Police Department

Warren Police Department

FOR EMERGENCY DIAL 911
Non-Emergency: (330) 394-2521

The Warren Police Department, which was established in 1867, continues to perform its function of serving and protecting the citizens to the best of its abilities. Our dedicated, professional police force of 70 men and women recognize that the people in our community are our most important customers, and they work in partnership with all people to solve problems that affect public safety.

This is also accomplished by collaborating with citizens and neighborhood and community groups to better understand the needs of the community so that we may develop solutions to problems and provide efficient responses.

Through a cooperative working relationship with our local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, we take a proactive approach to law enforcement knowing that partnerships and cooperation are needed to ensure protection of persons and property.

As Chief of Police, it is my responsibility to ensure that our community is provided the best possible law enforcement services. To this end, I am dedicated to making sure all police related services are provided in an efficient, effective and professional manner.  

I am proud to serve with these dedicated, professional co-workers to complete our police mission in order to “protect and serve” our community for those who live and work here. 

Sincerely,

Eric J. Merkel
Chief of Police

Biography of Chief Eric J. Merkel

Chief Merkel is a 27-year veteran of the Warren Police Department starting his employment with the City of Warren in January of 1995. After being promoted through the ranks, he was sworn in as Chief of Police in June of 2013. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Kent State University and a master’s degree in police administration from Youngstown State University. Chief Merkel is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy (FBINA) Session #227, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar Session 78, the Law Enforcement Foundation’s Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) Class 59, and one of nearly 600 police officers in the State of Ohio who have successfully completed and achieved the designation of Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) Class XX through the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

Warren City Police Department on Facebook

The Warren Police Department maintains a Facebook page to increase communication with the public. If you have a comment or question related to public safety, please feel free to get in touch!

Exchange Zones


The Warren Police Department encourages the use of Exchange Zones to reduce the chance of safety concerns that may arise from the sale of legal items in lieu of meeting strangers at unfamiliar locations. Additionally, these zones serve as a neutral territory for child custody exchanges between separated parental units.

Exchange Zones can be found in the front parking lot of the Warren Municipal Building at 141 South St. SE where they remain under continuous digital surveillance. These three spaces are marked conspicuously with signage and yellow paint located in the south portion of the parking lot nearest the main entrance. The spaces are found in a well-lit and highly visible location for citizen protection.

Tips for Exchanges:
o Do encourage a friend or associate to attend the meeting with you (when practical)
o Do share with friends / family the details of the event prior to meeting
o Do insist on meeting at an Exchange Zone
o Do conduct the exchange during the daylight hours
o Do contact 9-1-1 or the Warren Police Department if you are concerned for your safety

Please Note:
The Warren Police Department does not permit the sale or exchange of weapons, hazardous materials, explosives and drugs/narcotics at the Exchange Zones. Property intended for sale or exchange may not be left unattended. Child custody exchanges must be conducted with adult parties present. No children are to be left unattended.

Transactions conducted at the Exchange zones are considered civil actions. As such, members of the Warren Police Department cannot be responsible for attesting to authenticity or legitimacy of items sold and will not assist with any transaction(s) or potential civil disputes that may arise.

Please be cautious of persons who decline to meet you at an Exchange Zone.

Police Department
141 South Street S.E.
Warren, OH 44483
Ph: (330) 394-2521
Fax: (330) 841-2532

Emergency Reporting: 911
Non-Emergency: (330) 394-2521

Anonymous Tip Line
(330) 841-2658
mostwanted@warren.org

Police Office Numbers

Communications Center
(330) 841-2512

Animal Control
(330) 841-2675

Detectives Division
(330) 841-2630

Records Division
(330) 841-2573

Request an Officer
(330) 841-2501

Traffic Division
(330) 841-2573

Turn Commander
(330) 841-2506

Staff Contacts
Eric Merkel,
Chief of Police
(330) 841-2536
emerkel@warren.org

Capt. Jeffrey Cole,
Emergency Services 
Division Commander
(330) 841-2510
jcole@warren.org

Capt. Robert Massucci,
Criminal Investigation
Division Commander
(330) 841-2630
rmassucci@warren.org

Copyright © 2024 City Of Warren, Ohio.