Police

The mission of the Defiance Police Department is to maintain public trust by providing Quality Services in Partnership with our Community.

The Defiance Police Department is comprised of officers who strive to maintain a high degree of professionalism and service to the community on a daily basis. We pride ourselves in working closely with the community by keeping communication open. Our doors are always open and we are here to help so stop in anytime. Our goal is to maintain our small town atmosphere and keep Defiance a great place to live.

Police Department Staff Photo

Core Values

We will proudly remain focused on our community's needs and committed to excellence by demonstration of the following core values:

  • Integrity: We hold ourselves accountable to the highest level of honesty and ethical conduct at all times.
  • Dedication: We will serve our community through diligent enforcement of the law to promote safety and welfare of our citizens.
  • Professionalism: We hold ourselves to the highest standards through development of highly trained, knowledgeable and motivated employees.
  • Citizen/Police Partnership: We will foster teamwork with our community through relationships designed to promote education, communication, and cooperation between the citizens and members of our department.

Composed by members of the Defiance Police Department, 2002.

Dial 911 For Emergencies Only!

Emergencies are:

  • Serious medical problems (i.e. chest pain, seizures, bleeding)
  • Any type of fire
  • Life threatening situations
  • Any crimes in progress

All other situations are considered a non-emergency. Dial the agency's listed telephone number (419-784-5050) for non-emergencies. Non-emergency incidents include those not in progress; break-ins to vehicles, property theft or vandalism. The non-emergency number should also be used for non-injury auto accidents.

Do Not Program 911 Into Your Speed Dial

Programming the number invites accidental dialing. This needlessly burdens the dispatchers with non-emergency calls.

If 911 Is Dialed in Error, Do Not Hang up!

Stay on the telephone and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed in error and there is no emergency. This allows the dispatcher and officers to downgrade the call priority. Expect an officer to respond to verify that there is no problem. Please meet them at the door or wherever you made the call from, to answer any questions they will have.

In Case of an Emergency, Be Brief & Specific

"I'm reporting a car fire" or "I'm reporting a shoplifter" are examples of brief and specific explanations. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until you are instructed to hang up. The dispatcher may keep you on the line until emergency personnel arrives to obtain further information or ask additional questions.

Let the Dispatcher Ask Questions

Dispatchers have been trained to ask pertinent questions that will prioritize the incident, locate the area, and send out the appropriate assistance. If you are in a position that does not allow you to explain the situation with full answers (suspect is nearby), stay on the phone and the dispatcher will ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no. If the situation requires you to leave the phone, put it down but do not disconnect the call.