Police Department

Established in 1964, the Russell Police Department's mission is to protect people and property; promote safety and prevention programs; maintain peace and order. It is our commitment to enforce laws firmly, yet with compassion while affording dignity and respect to every individual.

The Russell Police Department provides service 24 hours a day. Administrative services, including copies of reports or forms, are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

 

Police Chief Tom Swaidner

14820 Chillicothe Road

Novelty, Ohio 44072

 

Police Station Office Phone Number:  440-338-6212

Non-Emergency Phone Number:  440-338-6212

Emergency Phone Number:  440-338-1212

Life Threatening Emergency Phone Number:  9-1-1

 

 

 

Make It to the Table This Thanksgiving: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving: This Thanksgiving holiday, the Russell Township Police Department want to make sure you make it to the Thanksgiving table. With the Thanksgiving holiday kicking off a very merry time of year, it's essential to take some time to remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Click here for information on this campaign to protect lives in our community.

2021 CLICK IT OR TICKET: This Thanksgiving holiday, from November 24th to November 29th, the Russell Township Police Department is working to reduce the number of fatalities that occur when vehicle passengers fail to buckle up. If the law enforcement officers spot you, they will pull you over and issue a ticket. For more info click here.

The ABC's of BAC: A Guide to Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration and Alcohol Impairment ... click here for more

9-1-1:  When calling 9-1-1, in addition to explaining your emergency, give your telephone number and address and stay on the line if possible. IMPORTANT: Call 9-1-1 before you call your doctor, relatives or friends.

Station Lobby Telephone: This telephone connects you directly to the Dispatch Radio Center at the Geauga County Sheriff's Department. 

Station Safe Room:  The Safe Room, which is connected to the lobby of the station, has been specifically designed to provide a locked area for anyone seeking refuge or fleeing from a threatening situation.  The door of the Safe Room is typically kept open. The door will automatically lock behind anyone that closes it and a phone is mounted on the wall for calls to dispatch. The walls are bullet resistant and the hinge on the door to the Safe Room will not break if anyone attempts to kick down the door. Once anyone closes the door to the Safe Room, they are able to safely wait for Officers.

Resident Emergency Contact File

Residents may contact the Russell Police Department to request an Emergency Contact File. In the event that a resident has an emergency situation, Officers will refer to the Emergency Contact File to reach a designated family member or friend. This confidential file will be kept at the Russell Police Department.  To list your personal contact information, please contact the Police Department at 440-338-6212, on Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 4:00pm and speak to the Clerk.

Rx Drug Drop Box:  The Russell Police Department maintains a secure Rx Drug Drop Off box for disposal of unwanted medication and unused prescription drugs. There are no forms to fill out or information to provide to use the drop off box. The box is in the lobby of the police station, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  No liquid medications and syringes are to be dropped off in the drop-off box.  Before dropping off unwanted medication, all personal information on the label should be blacked out. Medications should be in the original container.  Medication will be processed properly with the proper chain of custody and court ordered destruction.

Residential Property Watch:  When you are planning to be out of town or away from your home for a period of time, you may request a Property Watch. When requesting a Property Watch, you will be asked for emergency contact information for yourself, or a designated person, should the need arise to contact you or another responsible party.  To arrange for a property watch, please call 440-338-1212 during the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Are You Okay?:  The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office offers a service to check on senior citizens by providing a daily phone call to their residence. In order to enroll, residents will be asked to provide emergency contact names and other pertinent information that will be kept on file. Once enrolled, the resident will receive a phone call each morning, at an appointed time, to check on the resident. If no one answers the phone, the designated emergency contact person, or the Police Department, will be contacted to make sure everything is all right.  To enroll in the “Are You Okay?” program, please contact the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office at 440-279-2009.

Operation Child Safe – Gun Lock Program:  Free gun locks are available to residents. Residents may stop at the Police Department to pick up a gun lock, or call 440-338-6212.

Crime Tip Hotline:  Residents are encouraged to call the Crime Tip Hotline with any information pertaining to a crime. To reach the Crime Tip Hotline, residents may call 440-338-6212 and request extension 235.