We will provide fingerprinting services for employment reasons as long as you are a Village of Orwell resident or the requesting business is in the Village of Orwell , at no charge. If you are not a resident and the business is not located in the Village or Orwell, there is a $20.00 charge. Fingerprinting is normally done Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM . We will fingerprint children at no charge. When children are fingerprinted, the fingerprint cards are turned over to the parents.

Do you provide fingerprint cards?

No. Fingerprint cards are supplied by the agency making the request for fingerprints. We do have cards available for children, at no charge.

Q. Sometimes in my neighborhood, I see things that are out of place, or unusual, or people who are "suspicious." I don't really feel comfortable with calling the police. Can you tell me about the procedure. 

A. The Orwell Police Department counts on the thousands of sets of eyes from our citizens to alert us to unusual situations. Anytime someone calls, an officer or dispatcher will take information, and an officer will respond. The Police Department appreciates your calls and we rely on you to assist us by calling whenever you see anything that is suspicious or unusual.

Q. Can I use 911 on my car phone to report drunk drivers?

A. Yes. Calls to 911 on a cellular phone are free. Do not try to pursue a drunk driver or place yourself in any danger. When you call, you will be asked for a description of the car, its location and direction.  

Q. How do I get a copy of a police report?

A. Copies of reports may be obtained by contacting the clerk at the Police Department from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you need further information, contact the clerk at (440)437-1234.

Q. I wish to have my house checked for proper locks, window latches, etc., to make my home burglary safe. Whom do I call?

A. You can call the clerk at the Police Department at (440)437-1234. An officer will contact you to arrange for a check of your home.

Q. When I call 9-1-1, how does the Police Department know where I am?

A. The Ashtabula County 9-1-1 system automatically displays the phone number and address to the dispatcher of any incoming 9-1-1 calls. The dispatcher will then ask information to verify the information on the screen. All 9-1-1 calls on a cellular phone are directly connected the the Ohio State Highway Patrol. If calling from a cellular phone, you would need to advise the Highway Patrol dispatcher of the city where the emergency is occurring so they can connect you with the proper agency. Remember, 9-1-1 is a powerful tool and has already saved many lives, but it is used for emergencies only. All other requests for law enforcement should be made on the department's officer line (440)437-1234, or dispatch number (440)576-0055.

Q. My neighborhood seems like a speed trap, with police officers working radar a lot. Don't they have more important calls to take care of?

A. With the number of children and adults walking and riding bicycles, and entering and exiting private driveways and parking lots, the possibility of traffic crashes are a serious concern. We strive to work a balance between all of our responsibilities, including traffic enforcement. Our aim at using radar is to reduce the speed of the vehicles traveling the roadway, and bring the average speed of cars using the road to a safe level. The average speed of vehicles whose driver's receive speeding citations is 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

Q. How does traffic radar work?

A. Simply speaking, a radar device sends out a signal which bounces off the approaching vehicle and returns to the device which determines the speed of the vehicle and displays it in miles per hour to the operator. The radar units have built in calibrating devices to insure their accuracy. They are tested each day they are used.

Q. What can be done about vehicles speeding down my street?

A. Call the Police Department and explain the problem. Officers will provide extra patrol and radar traffic enforcement.

Q. What can I do to make sure emergency personnel can locate my house if I need help quickly?

A. Before an emergency ever occurs, make sure your address numbers are plainly visible from the street, preferably with reflective numbers. This can save valuable time in an emergency.

Q. I am going on vacation. Will the Police Department check my house until I return?

A. Yes. Prior to going on vacation, notify us by phone at 437-1234, come to the Police Department in person and complete a Security Check Request form, or click here to download the form. We will need the following information to complete the form:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Date of Departure
• Date of Return
• Local emergency contact(s) (name, address, phone)
• Destination emergency contact (name, address, phone)
• Location of night lights
• Deliveries discontinued (mail, paper)?
• Persons authorized on property (name, relationship, vehicles)
• Vehicles left on property

Q. Can an Officer open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

A. Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the Police Department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith or tow company is your best alternative.

Q. I need to get a message to someone who does not have a telephone. Can the Police Department go to the person's home and deliver the message?

A. The Police Department delivers only messages involving an emergency or life or death situations.

Q. I left my spouse and I am living elsewhere, but I need to get my clothing and other items. Can the police help me?

A. The Police Department will send an Officer to keep the peace and prevent violence while you retrieve your belongings. Call the Police Department from a public telephone near where your belongings are, and an Officer will go with you to the house. The Officer only will be able to stand by for 15 minutes while you retrieve personal items essential for your immediate living needs. The Officer cannot help you move items such as furniture, dishes, or stereo. 

Q. My friend or relative is overdue returning home. How can I find out if he was involved a traffic accident?

A. If a person is injured in an accident and unable to call, the police agency handling the accident will notify his family. Traffic crashes in the Village of Orwell are handled by the Orwell Police Department.  Crashes in the unincorporated areas surrounding Orwell are handled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol or Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office. You may call the Police Department, Sheriff's Office or Highway Patrol Post for information (click here for phone numbers).