Frequently Asked Questions
Calling 911 and Requesting Assistance
When should I call 911?
Call 911 when you need immediate assistance from police, fire, or emergency medical services.
Examples include medical emergencies, fires, traffic crashes involving injuries, crimes in progress, dangerous situations, or other incidents requiring an immediate emergency response.
For non-emergency situations that require police assistance, contact Midland County Central Dispatch using the appropriate non-emergency number.
For general questions about community events, government services, weather, road conditions, or business information, please contact the appropriate agency directly.
Remember: If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency and believe someone may be in danger, call 911.
How do I contact a specific police officer, sheriff's deputy, or Michigan State Police trooper?
If you need to speak with a particular law enforcement officer, contact Midland County Central Dispatch through its non-emergency number. A dispatcher may be able to relay a message or direct you to the appropriate agency.
To contact the Michigan State Police directly, you may call the Tri-City Post at (989) 495-5555.
How do I file a police report?
If you need to report a crime or incident, contact Midland County Central Dispatch. A dispatcher will gather information and determine the appropriate law enforcement response.
Dispatchers do not complete police reports over the phone. Depending on the type of incident and the responding agency's procedures, an officer may respond in person or provide instructions for filing a report.
If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911.
Police Reports and Records
How do I obtain a copy of a police or traffic crash report?
Police and traffic crash reports are available through the law enforcement agency that handled the incident.
Reports may take several business days to become available. Processing times, fees, and release requirements vary depending on the report.
Contact the appropriate records division for availability, costs, and instructions for requesting a copy.
Where can I have my fingerprints taken?
Fingerprinting services may be available through the Midland Police Department and Midland County Sheriff's Office.
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Midland Police Department Records Division: (989) 631-5642. Fingerprints are taken: Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Midland Law Enforcement Center 2727 Rodd St., Midland, Michigan.
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Midland County Sheriff's Office Records Division: (989) 839-4630. Fingerprints are taken on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Contact the agency before visiting, as fingerprinting schedules and requirements may change.
Legal and Civil Matters
How do I obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?
A Personal Protection Order (PPO) is a court order intended to help protect individuals from certain threatening, harassing, or stalking behaviors.
To learn about applying for a PPO, contact:
Midland County Circuit Court
301 W. Main Street, Midland, MI
Phone: (989) 832-6735
Court staff can provide information about the application process and required paperwork.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You do not need to have a PPO to report threats, harassment, or violence to law enforcement.
How do I have someone removed from my property?
If someone is trespassing, refusing to leave, or creating a disturbance on your property, contact Midland County Central Dispatch to request law enforcement assistance.
However, if the individual is a tenant or has established residency, removing them may require a formal legal eviction process. Law enforcement generally cannot remove a legal occupant solely at the property owner's request.
For information about eviction proceedings, contact the appropriate court.
If someone is threatening you or you are in immediate danger, call 911.
How do I have legal papers served?
The Midland County Sheriff's Office may provide civil process services, including the delivery of certain legal documents.
Fees and advance payment may be required.
For information about accepted documents, service requirements, and current fees, contact the Midland County Sheriff's Office at (989) 839-4630.
What is a civil standby, and how do I request one?
A civil standby is when a law enforcement officer is present to help maintain the peace while someone retrieves personal belongings or addresses another situation where a confrontation may occur.
Civil standbys are intended to help prevent disturbances. Officers do not resolve property disputes, determine ownership of belongings, or enforce informal agreements between individuals.
To request a civil standby, contact Midland County Central Dispatch through its non-emergency number. Availability and time limits depend on agency policy and officer availability.
If a confrontation is occurring or you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Vehicles and Jail Information
My vehicle has been towed. How do I find out where it is?
If your vehicle was towed following a traffic crash, parking violation, or law enforcement action, contact the law enforcement agency involved or Midland County Central Dispatch through its non-emergency number.
You may be directed to the towing company that has your vehicle. Depending on the circumstances, a vehicle release may be required before the vehicle can be retrieved.
If your vehicle was towed from private property, contact the property owner or management company for towing information.
Your vehicle may be at Ultimate Towing (989) 633-8697, Discount Towing (989) 773-6999, Kreager Towing (989) 835-4357 or Cole's Wrecker Service (989) 687-2214.
How do I find out if someone is in the Midland County Jail?
For information about individuals in custody, visitation, or jail procedures, contact:
Midland County Jail
101 Fast Ice Drive, Midland, MI
Phone: (989) 832-6612, ext. 0
Information about individuals in custody may be limited by applicable laws and facility policies.
Emergency Information and Public Alerts
What is 1-888-TELLMOR?
1-888-TELLMOR is a community information line used to provide recorded updates during certain emergencies or significant incidents affecting Midland County.
When activated, the line may provide information about:
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Hazardous material incidents
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Severe weather and tornadoes
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Flooding
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Outdoor warning siren activations
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Other significant public safety events
This service helps residents obtain information without tying up emergency telephone lines.
For more information, visit the TELLMOR information page.
What is Nixle, and how do I sign up?
Nixle is a public notification service used to share important community safety information through text messages and email.
Depending on the incident, alerts may include emergency notifications, public safety advisories, road closures, or other important community updates.
Residents can register to receive notifications for their area.
Sign up for Nixle alerts.