The Mar-Mac Police Department functions as a component of the Mar-Mac Unified Law Enforcement District, also recognized as the Mar-Mac Police District. This district encompasses the cities of Marquette and McGregor in northeast Clayton County, Iowa. Established in December 1999, the Police District was created to amalgamate the law enforcement agencies of both cities into a single, cost-effective entity for their communities.
Previously, each city operated its own independent department, often requiring mutual aid between departments and a substantial number of officers to police each community. Recognizing the inefficiency in this setup, both cities decided to dissolve their separate departments and form the unified “Police District.” Since its establishment, this model has demonstrated remarkable success, prompting interest from smaller Iowa cities seeking to implement a similar innovative change.
The Police Department is presently funded for three full-time officers and employs part-time/reserve officers on an as-needed basis.
All officers are mandated to acquire law enforcement certification through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Upon certification, officers gain statewide arrest powers accredited by the State of Iowa. Additionally, officers undergo training and certification in CPR and First Aid. Each patrol vehicle is equipped with an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) in case of a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.
All officers are members of the Clayton County Law Enforcement Association (CCLEA), which convenes monthly to provide training and share information about criminal activity in the area. The Police District actively collaborates with the Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The Mar-Mac Police Department operates as an initiative-taking agency, participating in initiatives such as the annual Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) and I-PLEDGE.
Iowa’s sTEP is a statewide, coordinated, “high visibility” traffic enforcement effort conducted around holidays, involving all law enforcement agencies in Iowa. These events focus on stringent traffic enforcement to promote safety belt use as the best means of protection in case of a motor vehicle collision.
I-PLEDGE is a statewide program aimed at reducing illegal sales of tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to minors, as well as illegal possession of these items by minors. The program seeks to enhance voluntary compliance with the state’s laws regarding these products through education and enforcement, preventing illegal sales and educating retailers about changes in Iowa’s regulations.
The Police Department receives state funding to participate in both the “sTEP” and “I-PLEDGE” Programs.
