Willmar Police Department

Willmar Police Department

Located in the Law Enforcement Center, the Willmar Police Department collaborates extensively with the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office, Kandiyohi County Jail, Minnesota State Patrol, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, all located in the same facility.  The Law Enforcement Center is open 24-hours a day and a complaint or question can be handled at any time. Clerical and Administrative staff hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Willmar Police Department
2201 23rd Street NE, Suite 102
Willmar, MN  56201
Non-Emergency (Dispatch): (320) 235-2244
Fax: (320) 235-6737
Administration: (320) 235-3100
Email: police@willmarmn.gov
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About

The Willmar Police Department, in partnership with our community, is committed to providing professional law enforcement services while protecting the life, property, and personal liberties of all individuals. We operate both efficiently and effectively when providing these services. We believe that the overall quality of life for all residents can improve through the deterrence of criminal activity, whether through enforcement or education. We understand the diversity of cultures within this community and recognize the need for fair and impartial enforcement.

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Police Chief, Jim Felt

Core Values:  Integrity, Service, Professionalism, Respect, and Trust
Our Mission:  The Willmar Police Department is dedicated to providing fair and impartial police services to all persons through education and enforcement.
Our Vision:  The goal of the Willmar Police Department is to provide a safer community through a partnership with its citizens.

Body Camera Policy

The primary purpose of using body-worn cameras (BWCs) is to capture evidence arising from police-citizen encounters. This policy sets the guidelines for the use of BWCs and administering the data that results. To read the full policy download the PDF Document.

Community

The Willmar Police Department takes an active role in a variety of programs with residents and businesses to encourage a supportive relationship with the community and work towards low crime in Willmar.

CERT
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters are built and enhanced.

The Willmar Area CERT was started in 2018 and currently has over 50 members who have completed the training. For details on how you can be a part of the Willmar Area CERT program download the CERT Information Packet and CERT Application Form. Once the application has been completed, please return the form to Sgt. Chad Oakleaf at the Willmar Police Department, Law Enforcement Center, or email the completed form to coakleaf@willmarmn.gov

CERT initial training is typically held in the spring and fall of each year and typically sessions from 6 pm to 8:30 pm once a week for 9 weeks.  

Coffee with the Cops

Coffee with the Cops is an opportunity to reach out to the community with no agenda. Each month on a random date the WPD and local businesses sponsor a time to gather with the public for coffee and conversation. Come join us!
If you are a local business and would like to participate, please contact Sergeant Chad Nelson at cnelson@willmarmn.gov or (320) 235-3100 extension 3107.

D.A.R.E.
Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) is taught in all Willmar Elementary Schools. D.A.R.E. is a partnership between the Willmar Police Department, Willmar Public Schools, and the parents of our children. The program's 14-week curriculum empowers children to lead safe and healthy lives by learning how to make wise decisions. Since 1992 D.A.R.E. has been taught in Willmar schools by Willmar Police Officers. For more information about the D.A.R.E. program, please call (320) 235-3100.

National Night Out
National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in August throughout the United States and Canada.  The event is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness and provide an opportunity to promote and celebrate police-community partnerships in crime prevention efforts.

Many neighborhoods throughout Willmar will be hosting a variety of special events to spend time with their neighbors. If you are organizing a neighborhood gathering and would like more information about how the Willmar Police Department can assist at your event, please contact Officer James Venenga at (320) 235-3100, ext. 3218. 

For more information on National Night Out, visit the National Association of Town Watch website.

Polar Bear Plunge
On the last Saturday in January of each year, local law enforcement participates in the “Polar Bear Plunge”.  Willmar/Spicer has been hosting the “plunge” since 2005, which supports Special Olympics Minnesota athletes!

This event is a fundraising program where law enforcement personnel from across the state raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Minnesota.  Participants raising a minimum of $75 can take a dip into one of Minnesota’s clearest frozen lakes. 

Aside from the crazy costumes and camaraderie one might find at this event, it is also a great opportunity for anyone who might find themselves on frozen water to experience the effects of going through the ice, while remaining in a safe and controlled environment.

To sign up or learn more about this fun-filled event, visit the Plunge MN website.

Help us honor and support Minnesota’s Special Olympic athletes by donating to your favorite plunge team or plunger.  We’ll see you there!

Ride-Along Program

The Willmar Police Department encourages citizens to accompany officers on a ride-along.  To be considered for an opportunity to ride with a police officer, a Waiver of Liability form must be completed, a background check passed, and an officer must agree to take the citizen as a rider.  This is a great opportunity for officers and citizens to interact and for the citizens to see police officers perform their duties.

For questions about the ride-along program, please contact Officer Marco Vazquez, at (320) 235-3100 ext. 3231.
Download the Willmar Police Department Waiver of Liability Form and return it to the Police Department.