Public Safety

Policing Policies

The City of Hiawatha and the Hiawatha Police Department strive to provide open and transparent policies, procedures, and programs to our stakeholders. We believe building, and maintaining, trusting relationships between citizens and their local government is paramount. This is an opportunity for the community to learn more about actions planned, and the policies, procedures, and programs already in place that provide dignity and respect for all individuals.

Unbiased Policing

Use of Force

Electronic Control Devices

House Check

Going on vacation and need some extra peace of mind that your home is cared for? We will keep an eye out for you! Many residents fill out the "House Check Form" and request, in addition to normal patrol, that particular attention is given to their home. A few moments of your time to complete the form can ensure that special attention is given to your home in your absence.

House Check Form

Hiawatha Neighborhood Watch

In the Fall of 2008, the Hiawatha Police Department established the Neighborhood Watch program. This program is designed to aid citizens in creating a safer neighborhood environment.

How do you get a new Neighborhood Watch going in your neighborhood? Contact your neighbors and ask them to join you with the common goal to make your neighborhood unattractive to criminals. Then, contact the Police Department to schedule a meeting with the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator or you may email us at neighborhoodwatch@hiawathapolice.com.

An officer will attend your neighborhood meeting and provide suggestions for a successful program. With a minimum time commitment, you and your neighbors can help ensure a safe neighborhood.

Neighborhood Watch signs will be placed in your neighborhood to identify it. Watchful eyes are the best defense against crime in your neighborhood.

Call the Hiawatha Police Department today at 319-393-1212 to request more information on how you can start a Neighborhood Watch in your area and help keep your neighborhood crime free.

Halloween Trick or Treat Safety

You can enjoy Halloween activities that are both safe and fun. Keep a few simple safety tips in mind and the fun will follow naturally! We encourage you to go out in a group, be familiar with the area you are trick or treating in, have a rally point should anyone become separated from the group, and carry flashlights and charged cellular phones. For costumes we recommend brightly colored or even glow in the dark costumes, costumes that incorporate lights, those that do not obstruct vision, and costumes that aren't likely to cause a trip. If pedestrians watch out for traffic and traffic watches out for pedestrians we can all have a fun and safe celebration! As always, contact your local law enforcement with anything that seems suspicious.

Both adults and children should be safety conscious when celebrating Halloween this season. Remember these Halloween safety tips:

Motorists

Watch for children darting out from between parked cars.
Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs.
Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing.

Parents

Make sure that an adult or an older responsible youth will be supervising the outing for children under age 12.
Plan and discuss the route trick-or-treaters intend to follow. Know the names of older children's companions.
Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas and along an established route.
Teach your children to stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger's home.
Establish a return time.
Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they return home.
Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
Pin a slip of paper with the child's name, address and phone number inside a pocket in case the youngster gets separated from the group.

Costume Design

Costumes should be loose so warm clothes can be worn underneath.
Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard. (Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injuries on Halloween.)
If children are allowed out after dark, outfits should be made with light colored materials. Strips of reflective tape should be used to make children visible.
Masks can obstruct a child's vision. Use facial make-up instead.
If masks are worn, they should have nose and mouth openings and large eye holes.
Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or trimmed with reflective tape.
Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly.

Remember - Hiawatha does not designate a night for trick or treating.