Police Department

We believe in the equitable, fair and impartial application of laws and ordinances without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, gender identification or station in life, and in treating all individuals with acceptance, compassion and the dignity we would expect if found in similar circumstances.

The Decorah Police Department is a talented and committed team who take pride in the service they provide to the community’s residents and visitors. We believe in a balance between service, enforcement, education and community involvement. We invite you to learn about us and to contact us.

There has been a lot of discussion as of recent in reference to the upcoming Halloween/Trick-or-Treating. As of right now, we are going to leave it in the hands of each individual. If you wish to go out Trick-or-Treating, feel free to do so. If you feel uncomfortable and do not wish to do so this year, that is your decision to make. If you feel like handing out treats, please feel free to do so. On the other hand, if you do not wish to have trick-or-treaters at your house, please make sure that your porch light is off. We do ask that if you do decide to go out and Trick-or-Treat, that you respect homeowners that do not wish to participate this year. If the porch light to a residence is off, please do not approach that residence.

Decorah Trick-or-Treat hours will be from 5 pm until 8 pm.

We would like to mention this year, that if you feel that going out Trick-or-Treating, or handing out candy, is not something that you want to participate in, there are plenty of alternatives. For instance; pick up some candy/treats (or bake them) and watch a scary movie.

City of Decorah COVID Response

The City of Decorah is taking all steps necessary to ensure the continuation of public services during this time of potential health concern.

The City is working in cooperation with and following the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Winneshiek County Public Health in taking all necessary steps to provide for public safety and the continuation of essential, critical City services.

Staff shall follow specific procedures to help limit the exposure or spread of COVID19 within their respective departments and the City overall.

The public is encouraged to be proactive about following Public Health guidelines regarding social distancing, quarantine, and healthy hygiene habits for the good of the entire community. Anyone able to support local businesses through the purchase of gift certificates or other appropriate measures that meet Public Health guidelines is encouraged to do so.

The City will continue to update the public with changes as they occur. Public information releases will be accomplished by press releases to radio, newspaper and other public forums, city website www.decorahia.org and city social media venues.

Direct questions regarding City response to:

Chad Bird, City Manager citymanager@decorahia.org 563-387-7628 (C)
Wanda Hemesath, City Clerk, Tr. Hemesath@decorahia.org. 563-379-1362 (C)
563-382-3651 City Clerk’s Office

The Iowa Department of Public Health is the lead agency for the dissemination of information related to the Coronavirus (COVID19). Winneshiek County Public Health is your local, central point of contact for local efforts.

Iowa Department of Public Health – www.idph.iowa.gov or call IDPH at 2-1-1
Winneshiek County Public Health – www.winneshiekhealth.org 563-382-4662

Please refer to these agencies for specific information and direction regarding COVID19.

This is an official city press release. Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author. Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication

In an effort to continue our public safety partnership with citizens and businesses, the Decorah Police Department is offering a security camera registration program. The Decorah Camera Registry Program allows residents and business owners to voluntarily register the locations of their video surveillance systems with the Decorah Police Department. When a crime occurs, police will be able to identify the locations of nearby video cameras to obtain potential video surveillance. If necessary, police would ask Decorah Camera Registry Program participants to check their private video surveillance systems for a specific date and time for video that may show activity involved with a crime, and, if they so choose, participants can voluntarily provide copies of video footage to police for investigative purposes.

Camera Registration Program