Cornell Police Department Frequently Asked Questions:


Q: When I call the Cornell Police Department, the call just goes to Voice mail.  How do I speak to an Officer?
A: 715-239-3707 is a NON-EMERGENCY phone number.  When you call the Cornell Police Department at (715) 239-3707, your call may be answered by Dispatch, by an Officer, by the Police Secretary, or by Voice mail.  If voice mail answers, you may leave a message in the general mailbox for any non-emergency situation.  Your call will be returned when an Officer is available.  Keep in mind that if you leave a voice mail, it may be several hours before your call is returned, as it will not be placed on "high-priority."

If you have a situation that needs quick Law Enforcement attention, you should call Dispatch at 715-726-7701 and an Officer or a Deputy will be sent to respond as Officers are available.  If you have an Emergency - Call 911. It is not recommended that you "Drive Around" and look for an Officer on Duty.  This wastes valuable time in which an Officer could already be investigating the information.


Q: I went to the Police Department, but there isn't anyone there.  What do I do?

A: There may not be a Cornell Officer on-duty at that particular time, or the Officer may be on Patrol.  Please keep in mind that the City of Cornell does not have complete 24 hour Police coverage.  This is an issue that would need to be discussed with the City Council.  See Above.

Q: Sometimes in my neighborhood, I see things that are out of place or unusual, or people who look suspicious.  I don't really feel comfortable with calling the Police Department. What should I do?

A: The Cornell Police Department counts on everyone to alert it to unusual situations. We will respond to every call for service, although less urgent calls usually take longer to respond to. IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY. For non-emergencies, please call 715-239-3707.

Q:  I received a citation (Speeding or Traffic ticket, Parking ticket, other).  Where do I pay the fine? 
A: For any citation issued by a Cornell Officer, you may pay the fine by the due date at the Cornell City Office; 222 Main Street; Cornell, WI  54732.

Q: I had a bad experience with an officer. What should I do? (OR), I need to speak with the Police, but I don't want Officer--------to handle my complaint.  What can I do?

A: First, try to step back from emotion and look at the situation objectively. Are you angry because you did not like the answers you received from a specific Officer? Did the officer explain things in a way that was confusing? Was it a personality conflict? Or, was the officer truly wrong in how he or she handled your detail? Cornell Police officers take a great deal of pride in their job and are very professional. However, we are human and make errors, just as anybody can. Many citizen complaints result from lack of familiarity with our policies and procedures. If you feel wronged, please call (715) 239-3707 and ask for the officer's supervisor, who may be able to clear things up. If that fails, please come in and pick up an officer complaint form. The complaint will be investigated. If you simply "do not want" a certain Officer to handle your case, this will waste valuable time to assign a different officer than the one originally assigned.  Reassigning cases simply for personality reasons is not a way the Cornell Police Department generally does its business.  If you withhold information for days at a time in order to speak to an officer you know better, your information, potential evidence, witness memories, or your case will not be able to be handled as promptly and as efficiently as possible.  It may be noted in the report that you, as the complainant would not offer required information to the assigned officer, which potentially jeapordizes the evidence and the case as a whole.  Depending on the case being handled, this could be considered Obstructing.  You will be notified at the conclusion of any investigation that is handled by the Cornell Police Department.  You will be provided as much information as can be released. Please remember, you can be prosecuted for filing a false complaint.

Let us help you.  If you give one Officer information, you can consider that you've given all Officers the information.  Time is of the essence.

Q:  I don't agree with the citation I've been issued, what are my options?
A:  If you wish to contest a citation, you may attend the court date listed on the citation.  At court, you may plead "Guilty", "Not Guilty" or "No Contest".  If you plead "Guilty," you will be found Guilty and the fine amount will be due.  If you plead "No Contest," you are neither admitting or disputing the charge.  If you plead "Not Guilty" the Judge will schedule a trial for the near future.  At the trial, you may present evidence regarding your situation.  The Municipal Judge and Officers are not permitted to "give advice" regarding your case before trial.



Q:  Can I park my vehicle on the street in Winter?
A: Cornell City Ordinance requires all vehicles be removed from City streets between the hours of 2:00am - 6:00am from December 1st - March 31st.  Current weather conditions do not apply to this Ordinance.  Vehicles must be removed regardless of weather conditions.



Q: I was/am involved in a situation that occurred just outside of Cornell.  Can I report this to the Cornell Police since it's closer to my home than the Chippewa County Sheriff's Dept?
A: If the incident occurred outside the City Limits of Cornell, you must make contact with the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department at 715-726-7701.  If the situation occurred within the City of Cornell, call the Cornell Police Dept. at 715-239-3707.


Q: What time is curfew in Cornell?
A:  Curfew in Cornell is 10:00pm-5:00am all year round for anyone under the age of 17.  Exceptions are for minors who are accompanied by a parent or guardian and minors who are en route to or from a legitimate school or work sponsored activity.


Q: I found a dog, can you come and get it?
A: We do not have a place to hold stray dogs (or cats) within the City of Cornell.  It is difficult and time consuming for us to transport stray pets to the Humane Society unless the animal poses a threat to people.  If possible, you may take it to the Chippewa County Humane Society.

Q: What can you do about my neighbor's dog barking or running loose?
A: We must witness the dog barking or running loose. If you have a complaint, call while the action is in progress, not after the dog has been tied up or has stopped barking.