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1. How do I initiate a complaint against police department personnel?

A complaint may be initiated in person, by telephone, by letter or online using the Citizen Complaint Form. Complaints can be filed 24 hours a day with a police supervisor. During regular business hours, other administrative personnel are also available to take a complaint.

If the complaint is against the Deputy Chief, Captain, Support Services Manager, Detective Lieutenant, Lieutenant or the Communications Coordinator the complaint should be filed with the Chief of Police. It the complaint is against the Chief of Police the complaint should be filed with the Whitewater Police and Fire Commission.

2. If I am under 18 years old, do I have the right to file a complaint?

Yes, just have a parent or legal guardian present with you.

3. Must I give my name to file a complaint?

No, however, anonymous complaints can be difficult to investigate and thus the conclusion might not be what you expected. Also, if the investigation results in criminal action against the employee, you may be needed for successful prosecution.

4. Will the employee know that I have made a complaint?

Yes, the employee will eventually be advised of the allegation made against him/her and, if the complainant has identified himself/herself, the identity of the person making the allegation will be provided to the employee.

5. Should I be concerned about possible retaliation for making a complaint?

Absolutely not! It is essential that public confidence be maintained so that we may properly investigate and adjudicate complaints.

6. What will happen to the employee?

If the investigation shows misconduct, the employee will be disciplined according to the seriousness of the rules violation. Disciplinary actions range from oral reprimand to suspension or in extreme cases, termination. If the allegation is criminal in nature, the case will be presented for prosecution. Other appropriate remedies include policy change and retraining.

7. How long will the investigation take?

Minor complaints are often handled immediately. The investigation of serious charges may take up to thirty days unless circumstances necessitate additional time.

8. Will I be notified of the results of the investigation?

Yes, once the investigation has been completed, you will be informed of the results if you have identified yourself when making the complaint.

9. What if I am not satisfied with the results of the investigation?

You may contact the Whitewater Police and Fire Commission, or in the case of possible criminal violations, you may contact the District Attorney.

10. What if I make false accusations?

Malicious and deliberate false accusations are occasionally made against the agency or its personnel. It is important to note that making a false statement which you know to be untrue may subject you to criminal charges and or a civil lawsuit by the agency or its employee.

11. Do you need help or further information about complaint filing?

If you have any questions or would like further information or assistance in filing a complaint, contact the Whitewater Police in person, by telephone at 262-473-0555, or by emailing the Police Department.

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1. Does the Police Department conduct ride-alongs?

Citizens having a legitimate interest in observing police patrol operations may request to ride-along with an officer of the Whitewater Police Department. Citizens may make such requests by calling the Police Department at 262-473-0555.

2. Is there a curfew in Whitewater?

Please refer to Municipal Code Chapter 7.62 on minors - curfew and loitering for information about curfews.

3. How can I report crimes to the Police Department?

Call 911 for all emergencies. Crimes can be reported to the police department 24/7 in person or by calling our communications center at 262-473-0555. Information can also be reported to Walworth County Crime Stoppers at 262-723-2677 or 800-242-7463.

4. Can I have a block party in Whitewater?

No. Block parties are prohibited.

5. What are the animal control rules in the City of Whitewater?

You must have your dog under voice command or on a leash. If your animal is at large it will be impounded by the Walworth County Human Society. There is a $30 fee that must be paid to the City Treasurer before your animal is released.

Animals which habitually bark or cry are prohibited. Please review Municipal Ordinance Chapter 9.08 Animal Controls for further information regarding your responsibilities as a pet owner. Citations can be issued for noncompliance of these ordinances.

6. How many false alarms are allowed?

An individual business or residence is allowed 3 false alarm calls per year. The property or business owner may be billed $100 for each alarm thereafter.

7. What should I know if I'm a new resident of Whitewater?

View a concise guide to moving into a residential neighborhood (PDF) and some tips on partying smart, safe and sober (PDF) to find the information you need.

8. What does the Police Department do about complaints from citizens?

The Department promptly investigates allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing by department members and to take appropriate action as to discipline, policy change, or exoneration. A complaint means that someone is dissatisfied with our performance.

If we are doing something wrong, the complaint will help the department recognize and correct deficiencies in our service to the community. It is the intent of the Police Department to provide its residents with only the highest quality law enforcement service. Access the online citizen complaint form to submit a complaint.

9. Where can I find information for crime victims?

Being the victim of a crime is a very disturbing experience. The victim information guide (PDF) has been designed to describe some of the rights crime victims have in Wisconsin. It may help you in obtaining present and future services.

10. How can I submit a commendation for a Police Department employee?

When you want to say thank you for a job well done by a police officer or other employee of the department, you can visit or call the Whitewater Police Department during regular business hours and ask to speak to a supervisor, or write a letter addressed to:
Whitewater Police Department
Attention: Employee Commendation
312 W Whitewater Street
Whitewater, WI 53190

You may also email the department. When saying thanks, please try to remember the name of the employee, and the circumstances of how you were helped. The incident will be reviewed and the police officer or employee could receive an award or letter of commendation.

11. Is fingerprinting available to citizens?

Private fingerprinting is available through your local Sheriff's Department or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Police Department.

12. Where can I view found property?

To view found property come to the Whitewater Police Department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be prepared to present either written documentation or give a verbal confirmation of ownership.

13. Can I fundraise on the sidewalk?

For information on sidewalk fundraising, please refer to Municipal Code 5.28.035 Outdoor Food Sales.

14. What are the rules regarding skateboards in Whitewater?

For rules regarding skateboards, please refer to Municipal Code 11.48.115 Skate Boards and Skating.

15. Can I get a Police Department uniform patch?

As a result of security issues and budgetary concerns, the Whitewater Police Department maintains the following policy regarding requests for official Whitewater Police Department uniform patches:

• We will not honor any patch request from outside the continental United States.
• Any request from with in the continental United States must originate from another law enforcement agency and must be submitted on agency letterhead. Our patch can be displayed for agency use only, not for individual patch collections.

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1. Are licenses required for pets?

Dog licenses are required and valid for one calendar year. Dogs must wear licenses and rabies tags. A current rabies certificate is required to purchase an animal license.

Although cats are not required to be licensed, they must have a current rabies tag. Licenses are available for purchase at the Finance Department of the Municipal Building.

2. Are licenses required for bikes?

Required by the City, licenses can be obtained at the Police Department. The non-expiring license fee is $3.

3. Do I need a permit for fireworks in city limits?

Sale, use and possession of fireworks is prohibited without a permit. Please refer to the Municipal Code Chapter 5.08 Fireworks for more information.

4. Is a permit required for a recreational fire?

No permit is required however, there are regulations for these fires. View Municipal Code Chapter 8.32 Open Burning for more information. View the Whitewater Burning Permit Application Form.

5. How do I renew my vehicle registration?

The Whitewater Police Department is processing Wisconsin Department of Transportation vehicle renewals at the Police Department lobby. The hours of service are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and there is a fee of $10 per registration. You may contact us by phone at 262-473-0555 or by emailing the Police Department with questions regarding vehicle renewals.

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1. Where is parking prohibited?

Parking is prohibited on most Whitewater streets between 2 to 5 a.m. Winter parking restrictions begin on November 1st and end on March 31st (parking is prohibited on all city streets from 2 to 6 a.m.). On-street parking is prohibited when snowplowing or snow removal operations are in progress.

Parking is also restricted within 4 feet of a driveway and 10 feet from a fire hydrant. There is also no parking within 15 feet of the near limits of a cross walk and anywhere else where restricted by signage. Other than on a paved parking lot or driveway, parking is prohibited on front and side lawns. Uncovered storage of unlicensed, junk, and/or unregistered vehicles is prohibited in all residential neighborhoods.

2. What do I do if I get a parking ticket?

Parking tickets may be contested by contacting the Whitewater Police Department within 7 days of issuance for a Municipal Court appearance. If a court appearance is not requested the ticket must be paid within 7 days. Payments can be made by putting the payment and ticket number in an envelope and placing it in the payment drop boxes in the vestibules of the Whitewater Municipal Building, via the U.S. Postal Service (do not send cash), by calling 262-473-0555 with credit card information or electronically by using the Payment Services Network.

If you experience technical difficulties please call Payment Services Network support at 1-877-885-7968. Payment Services Network now has a mobile app for android and i-phone. Visit the Google play store or i-Tunes to download the free mobile app. Search for "PSN Payments".

3. What is the fee schedule for parking tickets?

For parking violations 1 to 11:

• Paid within 7 days forfeiture amount will be $20
• Paid after 7 days forfeiture amount will be $30
• Paid after 30 days forfeiture amount will be $40

Parking Violation 12 or more:

• Paid within 7 days forfeiture amount will be $80
• Paid after 7 days forfeiture amount will be $120
• Paid after 30 days forfeiture amount will be $160

Failure to pay after 60 days will result in an increase to $45 or $165 and the suspension of your vehicle registration, along with your name being added to the Wisconsin Tax Refund Intercept Program.

4. Where can I park during the winter?

The following winter parking rules have been established under Municipal Code 11.16.020:

• No winter time parking between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m.
  • It is unlawful for the operator or owner of any vehicle to park the vehicle on any street in the city between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. on any day from November 1st of each year to March 31st of each year, except as hereinafter provided
    • Physicians and surgeons shall be permitted to park vehicles at any time when the physician is on emergency call
    • Parking shall be permitted in the metered downtown parking area after 5 a.m. of such period
    • By special advance arrangement with the Whitewater Police Department
  • Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be subject to the penalties and provisions set forth at Sections 11.56.010(4) and 11.56.010(5) of this title. (Ordinance 1362 §1(part)

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1. What should I do if I'm involved in an accident?

If involved in a traffic accident in the City, contact the Whitewater Police Department and an officer will be assigned to respond to the accident and determine the level of investigation necessary.

2. How can I obtain an accident report, incident report, or background check?

The person requesting a police accident report, incident report or background check must fill out a request form (PDF). It may take up to 10 business days for the copies of reports to became available. A fee may be charged for a faxed copy or copy of an accident report, incident report or record check.

Reports can be emailed to the Police at no cost. Please call 262-473-0555 and ask for the records department. Hours for the Police Inner Lobby and Records Department are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The offices are closed on holidays.