The Oscoda Police Department provides 24-hour law enforcement, crime prevention, and emergency response across a 163-square-mile coverage area encompassing both Oscoda and AuSable Townships in Iosco County, Michigan. Headquartered at 110 State Street alongside the township offices, the agency operates with a specialized team led by Chief of Police Erik McNichol. If you're looking for accurate contact details, service boundaries, or administrative hours, this guide breaks down everything you need to know without the fluff.
Jurisdiction and Coverage Area
Unlike municipal departments limited to city limits, the Oscoda Township Police Department patrols a broad territory.
- Primary Service Zone: 163 square miles covering both Oscoda Township and AuSable Township.
- County Integration: Operates alongside the Iosco County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police.
- Dispatch Routing: All emergency calls within the coverage zone route through Iosco County Central Dispatch.
Understanding who patrols your specific street helps you direct inquiries correctly. If you live within Oscoda or AuSable Township, local officers handle standard calls, traffic enforcement, and neighborhood complaints. For incidents outside township borders, county deputies or state troopers take primary jurisdiction.
Department Leadership and Staffing Structure
Operating out of the municipal building on State Street, the agency balances administrative efficiency with field readiness.
- Chief of Police: Erik McNichol oversees departmental policies, community relations, and daily operations.
- Supervisory Staff: Three sergeants manage patrol shifts and oversee frontline response.
- Patrol Force: Eight full-time patrol officers handle calls for service, accident investigation, and proactive patrols.
- Support Staff: Administrative secretary Gina Walker and clerical assistant Patricia Hulverson manage records, public window inquiries, and department paperwork.
Officers utilize modern cruiser technology, including in-car video cameras and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), to verify warrants and access records safely during routine traffic stops.
Essential Contact Information and Hours
When you need to reach local law enforcement for non-urgent matters, knowing the correct direct phone number saves time. Don't call 911 for administrative questions, records requests, or parking complaints.
- Emergency: Call 911 immediately for crimes in progress, severe accidents, or medical emergencies.
- Non-Emergency Line: Call 989-739-9113 for general inquiries, filing minor incident reports, or speaking with administrative staff.
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Physical Address: 110 State St, Oscoda, MI 48750.
- Official Website: Visit the Oscoda Township Police Department portal for downloadable forms and local notices.
Core Services and Public Resources
The agency provides several vital administrative and community-facing services from its State Street office during weekday business hours.
Report Requests and Records
If you're involved in a traffic accident within Oscoda or AuSable Township, you can request a copy of the police report through the administrative office. Processing times vary depending on whether the investigation is active. You can also submit formal Freedom of Information Act requests through the Oscoda Township Clerk's Office for qualifying public safety documents.
Traffic Enforcement and Safety
Patrol units focus heavily on high-visibility traffic safety along major local corridors like US-23. Officers enforce speed limits, monitor school zones, and manage seasonal traffic spikes driven by tourism along the Au Sable River and Lake Huron shoreline.
Community Policing Initiatives
The department emphasizes local engagement through regular contact with business owners and school officials. Officers participate in local events, provide seasonal safety tips, and coordinate closely with the Oscoda Township Fire Department when joint emergency response is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a non-emergency crime or suspicious activity?
Call the non-emergency line at 989-739-9113. If officers are out on patrol, leave a detailed message with dispatch or the administrative desk, and an officer will return your call. For active crimes, always dial 911.
Can I file a police report online?
The department primarily handles reports in person at 110 State Street or via dispatched officers. Call the non-emergency number first to find out if your specific situation requires an in-person visit or an officer dispatch.
Who handles animal control issues in Oscoda Township?
While local police assist with dangerous animal emergencies or bite investigations, routine stray animal complaints are typically coordinated through local animal control or county resources. Contact the non-emergency line to verify current protocol.
Where do I pay parking or local ordinance tickets?
Fines and ordinance violations issued by local officers are typically settled through the township administrative structure or designated local court systems depending on the violation type. Check the instructions printed on the back of your citation or contact the township hall for payment guidance.
