How do I make a police report?
A Police report can be made by calling the Meceola Central Dispatch Center. For emergency dial 911, the non-emergency telephone number (231)796-4811.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
You must submit a FOIA request to the City of BIg Rapids Police Division by contacting them at (231) 527-0005.
How do I file a Freedom of Information Act Request (FOIA)?
By filling out our FOIA request form located here and submitting it to Big Rapids Department of Pubic Safety.
How do I look up contact information for the officer who took my report?
Most officers can be contacted via voicemail or email. See our personnel page for a list of our officers and their contact information. If you are still unsure of who took your report contact the administrative secretary at (231)527-0005. Please provide your full name, complaint number and date the event occurred.
How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?
Our vendor - Lexis Nexis - provides an online service to purchase your accident report. They charge a separate fee for accessing this information.
Please click here to purchase your accident report.
How do I pay my parking ticket?
You can pay your parking ticket in person, through the mail, or credit cards can be taken over the phone. All credit card transactions have an additional $2.00 convenience fee. If you are inquiring or disputing a ticket you must contact the City of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety at (231)527-0005.
How do I make a complaint about an officer?
If you have a complaint concerning one of our employees, the complaint can be made in two ways. The first way is to come to the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety at 435 N. Michigan Ave Big Rapids, MI. 49307. You'll be directed to speak with the on-duty supervisor and fill out the appropriate form. The second way is to complete, digitally sign, and submit the online complaint form located under our Public Safety forms page. The form will be sent to the administration to be assigned to an investigator for follow up. Click HERE for the digital fill form version of the BRDPS Citizen Complaint Form.
Either way you choose to file your complaint, we believe in having the highest amount of accountability and integrity when interacting with the public and if you believe an officer was acting inappropriately or unlawfully, we want to hear from you directly.
What are some common fees associated with the police division?
- Parking Tickets – Fees vary due to late fees associated with tickets
- Civil Infraction Tickets – Civil infraction tickets, speeding tickets, etc.; can be paid at the Mecosta County Court House at 400 Elm St Big Rapids MI 49307
- FIOA Requests – FIOA request fees vary. Redaction time is also included in the cost and may vary per case.
- Safety City – Safety City is a $20.00 event fee.
- Court Order PBT – $5.00 fee per visit
- Bicycle registration – $1.00 per bicycle
All fees listed on this page are subject to change at the direction of the Chief of Police. Please contact the administrative assistant for any questions associated with common fees.
How do I have the police check my house when I'm away on vacation?
Simply fill out the correct form located in our forms section. Officers will document their checks of your house while you are away.
How do I get my bicycle registered?
The City of Big Rapids does have an ordinance requiring your bicycle to be licensed, this can be done by bring your bicycle to the Department of Public Safety and the fee for the registration is $1.00.
When can I get my court order PBT done?
Court order PBT’s are done at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety upon request. The PBT is a $5.00 per visit fee.
What are some common animal control issues?
We do not respond to a bat in your house. However, we can provide an exterminator reference. We also have city ordinances that explain prohibited animal violations. Some of those violations are: dogs not on leashes, animals at large and barking dogs.
What do I do if I'm bit by a dog or my dog bites another person?
If it is a medical emergency please call 911. We will respond and take a complaint for the dog bite. Our common approach with dog bites is to investigate the complaint and to quarantine the dog for 10 days. This ensures that the dog does not have the rabies virus. This quarantine might take place either at home or at the animal shelter. Most dog bite complaints are forwarded to the Mecosta County Animal Control Officer for follow up.