Safe Streets Task Force/Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT)

As part of our mission to reduce crime, enhance the quality of life, and create safe neighborhoods within our city; the Waterloo Police Department partners with other local, state, and federal law enforcement professionals working within the Cedar Valley. 

This includes working with a Safe Streets Task Force through a Department of Justice Program called Project Safe Neighborhoods.  As part of the Safe Streets Task Force, the Waterloo Police Officers are able to work with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions. 

On August 24, 2009 the Waterloo City Council accepted a four-year grant from the COPS Hiring Recovery Program, which was offered to the Waterloo Police Department; to hire five new police officers to staff the Department’s newly created Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT). 

This Unit is tasked with identifying and arresting those persons who are committing violent crimes which include, but are not limited to gang violence, gun crimes and drug offenses.

The VCAT Unit works closely with our federal partners in the United States Marshal Service as Task Force Officers, along other police department personnel, Waterloo neighborhood associations, citizens and other sources to identify violent crime areas with the ultimate goal of reducing criminal activity.

 Contact Safe Streets Task Force/Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Domestic Abuse Response Team

D.A.R.T. began January 1, 1997 and was made possible by a federal grant through the STOP Violence Against Women Act

D.A.R.T. uses the “Exchange Theory” and evidence based prosecution to combat domestic violence

The Goals of the DART program:

Increased arrests for domestic abuse assault, Expanded victim advocacy services

Increased number of guilty verdicts obtained, Reduction in repeat offenses of domestic violence Increased Criminal Justice System participation

Reducing dual arrests by identifying primary aggressor, Aggressively prosecute cases without victim cooperation

Contact the Domestic Abuse Response Team email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Crime/Electronic Evidence Laboratory

The Waterloo Police Crime Laboratory consists of one Sergeant and 3 full-time Crime Lab Investigators (CLIs) who work 7 AM to 11 PM, Monday-Friday.  Approximately 22 Patrol Officers are trained as Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) and 2 Patrol Officers are trained in conducting crash scene investigations.

The Crime Laboratory is responsible for responding to crime scenes involving homicides, death investigations, robberies, sex crimes, assaults, burglaries, weapons violations, and crash investigations.  Duties include locating, documenting, collecting, and processing evidence.  Evidence may be processed using powders, alternative light sources, and other chemicals.

The laboratory works with various agencies within and outside of the county and with the Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory.

The Electronic Evidence Laboratory consists of 1 full time Investigator who works from 6 AM to 2 PM, Monday-Friday.  The Laboratory is involved in over 400 cases a year working with various agencies across the state.

To contact the Lab email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

School Resource Unit

The School Resource Program (SRO) was introduced during the 1990-91 school year and consists of six police officers.

The officers are assigned to the two public high schools, 3 public middle schools, and one alternative Learning Center in Waterloo. Their responsibilities extend to all the other schools, both public and parochial

An SRO’s function is preventative in nature, SROs are NOT security guards. SROs are visible, active law enforcement figures who deal with any law enforcement related issues in the schools

To contact the School Resource Unit email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.