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1. Where is the Portage Police Division?

The Portage Department of Public Safety - Police Division is located at:
7810 Shaver Road
Portage, MI  49002  

2. Where do I visit/communicate with someone the police have arrested?

The Police Division does not operate a holding facility. All arrested persons are transported to the Kalamazoo County Jail located at:
1500 Lamont Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Once the person has been transported to the Kalamazoo County Jail, visitation is allowed. The phone number for the Kalamazoo County Jail is 269-385-6173.

3. How can I start a Neighborhood Watch in my neighborhood?

If you live in Portage, contact the Community Policing Officer at 269-324-9255.

4. How can I get my fingerprints taken?

Fingerprints can be taken at the Department of Public Safety - Police Division at:
7810 Shaver Road
Portage, MI 49002

5. When I call the police for service, what information should I have ready to give them?

The information needed will vary based on what is being reported. The following is a list of questions that could be asked when you call for police service. Not all questions will be applicable to every call. The communications operator is going to want to know:

1. What is occurring or has occurred?
2. The location of the occurrence?
3. Your location if different from occurrence.
4. Your name and phone number. (Anonymous calls are accepted and responded to.)
5. The time of the occurrence.
6. Are there any injuries?
7. Is anyone intoxicated?
8. Are there weapons involved?
9. How many people involved?
10. What is the description of the people involved (gender, race, hair color, eye color, height, weight, scars, tattoos, clothing, etc.)?
11. What is the description of the vehicles involved (tag, color, make, model, year)?
12. What was the direction of travel for anyone leaving the scene on foot or in a vehicle?
13. Are there any witnesses?
14. Are there any animals at the house? Inside or outside?
15. Is the location fenced? Are there any clotheslines or pools?
16. Has anyone been outside?

Questions 14-16 are necessary for the safety of approaching officers. Also, if police K-9s are used, this information will assist in effectively deploying the dogs.

6. What should I do if a police officer stops me while I am driving?

You should decrease your speed gradually, use your signal to indicate which way you intend to pull over (pull to the right if at all possible) and come to a complete stop. If you are pulled over at night, try to stop in a well-lit area. Turn on your dome light and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Do not begin collecting your documents before you are requested to do so.

Do not exit your vehicle unless you are requested to do so. Stay calm and provide the information requested by the officer relative to your driver’s license, registration and insurance card. Please do not reach under the seat, into the glove box, etc. without telling the officer what you are doing. Remember, the officer does not know what your intentions are.

7. Can I report a crime without having a police officer come to my home/business?

Yes, there are several alternatives. Make a report via telephone through the “teleserve” unit  by calling 269-329-4558. Submit a report.

If there is a possibility that physical evidence exists, it may be necessary to have an officer come to you.