Patrol Division

Patrol officers are the most visible element of the Oskaloosa Police Department. Officers in marked squad cars or on police bicycles are regularly seen on calls for service such as investigating traffic accidents, enforcing traffic laws, or engaging in proactive patrol in our residential neighborhoods. They are responsible for answering calls including domestic and civil disputes, apprehending criminal offenders, and writing parking tickets as well as taking on a myriad of other duties.

The Patrol Division consists of ten patrol officers and four shift supervisors who work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Its Communications Center can be contacted by dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies or (641) 672-2557 for non-emergencies. The Patrol Division is divided into four shifts: Day Shift, Swing Shift, Split Shift and Owl Shift. The Patrol Division patrols the corporate limits of Oskaloosa and works closely with Mahaska County Sheriff's Department, and the Iowa State Patrol.

Traffic Enforcement. A large portion of the Patrol Division's time is spent in traffic enforcement. In addition to speed enforcement, patrol officers are on the lookout for other traffic violators, such as stop sign/stop light violators, general operation violators, improper registrations and/or driver's license, and seat belt violators.

Operating While Intoxicated. Intoxicated drivers are most likely to be on our roads in the evening and early morning hours. On-duty at those times are patrol officers who have received extensive training in the detection and apprehension of individuals who violate Iowa's tough drunk-driving law. Officers are equipped with preliminary breath testers in all marked patrol cars and have a centrally located intoxilyzer at the Mahaska County Jail.

Criminal Investigations. The Patrol Division investigates hundreds of criminal cases a year. They range from simple misdemeanors to felonies. Thefts, assaults, suspicious activity, prowlers, burglaries, and vandalisms are just a few of the types of cases routinely investigated by officers of the Patrol Division. Cases that require in-depth follow up are referred to the Investigations Division.

Service Calls. Not all of a patrol officer's time is spent with traffic violators or criminals. Much of it is spent on service-oriented calls. A good example would be helping a motorist whose car has broken down on the street. Another service provided by the Oskaloosa Police Department is the Vacation House Check. The vacationer's house is registered with the Police Department while they are gone. A patrol officer periodically checks the security of the home until the owners return. A downloadable Vacation House Check Form can be filled out and turned into the department whenever you will be away and request a check on your home. You may also call the department at (641) 673-3201 to request a check.

Towed Vehicles. From time to time, it becomes necessary for the Police Department to tow vehicles. It may have been for being parked on a snow route during a snow emergency or violation of the 72-hour parking ordinance or perhaps the driver was arrested for drunk driving. 

The E911 Communications Center keeps a list of all cars towed and who did the towing and you may contact them at (641) 672-2557 if your car has been towed.

In addition to their traditional law enforcement duties, patrol officers also respond to most medical emergencies in the city. Officers have received extensive training in the use of Automated External Defibrillators ( AED ) as well as Cardiac Pulmonary Recitation (CPR) so that competent and compassionate emergency medical care can be delivered quickly in the field.

To contact the Patrol Division please call (641) 673-3201 .

THE PATROL DIVISION NEVER CLOSES; WE PROTECT AND SERVE 24 HOURS A DAY!!!!