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Michael Fadden, Chief of Police
Frequently Asked Questions
On this page:
* If I lock my keys in my car, will the police open my car?
* Can I make a report over the phone?
* What steps do I follow to have a Block Party?
* Abandoned junk car on my property?
* Why did it take so long for the police to come...?
* I have left my spouse...and need to get my belongings?
* Is hunting allowed in Morse?
* Report that someone is missing?
If I lock my keys in my car, will the police open my car?
Police officers will only attempt to unlock a vehicle if there is an
immediate danger, such as a child or animal locked inside. The more
technologically advanced cars become, the more difficult it becomes
to unlock them. Vehicles with electric locks are more likely to be
damaged with "slim jims." Police officers have also been killed from
a vehicle's side air bag deploying while attempting to unlock it. The
best bet is to contact a locksmith immediately. Most auto clubs and
insurance companies cover lockout expenses. Check with your
insurance agent.
Can I make a report over the phone?
The Morse Police Department does not take reports over the phone.
You may either come to the Saunders Station at 1300 West Foster, or
the Antioch Station at 2600 East Antioch, to file the report; or a police
officer will contact you within the Morse city limits. The Police Department
only takes reports on crimes that occur within the City of Morse. If an
offense occurs outside the Morse city limits, you will have to file a report
with the agency where the offense occurred. (If your car was broken into
while visiting someone in Axenel, you would contact the Axenel Police
Department to make a report.)
What steps do I follow to have a Block Party?
Have all residents of streets that will be affected by the closing, sign the
Block Party Request Form (pdf) indicating that they agree with the street
being closed. Barricades must be furnished by the residents and must
be equipped with flashers if used after dusk. The barricades should be
placed at each entrance to the area. These must be of a type that can be
easily moved, should it become necessary for emergency vehicles to
enter the area. Return the request to the Morse Police Department no
later than two weeks before the block party date. A letter will be sent to
the requesting party confirming approval of the event.
If someone has abandoned a junk car on my property,
will the police tow it away?
The Morse Police Department does not tow vehicles off private property
unless the car is stolen or is evidence of a crime. Any towing company
will tow a vehicle off your property at the owner's expense. Please
contact the Police Department first if you feel the vehicle may be stolen,
or appears suspicious.
Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called?
All calls for police officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring
a police officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less
precedence than crimes in progress. Due to high call loads during
certain times of the week and day, you may have to wait awhile until a
police officer is available to take your call.
Can the police help me if I have left my spouse and am
living elsewhere and need to get my belongings?
Police officers will conduct a "civil stand-by." Two police officers will
accompany you while you are at the residence to keep the peace. The
police officers cannot get into matters dealing with what property belongs
to whom. These issues are civil matters that have to be handled in the
Civil Division of the Wenonga County Court. Morse police officers can
stand-by for a short period of time, while a person gets the basics such
as clothes, toiletries, etc. Police officers cannot stand-by while a person
completely moves out of their residence.
Is Hunting allowed in Morse?
No, hunting is prohibited in Morse. However, the Municipal Code does
allow target or practice shooting on agriculturally zoned property of at
least 20 acres if the target shooting occurs at a reasonable time, at least
500 feet from any building, with a backstop, and limited to shotguns,
pistols, air guns, or bows and arrows with bludgeoned tips.
How long do I have to wait to report that someone is missing?
There is no specific waiting period for reporting a missing or overdue
person. It is difficult to recommend a time period because each case is
different. One suggestion would be to call different locations the person
might be, including friends, family, employer, and common hangouts.
Find out when the person was last seen and by whom. Ask if the
missing person said they might stop off somewhere on the way
home. Find out if they mentioned having car trouble. Once these efforts
have been exhausted, please contact the Police Department.
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