Ossian Police Department

Police Commissioners

The Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners consists of 3 Commissioners, all appointed by the Ossian Town Council. In order to qualify as a Commissioner, an appointee must be of good moral character and a legal resident of the town. Not more than 2 of the Commissioners may be of the same political party. Each Commissioner serves a term of 3 years.

The Commissioners serve as the Safety Board of the town for the purposes of the suspension, demotion or dismissal of any member of the Police Department. They may also make general and special rules for the government and discipline of the Police Department, and special and general orders to the Department through the Police Chief.

Current Police Commissioners

Caleb Chichester, President

Bob Miller, Vice President

Jay Esparza

Email the Police Commissioners

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get a Police House Watch Request Form for while I’m out of town?

You can fill out the Police House Watch Request Form online.

Is Ossian taking applications for full-time officers?

You can check by going to the Police Department Pre-Employment Application. When the Police Department is hiring, the application will be available to be filled out. If the department is not hiring, you will receive a message that the form is not available.

How do I report a criminal offense or incident that occurs within the Town of Ossian?

Crime detection and prevention is the responsibility of every citizen of the Town of Ossian. In fact, research indicates that police officers play only a small part in actual crime prevention. You are strongly encouraged to report any and all criminal or suspicious activity to the police department.

The Wells County Sheriff’s Department provides dispatch services for the Ossian Police Department. They may be contacted for non-emergencies at 260-622-7519. For all police emergencies dial 911. An officer will respond in a timely manner to your emergency or call for service.

How do I obtain an Indiana handgun permit?

Visit the Indiana State Police online handgun license application portal and follow the instructions on the screen. Start by clicking the “Begin Your Application Online” button under Step 1. Remember you will need to do all 3 steps including visiting the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction where you live in order to complete the application process.

How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

You can obtain a copy of an Indiana accident report on-line at www.buycrash.com for a $12.00 fee. You can also contact the police department and pick up a copy of an accident report for a $3.00 per copy fee.

Fees for Services

Accident or Incident Reports: $3.00 per copy

VIN Check: $5.00

Background Investigation: $10.00

Fees for Licenses

All Local Fees must be paid by Cash or Money Order.

All State Fees must be paid by Money Order or Certified Check ONLY. Make payable to: State of Indiana.

For each license, you must pay both the Local and the State fees.

• Four Year Hunting & Target
  Local Fee: $10/$5 Refundable*
  State Fee: $5
• Four Year Personal Protection
  Local Fee: $10/$5 Refundable*
  State Fee: $30
• Lifetime Hunting & Target / No Current License
  Local Fee: $50/$30 Refundable*
  State Fee: $25
• Lifetime Hunting & Target / Current Valid License
  Local Fee: $40/$30 Refundable*
  State Fee: $20
• Lifetime Personal Protection / No Current License
  Local Fee: $50/$30 Refundable*
  State Fee: $75
• Lifetime Personal Protection / Current Valid License
  Local Fee: $40/$30 Refundable*
  State Fee: $60

* amount refundable if application is denied

• Retired Law Enforcement Officer
  Local Fee: Not Provided in Law
  State Fee: Fee Exempt
• Retired Corrections Officer
  Local Fee: Not Provided in Law
  State Fee: Fee Exempt
• Firearms Dealer
  Local Fee: Not Provided in Law
  State Fee: Fee Exempt

Useful Links

• The Wells County Sheriff’s Department assists the Town of Ossian Police Department by providing back-up when needed.
• The Bluffton Police Department works closely with the Ossian Police Department and provide training and support when needed.
• The Fort Wayne Police Department works with Ossian Police Department and other Wells County agencies to help create a team approach for law enforcement concerns in the region.
• At the Indiana State Police official website, you will find FAQ’s, press releases, career opportunities, district locations, etc.
• TheMostWanted.net provides a free comprehensive listing of Allen and Wells County’s outstanding warrants. This site includes a method of submitting information to law enforcement regarding the whereabouts of persons on the list.
• If you have been the victim of Internet fraud, you can file a complaint online with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division or by calling 1-800-382-5516.
• Find recent updates about Indiana AMBER Alerts, plus tips for parents if your child is missing.
• The Wells County website includes links to the Circuit Court, Prosecutor’s Office, County Coroner, County Emergency Services etc.
• The Fort Wayne Better Business Bureau is recommended for those individuals who would like to know more about past and current scams that are being reported in Northeast Indiana, which includes the Town of Ossian. The BBB Scam Tracker provides citizens with information needed to avoid becoming a victim.
• If you are a victim or witness, the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Victims Engagement and Services Line may be useful: it links you to a number of valuable victim services programs provided by ICE.

In Memoriam

Chief Robert L. Mattax (1954-2002)
23 Years of Service

Chief Robert Mattax was a faithful servant of the Town of Ossian and its citizens. Chief Mattax devoted twenty-three years serving the Town of Ossian and the community as Town Marshal and Chief of Police and performed his duties with dignity and honor. Working alongside Chief “Bob” Mattax was more than a privilege; it was a daily dose of encouragement, kindness and humility. The Ossian Police Department owes its present fortitude and spirit of unity largely to Chief Mattax. His vast and respected knowledge of law enforcement, blended with his warm smile, sense of humor and kind gentle heart made him a “perfect fit” for the Town of Ossian and the Ossian Police Department. Chief Bob Mattax has completed his final tour of duty and we regret our own loss of a man we respected and admired, yet we remain tangibly enriched by his example, his leadership and his friendship.

Contacting the Police Department

Emergencies: 911
Non-Emergency: 260-622-7519
Email Link: Police Chief
Ossian Police Department on Facebook

Or you can use the contact form on our Contact page. Please allow at least 1 business day for us to reply to you.