The Taylor Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Taylor, Michigan. Located in Wayne County, the department is responsible for maintaining public order, investigating crimes, and providing a variety of safety services to a community of residents and businesses. Operating from its headquarters at 23515 Goddard Road, the department integrates traditional policing with modern technology and specialized divisions to address the evolving needs of the Downriver area.

Contact Information and Immediate Assistance

For residents and visitors in Taylor, Michigan, knowing how to reach the police department is the first step in ensuring personal and community safety. The department distinguishes clearly between emergency situations and administrative or non-urgent inquiries.

  • Emergency Contact: 911 (For crimes in progress, life-threatening situations, or immediate medical emergencies)
  • Non-Emergency Phone: (734) 287-6611
  • Physical Address: 23515 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI 48180
  • Operational Hours: The patrol division and jail facilities operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Administrative offices typically observe standard business hours.

The department is led by Chief of Police John Blair and Deputy Chief Michael Lividini, who oversee a force dedicated to professional and ethical standards.

Mission and Core Values of Taylor Law Enforcement

The Taylor Police Department operates under a mission statement that emphasizes a professional and ethical environment for everyone living in, working in, or visiting the city. The primary goal is to deter behavior and conditions that lead to crime and the fear of crime, achieved through a close partnership with the community.

The department’s operations are guided by five core values:

  1. Integrity: Maintaining uncompromised honesty and ethics in every interaction.
  2. Human Dignity: Recognizing the inherent value and rights of all citizens.
  3. Justice: Serving the community in an unbiased and impartial manner, ensuring equal protection under the law.
  4. Professionalism: Maintaining accountability for the quality of service and striving for continuous improvement.
  5. Leadership: Demanding ethical and responsible conduct from all members within the organization and the community.

Investigative Services Division

The Investigative Services Division (ISD) is a critical component of the Taylor Police Department, focusing on long-term cases that require specialized expertise beyond initial patrol response. The division is comprised of eight dedicated investigators and a supervisor, each focusing on specific types of criminal activity.

Crimes Against Persons

Detectives within this unit are responsible for investigating serious offenses committed against individuals. This includes homicides, kidnappings, armed robberies, carjackings, and various degrees of assault (misdemeanor and felonious). The investigative process involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working closely with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office to secure warrants.

Property and Financial Crimes

The ISD also houses a bureau dedicated to property and financial-related offenses. These investigators handle cases involving credit card fraud, check fraud, embezzlement, computer crimes, and large-scale larcenies. Often, these investigations require collaboration with private business loss prevention personnel and financial institutions to track fraudulent activity across jurisdictions.

Domestic Violence Unit

Recognizing the sensitive nature of family-related crimes, the department maintains a specialized Domestic Violence Unit. This team includes a dedicated investigator, a prosecutor, and a victim’s advocate. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that victims receive not only legal justice but also the necessary support and resources to navigate the aftermath of domestic abuse.

Juvenile Investigations

Two detectives are specifically assigned to matters involving minors. Their responsibilities include investigating crimes in schools, child abuse, neglect, and child predator cases, including child pornography. These officers often act as liaisons to the Taylor School District, fostering a safer environment for students.

The Taylor Police Crime Lab and Forensics

One of the most advanced features of the Taylor Police Department is its dedicated Crime Lab, located within the Taylor Police Education Center. This facility allows for the rapid processing and preservation of evidence, which is essential for successful prosecutions.

Evidence Technicians

The lab is staffed by evidence specialists who are trained in the documentation and collection of evidence from major crime scenes. These technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that the chain of custody remains intact and that physical evidence is not contaminated.

Latent Print Section and AFIS

The Taylor Police Department is one of the few agencies in Michigan to house an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) location. The latent print section is responsible for examining and comparing unknown prints found at crime scenes with known databases. This capability allows the department to assist neighboring law enforcement agencies with fingerprint identification and evidence processing, establishing Taylor as a regional hub for forensic analysis.

Specialized Operational Units

Beyond standard patrol and investigations, the Taylor Police Department maintains several specialized units trained for high-risk or specific situational needs.

Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT)

The SWAT team consists of officers who undergo rigorous training to handle high-risk situations, such as hostage rescues, barricaded gunmen, and the execution of high-risk search warrants. Their goal is to resolve dangerous incidents with the least amount of risk to officers and the public.

K-9 Unit

The K-9 Unit utilizes highly trained dogs and their handlers for various tasks, including tracking missing persons, locating fleeing suspects, and detecting narcotics. The K-9 teams are also an important part of community engagement, often appearing at public events to demonstrate their skills.

Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT)

Working often in tandem with SWAT, the Crisis Negotiations Team is trained in communication techniques designed to de-escalate volatile situations. Their primary objective is to achieve a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard represents the department at formal events, such as parades, funeral services for fallen officers, and other civic ceremonies. They maintain the traditions and dignity of the law enforcement profession.

Jail Facilities and Prisoner Information

The Taylor Police Department operates a holding facility (jail) that functions 24 hours a day. It is important for the public to understand that this is a temporary holding facility rather than a long-term correctional institution.

Operations and Visitation

  • Visitation: The Taylor Police Jail does not allow general visitation. Exceptions are only made for clergy and legal counsel with proper credentials.
  • Care of Prisoners: Arrestees are provided with meals, access to telephones, and necessary documented medications.
  • Sentencing: Defendants sentenced to jail time do not serve their sentences in the Taylor facility. They are typically transferred to the Wayne County Jail or another state-run correctional facility.

Court Appearances and Arraignments

Arrested individuals are generally brought before a judge for arraignment within one to two days of their arrest. Arraignments typically occur in the morning or afternoon, depending on the nature of the charges and the location of the arrest.

Legal Procedures for Residents

Navigating legal requirements such as posting bail or obtaining records is a common need for those interacting with the Taylor Police Department.

Procedures for Posting Bail

Bail is a set amount of money that acts as a guarantee that an arrested person will appear in court.

  • During Business Hours: Bail can be posted at the 23rd District Court, located on Goddard Road, just east of Telegraph Road, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • After Hours: Bond can be paid at the front desk of the Taylor Police Department. Note: After-hours payments at the police station are cash-only.

Obtaining Criminal Records and Clearances

The Taylor Police Department does not perform personal background checks for the public. Instead, individuals seeking their own criminal records or police clearances must use the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which is the official resource for the State of Michigan.

Curfew Laws in Taylor

The City of Taylor enforces strict curfew laws to ensure the safety of minors and reduce nighttime crime.

  • Minors under 16: Prohibited from public streets or places between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
  • Minors under 18: Prohibited from public streets or places between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
  • Exceptions: These rules do not apply if the minor is accompanied by a parent/guardian, is on a direct errand, is traveling for employment, or is attending an authorized school or religious activity.

Public Safety Technology and Transparency

The Taylor Police Department utilizes several modern technologies to enhance its investigative capabilities and maintain transparency within the community.

Surveillance Systems

The department employs a network of "Flock Safety" automated license plate readers (ALPRs). As of late 2025, there are approximately 50 of these readers stationed throughout the city to help identify vehicles associated with crimes or missing persons. Additionally, the city utilizes over 55 "Condor" cameras equipped with video analytics.

Drones and Body-Worn Cameras

The department has implemented a "Drone-as-First Responder" program, allowing officers to get an aerial view of incident scenes quickly. Furthermore, all officers are equipped with Axon body-worn cameras. These devices record interactions between police and the public, providing an objective record that protects both the officers and the citizens.

Face Recognition Access

The department has desktop access to the Michigan State Police’s face recognition system, known as the Statewide Network of Agency Photos (SNAP). This tool is used strictly for investigative purposes to identify suspects in criminal cases.

Community Programs and Resources

The Taylor Police Department emphasizes proactive crime prevention through various community-centric initiatives.

Vacation Home Checks

Residents who are traveling can submit an online request for a "Vacation Home Check." Officers will periodically check the exterior of the residence to ensure it remains secure while the owners are away.

iCare Taylor

This program encourages residents to take an active role in community safety by reporting suspicious activity and staying informed about local crime trends. It embodies the "See Something, Say Something" philosophy.

Crime Mapping

The department provides access to online crime mapping tools. This allows residents to view reported incidents in their neighborhoods, promoting awareness and transparency regarding local safety.

Anonymous Crime Tips

The department encourages the public to provide information regarding criminal activity. While digital reporting exists, the department prefers tips to be called in directly to (734) 287-6611. This allows investigators to ask follow-up questions. All tipsters have the right to remain anonymous.

Career Opportunities with Taylor Police

The Taylor Police Department is an active employer in the region, seeking individuals committed to public service. Recruitment typically focuses on candidates who meet Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) requirements.

Prospective employees can find information regarding:

  • Police Officer positions
  • Cadet programs
  • Administrative support roles
  • Evidence technicians and lab specialists

The department looks for individuals who align with their core values of integrity, justice, and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports can usually be accessed and downloaded online through the department's public safety portal or by visiting the records bureau during business hours. There may be a small fee associated with obtaining these records.

Can I visit someone in the Taylor Jail?

No. General visitation is not permitted at the Taylor Police Department jail facility. Only authorized legal counsel and clergy members are allowed access to detainees.

Where is the 23rd District Court?

The 23rd District Court, where most Taylor-related legal proceedings and bail payments occur during the day, is located on Goddard Road, slightly east of the intersection with Telegraph Road.

What should I do if I have an anonymous tip?

You can call the non-emergency line at (734) 287-6611. Inform the operator that you wish to provide an anonymous tip, and you will be directed to the appropriate investigative unit.

Does the department provide fingerprinting services for employment?

For specific licensing or employment fingerprinting, it is recommended to contact the records bureau first to see if they provide civil fingerprinting or if you must use a state-authorized private vendor.

What are the rules for the Taylor curfew?

For children under 16, the curfew is 10:00 p.m. For those under 18, the curfew is midnight. Exceptions exist for work, school activities, or when accompanied by an adult.

Summary

The Taylor Police Department is a comprehensive law enforcement agency that balances rigorous enforcement with community-oriented service. From the high-tech capabilities of its AFIS-equipped Crime Lab to the specialized support provided by the Domestic Violence Unit, the department is structured to handle the complex safety needs of a modern Michigan city. By providing resources like vacation home checks, anonymous tipping lines, and transparent crime mapping, the TPD fosters a partnership with residents that is essential for a secure and thriving community. Whether you are seeking records, reporting a crime, or interested in a career in public safety, the Taylor Police Department remains a 24/7 pillar of the Taylor community infrastructure.