About
Public Safety Department
We are committed to maintaining the safety and quality of life of this community, through the delivery of superior police, fire, and EMS services without prejudice or partiality. We strive to offer the best services as a combined Police and Fire Agency known as PUBLIC SAFETY while maintaining community involvement, protection, and service to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
The Public Safety Department is Berkley's emergency first responder for police and fire service, including dispatch and animal control. Our staff is actively engaged in maintaining Berkley's status as one of the best and safest cities in Michigan. Achieving this goal requires coordination and support from residents as well as the department's staff.
Matt
Koehn
Public Safety Director/Chief
Chief Koehn is committed to the Mission Statement of the Department: “The Berkley Department of Public Safety delivers exemplary police, fire, and EMS services with respect and impartiality. We form deep connections with the community to improve the security and quality of life for all. ensuring the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.” And the Core Values of the Department “Protection of Life, Protection of Freedom, Protection of Rights, Commitment to the Community, Integrity, and Transparency.”
He brings his extensive experience, training, and knowledge while leading the professional men and women of the Berkley Department of Public Safety.
Berkley
Public Safety
Our one of a kind Public Safety Department!
Berkley Public Safety began as a separate Police and Fire department in 1924. For 60 years Berkley continued to grow and expand and in 1984, the Police and Fire merged so that all officers were crossed trained in both fields becoming “PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS”. Don’t let the Police car fool you, because inside is a highly trained Police Officer, Fire Fighter and Medical First Responder.
Public Safety Officers or “PSO’s” work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide excellent Police and Fire coverage for our community.
Berkley Public Safety is dedicated to proactive Law Enforcement, trained and prepared for Fire Service as well as Community Involvement in all we do.
Public Safety FAQs
You can speak with an officer in person, request one to your home by contacting Dispatch, or you may walk in anytime. Reports are not taken in every case, but maybe depending on the cause of complaint. Crime Reports and Accidents are the most common.
If someone is in custody, you can contact Dispatch at 248-658-3380 to find out the Bond Amount. We cannot tell you the charges, only the amount required to post a bond. The arrested person will be given a receipt and court date to show up for.
It all starts with the report. Contact Berkley PD to start a report, and make sure you give complete information of the suspect, what happened, including the date/time, location and any witnesses or evidence you have. We can also provide you with information or click here to be connected to the Oakland County Crime Victim Division.
Any vehicle that was impounded would be taken to A&M Towing in Royal Oak. All vehicles impounded need to receive a release from Berkley Public Safety Department first, prior to release. The vehicle will ONLY be released to the REGISTERED OWNER of the vehicle. There is a $25 Fee (cash) to Berkley Police, and then you will be given a receipt to go retrieve the vehicle. A&M Impound also has a fee for the towing and storage which must be paid to them. Click here for information for A&M Towing and their Location. If the owner is unable to retrieve the vehicle, we can release to another party with a notarized letter indicating who it is to be released to and signed / dated.
We do offer Ride-a-longs, but these are primarily reserved for students at High School or College level currently enrolled in a Criminal Justice Program. Exceptions to this must be approved through the Patrol Lieutenant and / or Director of Public Safety. All ride-a-longs must be safety checked, passed background check and complete a hold harmless waiver. This is a real job that faces real consequences, privacy and security measures to ensure the safety of all that visit or reside in Berkley.
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