Appleton Police Department

Please join us in welcoming Community Service Officers Simon Kairu and Connor Johnson to the Appleton Police Department!

CSO Kairu is a member of Appleton Public Safety Cadet Unit 9925 and has already demonstrated a strong commitment to public service through his involvement with our cadet program. CSO Johnson is currently pursuing his education at Fox Valley Technical College as he works toward a career in law enforcement.

As Community Service Officers, Simon and Connor will play an important role in supporting our officers and serving the community. We are excited to have them on the team and look forward to seeing all they accomplish.

Welcome to the APD family, Simon and Connor!

Captain's Log:

While conducting foot patrol on College Ave, Lt. Botz had contact with an individual who had been removed from two bars due to excessive intoxication. Lt. Botz observed signs confirming the subject was highly impaired. Later, after bar close while on mobile patrol in a marked squad, Lt. Botz observed the same individual driving away from downtown. Based on his earlier observations and concerns about the driver's intoxication, Lt. Botz attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to stop, jumping a curb and driving over a sidewalk while turning. Concerned for public safety, Lt. Botz pursued the vehicle and coordinated with responding unit, who safely boxed the vehicle in and took the driver into custody. The operator was arrested for OWI - 2nd Offense, felony Fleeing/Eluding, and two counts of felony Bail Jumping, along with multiple traffic citations.

Officer Norris and his partner, K9 Kaleb, were requested to assist a neighboring agency with the apprehension of a domestic violence suspect who had barricaded themselves in a basement. The suspect also had an active Wisconsin Department of Corrections warrant and was possibly armed with an edged weapon. Officers made multiple attempts to establish communication and ordered the suspect to exit, all of which were ignored. Less-lethal options, including PepperBall and 40mm impact munitions, were deployed to gain compliance but had no effect. Due to the suspect's continued refusal to comply and the threat posed, K9 Kaleb was deployed and successfully apprehended the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody without injury to officers and sustained only minor injuries during the arrest. He was confined on multiple charges.

While conducting Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement, Lt. Goodin stopped a vehicle after observing neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. During the stop, signs of impairment were detected and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were conducted. The driver was arrested for felony OWI - 4th Offense. The driver was also cited for failing to wear a seat belt, Operating After Revocation due to alcohol-related offenses, and Failure to Install a required Ignition Interlock Device.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Blaine Vander Wielen on graduating yesterday from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College!

The Wisconsin Law Enforcement Command College is an advanced leadership development program designed to prepare current and emerging law enforcement leaders for the complex challenges facing public safety organizations. Through executive-level leadership education, strategic planning, and collaboration with peers from agencies across Wisconsin, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead effectively, address the ever-evolving challenges facing public safety, and strengthen the communities they serve.

Lt. Vander Wielen’s successful completion of the program reflects his commitment to professional development, leadership, and continuous improvement. His accomplishment not only represents a significant personal achievement, but also an investment in the future of law enforcement and the continued pursuit of excellence in service to our community.

Please join us in congratulating Lt. Vander Wielen on this achievement and recognizing his ongoing commitment to serving the people of Appleton, strengthening our department, and helping move our profession forward.

Keeping Appleton safe includes caring for our public spaces.

Last week, the Appleton Police Department joined the City of Appleton Basic Needs Team and community partners to remove debris, improve visibility, and address safety concerns in areas beneath our local viaduct. These collaborative efforts help improve cleanliness, reduce hazards, and create safer environments for residents, visitors, and those utilizing these spaces.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort to making our public spaces cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for all. These efforts are conducted in coordination with service providers and outreach partners who work to connect individuals with available resources and support.

We remain committed to working alongside our community partners, stakeholders, and residents to help ensure Appleton remains a place where everyone feels supported, valued, and safe.