Home Page: Police Department
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Police Department
Law Enforcement
Non-Emergency Only:
920-622-4148
Chief of Police:
Russell Saunder
2011 Goose Hunting Allowed in the Village by Permit
If you are a resident of the village and are interested in a limited goose hunt, please contact our Chief of Police for details.
2011 Bow Hunting Regulations for the Village of Wild Rose
Hunting has been allowed by village residents and land owners by lottery and in accordance with DNR regulations.
Hunting within the village is determined by lottery. The lottery generally is held during the end of August into the beginning of September. If you are interested in participating, please contact the village Police Department.
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Problem Oriented Policing Community Policing for the 21st Century Chief of Police Russell Saunders recently shared details case study as an example of Problem Oriented Policing (POP) he solved here in the Village of Wild Rose. The POP Project The Police Department had regularly received complaints from citizens regarding the condition of the property. The run down property seemed to be a haven for underage drinking, as well as rumored drug sales and use. In the last year the Police Department received 22 complaints from citizens about the property. Of those, 17 were about the condition of the property, 4 were complaints about regular traffic and drug sales occurring. There were 6 dual complaints about the condition and the drug use/sales. There was 1 complaint regarding the occupant’s dog wandering in the roadway. When Chief Saunders first arrived at the Police Department, he sent a survey to the residents. There were several concerns expressed regarding this particular place and the activities there. It was one of the biggest problems cited. Property Condition and Layout The condition of the property was poor. The home was run down and in dire need of repair. The property was littered with junk cars as well as other piles of construction debris and garbage. The yard was also overgrown with grass, weeds, and trees making the backyard a perfect place to drink and do drugs without being seen from the street. This created a problem because the juveniles often hung around in the back. They also went so far as to pitch tents and spend days or weeks at a time there in a makeshift camp. Village Residents, the Victims Residents in the neighborhood were faced with declining property values as a result of the condition of this location. They were also faced with juveniles and undesirable people prowling their neighborhood. Many of those offenders were intoxicated or high on numerous drugs. There had been no problems with burglary or theft, but that could have easily become an issue. There had been problems with vandalism at the village park located directly across the street from the location. Offenders The renter of the home was the main cause for the disrepair. He moved in under a verbal agreement with the owner to "fix up the place"in lieu of rent. Preliminary Plan of Action Instead of going to the renter, Chief Saunders sent certified letters to the property owner putting him on notice that the property must be cleaned up. He was given specific time frames as to when this was expected to be done. Chief Saunders made the owner of the property responsible and bypassed the renter. The Chief received an immediate response from the owner and cleanup began. When the cleanup was not completed according to the time frame, the owner was issued citations for code violations. The cleanup resumed immediately. By sticking to the terms of the notice and taking immediate action when they were not followed, it proved the Police Department’s resolve in this matter. Additionally, Chief Saunders was able to use this opportunity to educate the owner as to his rights and responsibilities regarding his property. He was given information on eviction as well and it appeared he would follow that path. The owner even mentioned donating the property to the Village and expanding the park to this location. Other items on Chief Saunders handling of this issue using POP involved possible ordinances regarding the use of tents in the Village, hours the park is open and supervision during hours when the park would be closed, and including additional policing of the area including the park. The Police Department also began doing Field Interviews (FI) cards to help track the people in the area, as well as identify them and their motives for being there. These FIs have proven to be a great way to talk to people and get information regarding other crimes occurring and those committing them. Resolution Chief Saunders and Deputy Knutson maintained pressure on the owner and the renter, making it more undesirable for the offenders to continue their behavior at this location and by using the small size of the town and the closeness of the residence in our favor. By getting everyone involved int the solutions and showing the police Department will enforce the laws and come up with solutions; it has had the added benefit of others starting to clean up their places. This has created a team atmosphere and should be a great benefit to the community as a whole. After speaking with the owner of the property on several occasion, Chief Saunders was able to get the owner to start the eviction process. In the meantime, the Police Department kept up their enforcement actions on the residents and frequent visitors to the property. The tenant vacated the property shortly after being served an eviction notice and moved out of the area. The owner of the property donated the land to the village. The Village Board voted to raze the property and sell it to to the re-coup their investment. As of this date the structures have been torn down the property has been cleaned. It is now for sale.
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