Marshfield Police Department

Plain Talk

Police Plain Talk articles are points of interest and safety to the community. The weekly Plain Talk article will be posted right here along with the previous 3 articles. Come back weekly to view the newest article.

March 6, 2010
Blocking Sidewalks and Driveways

All city of Marshfield property owners are reminded that it is their responsibility to keep sidewalks next to their properties free of obstructions to allow for free movement of pedestrian traffic. This includes vehicles and other personal property as well as low hanging branches and protruding shrubs and limbs.

Let’s keep our sidewalks safe and hazard free.

Texting Tip Line

The Marshfield Police Department, Wood County Crime Stoppers, and the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth have created the “Texting Tip Line”. The texting tip line gives children and adults the ability to text in tips of possible alcohol, drug, and criminal violations while remaining completely anonymous.

Just dial 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your text message with the key word WCCS.

There is the potential of receiving a reward if the information proves credible and results in a successful investigation or arrest.

February 27, 2010
Personal Safety and Home Security

Below are some basic personal safety and home security tips to keep in mind when at home or traveling.

• Avoid walking alone after dark.
• When walking, wear reflective vests or clothing and remember your “Rules of the Road.”
• When traveling, always tell someone your plans and check in with them periodically.
• If you are going on vacation, you can talk with your neighbors to help keep an eye on things. Leave lights on timers, and if it is an extended time away, have your mail and paper held.
• Never pick up hitchhikers!
• Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times to protect your valuables and help deter criminals from getting your personal information—even if you are leaving your vehicle for a short period of time. Do you have a garage door opener in your car? If you do and do not lock your car, your home is not secure.
• Keep your doors and windows locked at your home or apartment, including your garage service entry, even when you are home.
• If you should find your home or apartment door “entered”—do not go inside as a burglar may still be in the residence. Move to a safe location, call 911, and stay on the line with the dispatcher until the police arrive.
• If you believe someone has entered your home while you are there, leave if at all possible. If you cannot leave, go to a room where you have a phone, lock the door and call 911. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until the police arrive.
• If you are elderly or live alone, Lifeline or LifeAlert are options that should be considered in case you need emergent assistance and are unable to reach a telephone. For more informa-tion about Lifeline or LifeAlert, call 211.

Texting Tip Line

The Marshfield Police Department, Wood County Crime Stoppers, and the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth have created the “Texting Tip Line”. The texting tip line gives children and adults the ability to text in tips of possible alcohol, drug, and criminal violations while remaining completely anonymous.

Just dial 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your text message with the key word WCCS.

There is the potential of receiving a reward if the information proves credible and results in a successful investigation or arrest.

February 20, 2010
Pepper Spray for Civilians

It is legal in the State of Wisconsin to possess pepper spray for self defense. Although it has been found to be successful in many incidents, pepper spray is not 100 percent effective.

The following are some important legal points concerning pepper spray.

• You must be 18 years of age to possess or use pepper spray.
• The product can only be used for self defense.
• It is illegal to use pepper spray in the commission of a crime or against a police officer.
• If used inappropriately, the user could be criminally liable.

If you have any further questions, please call the Marshfield Police Department at 384-3113.

Texting Tip Line

The Marshfield Police Department, Wood County Crime Stoppers, and the Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth have created the “Texting Tip Line”. The texting tip line gives children and adults the ability to text in tips of possible alcohol, drug, and criminal violations while remaining completely anonymous.

Just dial 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your text message with the key word WCCS.

There is the potential of receiving a reward if the information proves credible and results in a successful investigation or arrest.