Police Department

Police Records

The West Chester Police Department will provide photocopies of reports (up to 25 pages) free of charge. If the requested report is larger than 25 pages the fee for each photocopy is five cents beginning with the first photocopy. The charge for two-sided photocopies is 10 cents per sheet.

• Request a public record
• Traffic crash reports (Ohio DPS)

Solicitation & Transient Vendors

Transient vendors, as defined by Ohio Revised Code 505.94, are required to register at the West Chester Township Police Department where they are issued a Solicitor's Registration Card which must be visible when they approach a home.

Solicitors are limited to the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., May through September; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., October through April.

Solicitor & Transient Vendor Registration Process

• The West Chester Police Department will confirm all information on the application.
• The West Chester Police Department will check applicant through the Department's records management system for any negative contacts, making any notations on application.
• Photograph the applicant and issue the registration identification card.
• Each applicant will be provided with a copy of the vendor license restrictions.
• The West Chester Police Department will maintain records of all applicants and application information.

Solicitor & Transient Vendor Requirements

• Applicants for Transient Vendor Solicitation permits must register with the West Chester Police Department. Prior to solicitation,transient vendors must complete a vendor application, provide a copy of the company's valid current vendor's license issued by Butler County and the three-day cancellation form.
• There is no fee for registration, and the registration is valid for one year.
• Restrict solicitation to the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., May through September; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., October through May.
• Display the Solicitor's Registration Card issued by the West Chester Police Department during all solicitation efforts
• Avoid solicitation efforts that are coercive, abusive or misleading.
• Conform to all applicable State and Federal laws governing the conduct of their business; including the required three-day cancellation provision, and the collection and payment of all applicable sales tax.
• Not solicit any residence where a no solicitation sign, decal or other lawful display is exhibited. Established pursuant to ORC 505.99, a transient vendor found in violation of this Resolution is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and/or ORC 2911.21 Criminal Trespass.

• Register with the West Chester Police Department prior to any solicitation.
• Not solicit on public property, on the street, at highway interchanges or in the public right-of-way.
• Provide written permission from the property owner of the location where they intend to do business at the time of application for registration.
• Comply with all state law and local zoning codes or resolution concerning advertisements and signage.

Citizen Police Academy

The Citizen Police Academy offers civilians a closer look at the workings of the Police Department. Participants in the course cover topics such as: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants will see the Township jail and forensics lab, as well as a SWAT training exercise. The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community.

While the program is offered each year, class size is limited. Police department personnel teach classes from 6 to 9 p.m. each Wednesday for 10 weeks, starting March 11, 2026.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and a number of other criteria must be met. Those who reside or work in West Chester Township have priority over those outside the township, though non-residents may be accepted into the program.

For more information about the program, contact West Chester Police Community Affairs by email or phone at (513) 759-3977.

Academy Format

The academy will last 10 weeks. The classes are conducted between 6 and 9 p.m. Instruction will be provided by West Chester Police Department personnel.

Academy Location

Unless otherwise specified, classes take place at the West Chester Police Department: 9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500, West Chester, Ohio 45069. Some off-site visits are made to other relevant locations.

• Overview of West Chester Police Department Operations and Organization
• Patrol Functions
• Criminal Investigations
• Traffic Investigations
• Evidence Handling and Processing
• Special Investigations
• Introduction to Criminal Law and Courtroom Procedure
• SWAT
• Firearms Simulator
• Plus Many Other Subjects

Qualifications for Participation

Applicants must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Participants who reside or work in West Chester Township get precedence over those that do not if the class becomes full. Applicants must have appropriately completed an application and waivers to the academy. Applicants must pass a criminal background check.

Class Size

The class will be limited to 20 students, with a minimum enrollment of 10 students.

Self-Defense Classes

The West Chester Police Department offers self-defenses classes designed to train civilians to react confidently and effectively when personal safety is at risk.

Classes are scheduled throughout the year. Private groups of 10 or more participants can be scheduled. Businesses and/or groups interested in hosting a class should contact West Chester Police Community Affairs by email or by phone at (513) 759-3977.

All classes are free, but registration is required.

College S.A.F.E. Class for students

Self-defense and Awareness through Fundamental Education (S.A.F.E.) was created as a result of requests from parents and with input from faculty of Lakota Local Schools.

This program focuses on teaching practical skills for campus safety. Young women who are high school seniors or recent graduates are encouraged to sign up.

Sessions include guided discussion on topics relevant to a senior who will be heading off to college for the first time, with the majority of time spent in rigorous self-defense training. There is a focus on rape prevention and awareness, personal protection and self-awareness.

Check back later for scheduled classes.

10-Hour S.A.F.E. Class for Men and Women

The West Chester Police Department offers Self-defense and Awareness through Fundamental Education (S.A.F.E.) for adults. The 10-hour program includes guided discussion on topics related to everyday issues faced by people with regard to personal safety, as well as rigorous self-defense training, assault prevention and more.

The class is for men and women age 16 and older.

Check back later for scheduled classes.

2-Hour S.M.A.R.T. Class for Women

West Chester Police offers a free self-defense class specifically for women. Awareness, being mentally prepared in the event you are attacked and basic self-defense skills are taught in this class.

Check back later for scheduled classes.

Crime Prevention for Business

The West Chester Police Department works closely with residents and businesses to educate and inform on matters related to crime prevention and personal security.

The Police Department regularly receives requests for security assessments from companies and non-profit organizations. This is a service the department willingly provides and can be scheduled by calling (513) 759-3985.

The assessment tool is specifically directed at organizational and individual security and is not designed to address life-saving matters.

Report a Tip

Call West Chester Police Department at 513-777-2231 to report a tip.

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