit the elementary schools and speak to one of the classes. After a short talk about what it’s like to be a police officer and how to make good decisions, the Chief heads to the cafeteria with the class for lunch.
Community Outreach
Crime Prevention Assessment
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a concept where the physical structure, landscaping and general area of a home or business are analyzed to deter criminal behavior in and around the structure. The concept is designed to influence the decisions of individuals prior to the criminal act taking place, thus reducing the chance that you will be victimized. When requested, the police department will visit your home or business and complete an assessment to make suggestions on improvements that might reduce your chance of being victimized. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please contact us to schedule the officer.
Citizen Ride-a-long
Have you ever wanted to be a police officer? Or ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a police officer? If so, we offer a citizen ride-a-long program that will allow you to ride with an officer on-duty. Ride-a-longs are limited to 4 hours in length and participants are rent a car ankara generally required to be at least 18 years of age. A short application and background check are also required. If you are interested, please complete the forms at the link below and mail or drop them off at the police department. Your application will then be processed and you will be called to schedule the ride.
Child Safety Seat Installation Instruction
Officer Rafe Albers is a certified child safety seat technician and is available to assist you with installation and or review of how to best keep your child safe while riding in your vehicle. Officer Albers is available by appointment to meet with you. To schedule an appointment with Officer Albers, please contact the department by phone or email.
Officer Presentations
The officers of the police department are available to give talks and presentations on law enforcement matters at your group meeting or event. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an officer to come and speak with you.
How Do I?
Contact an Officer
If you need an officer for assistance they can be reached by dialing 911 for emergency; or 515-222-3321 for non-emergencies. The Norwalk Police Department is dispatched by Westcom communications center and they are staffed 24 hours a day.
If you need to speak with the Chief of Police or administrative staff please call 515-981-0228 which is the administrative number. That line is answered only during normal office hours.
File a Police Report
If you need to file a police report for any reason or speak to an officer with questions or concerns they can be reached at 515-222-3321.
Schedule a tour of the police department
Contact the office during business hours to schedule a tour for your group or family. Tours are available on most days between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm.
Obtain a Police Report
*by request - $5.00
Please contact our office by telephone at 515-981-0228, in person, or by mail to request a copy of a report. So that we can efficiently process your request please have all relevant information, including the date, time, location, case number and persons involved available.
Obtain an Accident Report
- For persons involved – No charge
- Other requests - $5.00
Please contact our office by telephone at 515-981-0228, in person, or by mail to request a copy of a report. So that we can efficiently process your request please have all relevant information, including the date, time, location and persons involved available.
Get Fingerprinted
*by appointment only- $20.00
Please contact our office by telephone to schedule an appointment. Fingerprinting is conducted on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. Available appointment times are 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Fingerprint cards are not available at our office. Please contact the organization requesting that the printing be done to obtain a fingerprint card. Persons requesting fingerprints must present a valid government issued photo identification prior to being printed.
Obtain a Solicitors, Peddlers or Transient Merchants license
Contact our office in person to complete the relevant application forms. A valid government issued photo identification is required prior to any permit being issued.
Fees established by the Norwalk Code of Ordinances are:
- License Application Fee: $25.00 (all application types)
- Refundable Bond: $20.00 (all application types)
- Solicitors License $10.00 per person, agent or principle per year
- Peddlers or Transient Merchants License:
- For one day - $5.00
- For one week - $10.00
- For up to six (6) months - $20.00
Formally commend an officer or file a complaint against an officer
The Norwalk Police Department follows Iowa law specifically the State of Iowa Peace Officer Bill of Rights which can be found under Iowa Code 80F. If you would like to recognize or complain about a Norwalk Police Officer, please contact the Chief of Police by telephone at 515-981-0228 during normal business hours.
Request a Property/Vacation house check
If you are going to be away from your home and would like to have your house watched please contact us. Please call the administrative phone number at 515-981-0228 and request a vacation house check. An officer will check on your property while you are away.
Helpful Links
Iowa Law Enforcement Hiring Standards
Identity Theft Victim Information
Fifth Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services
Human Service Organizations
Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Iowa Department of Human Services
Red Rock Community Action Program
Other Law Enforcement Agencies
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Warren County Attorney’s Office