Police Department

Warren Police Department Mission Statement

To serve the community and protect the lives, rights, and property of all people in the City of Warren with integrity, equality, and juste.

Value Statement

The core values of the Warren Police Department are:

Integrity

Integrity, the adherence to moral and ethical principles and the consistency of honest and dedicated actions, is our standard. We strive to earn the trust and respect of those whom we serve and work with. We do what is right at all times because it is the right thing to do.

Professionalism

All members of the Department will conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with professional standards for performance, both on duty and off duty. These standards include adherence to our mission statement and other core values. We perform our roles ethically and with integrity as we represent the Warren Police Department, regardless of the circumstances. We hold each other and ourselves accountable to these standards.

Employees

We value all who demonstrate self-motivation, dedication, and pride in their work and performance, along with the strength to adhere to what is right in all instances and actions.

Courage

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather its mastery. We will remain courageous in our actions. We recognize that there are two types of courage: physical and moral. Physical courage is recognizing danger to oneself or to others, but persisting in our duty regardless. Moral courage is the adherence to principle, integrity, and dedication, no matter how easy it may be to do otherwise. It is putting character ahead of expediency and putting what is right ahead of what may be popular.

Respect

Respect means that we treat each other and the communities we serve as we would like to be treated: with compassion and dignity. Within the Department, we strive to ensure all members are supported and empowered, regardless of rank or position. Outside of the Department, we strive to partner with the communities we serve through transparency, accountability, and building mutual trust. We recognize that respect, as a value, must permeate every police action we undertake.

The Warren Police Department is the largest agency in the State of Michigan to be accredited. We are accredited through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC). Accreditation is a rigorous process that demonstrates our agency’s commitment to professional excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What Accreditation Means

Accreditation is a voluntary process where police departments are evaluated against nationally recognized best practices and professional standards. To achieve accreditation, an agency must meet 128 professional standards covering all aspects of policing, including:

• Operations and training

• Use of force policies

• Community engagement

• Personnel practices and recruitment

• Records management and accountability

The Accreditation Process

• Self-Assessment – The Department reviews policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with MLEAC standards.

• On-Site Assessment – Independent assessors visit the Department to review files, interview staff, and observe operations.

• Commission Review – The Accreditation Commission votes to award accredited status.

• Ongoing Compliance – Accreditation is valid for three years, with annual reviews to ensure continued adherence.

For questions or concerns regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act with the police department, please contact our ADA Coordinator:

Lt. T. Kulhanek
29900 S. Civic Center Blvd
Warren, MI 48093
tkulhanek@warrepd.org
586-574-4830

Animal Control: (586) 574-4806

Note: Animals recovered by the city of Warren are relocated to an animal shelter in Mount Clemens. If you’re looking for a lost pet you feel may have been collected by Animal Control, contact Animal Control immediately at 586-574-4806.

Lost and found pet notices.

Post a lost or found pet notice.

Commissioner Hawkins started with the Warren Police Department on December 2, 2024 after serving as a Chief of Police in police departments in Michigan and New York. Commissioner Hawkins has demonstrated a commitment to cutting-edge crime prevention and community policing principles throughout his career. He has successfully implemented several programs that helped make police operations much more impactful. Commissioner Hawkins is committed to helping to ensure that the City of Warren is the safest city in the country with a police department that has an unmatched positive relationship with the community it serves.

Commissioner Hawkins started his career with the Southfield, Michigan Police Department in 1990, starting as a Police Cadet and appointed as a sworn police officer in 1991. His assignments included School Resource Officer, Certified Police Bicyclist, oversight of the department’s tactical unit, command of the downtown sub-station, and oversight of all community policing programs. He rose through the ranks and was appointed Southfield’s Police Chief in October of 2012. As Southfield’s Chief, he oversaw dramatic decreases in crime as well as the creation of Citizen and Youth Police Academies. Commissioner Hawkins also created a Police Chief’s Citizens Advisory Board.

Commissioner Hawkins retired from Southfield and was sworn in as Albany, New York’s 25th Police Chief on September 7, 2018. During his tenure in Albany, he prioritized strengthening police-community relations, the health and wellness of employees, and the recruitment and retention of personnel. Commissioner Hawkins oversaw the implementation of several new community-oriented programs in Albany, including a paid Police Cadet program, an internationally-recognized Police Therapy Dog Program, and the Community Liaison Partnership (CLP) – a program that allowed city residents to help train police academy recruits. Additionally, Commissioner Hawkins oversaw the acquisition of a new police training center facility, infrastructure updates to Police Headquarters and the Communications Center, and the integration of certified social workers into police operations.

Commissioner Hawkins earned a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Oakland Community College. He is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy Session 234, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar Session 80, the FBI Command Institute for Police Executives, Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and Central Michigan University’s Law Enforcement and School Liaison Program Institute.

Commissioner Hawkins’ professional affiliations include: International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Police Executive Research Forum, and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

Charles Rushton – Deputy Commissioner

Captain Charles Rushton has been with the Warren Police Department since August of 1999. Deputy Commissioner Rushton received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Macomb Community College. He is a graduate of Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Deputy Commissioner Rushton has worked as a Patrol Officer, Community Policing Officer, Field Training Officer, Undercover Officer in the Special Investigation Unit, a Detective Corporal in the Special Victims Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations and Special Investigations Division. A Patrol Sergeant and Executive Lieutenant of patrol division, Captain of the Patrol Bureau before being appointed to Deputy Commissioner.

Captain Paul Houtos – Patrol Services Bureau

Captain Paul Houtos was hired by the Warren Police Department in August of 2002. Captain Houtos began his service in Law Enforcement in 1996 when he joined the Detroit Police Department. Captain Houtos attended Central Michigan University. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command #599.

Since joining WPD, Captain Houtos has worked the following assignments – Patrol Officer, Detention Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective Corporal in the Criminal Investigation Division, Squad 1 Major Crimes, and the Macomb Auto Theft Squad, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant in both the Special Victims Unit and Criminal Investigations Division, Internal Affairs Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, Lieutenant of the Training Division, Captain of the Professional Standards Bureau, and is currently Captain of the Patrol Services Bureau.

Captain Brent Chisolm- Administrative Services Bureau

Captain Brent Chisolm was hired by the Warren Police Department in August of 2007. Captain Chisolm earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University. Captain Chisolm is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command #567.

Captain Chisolm has worked as a Patrol Officer, Detective/ Corporal in the Special Victims, Criminal Investigations Squad 1 Major Crimes, and Special Investigations Divisions, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant in both the Special Victims and Criminal Investigations Divisions, and the Patrol Division Executive Lieutenant. Captain Chisolm is the Vice-Chairman of the Warren Police and Fire Pension System. Captain Chisolm is currently Captain of the Administrative Services Bureau.

Captain Matthew Dillenbeck- Investigative Services Bureau

Captain Matthew Dillenbeck joined the Warren Police Department in 2003. Captain Dillenbeck earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and previously served in the United States

Army/Army National Guard and the Detroit Police Department. Captain Dillenbeck is a recipient of the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Leadership Series Award.

Captain Dillenbeck has worked as a Patrol Officer, Detective/Corporal in the Criminal and Special Investigation Division, Lieutenant and Sergeant in the Special Investigations/Special Operations Unit, Road Patrol Lieutenant and Sergeant, Captain of the Patrol Services Bureau and member of the Special Response Team serving the last five years as the Special Response Team Commander. Captain Dillenbeck is currently the Captain of the Investigative Services Bureau.

Captain Craig Bankowski – Professional Standards Bureau

Captain Craig Bankowski was hired by the Warren Police Department in January 2007. Captain Bankowski is a combat Veteran from the United States Marine Corps with multiple tours of deployment. Captain Bankowski earned a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from Pennsylvania State University. Captain Bankowski is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command #599 where he served as class president and Kreml Award winner.

Since joining the WPD, Captain Bankowski has worked as a Patrol Officer, Undercover Officer in the Special Investigations Division, and Task Force Officer with the DEA, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force – Crimes against Children, Detective/ Corporal in the Special Victims, Criminal Investigations and Special Investigations Divisions, Road Patrol Sergeant, Sergeant and Lieutenant of the Special Investigations Division/Special Operations Unit. He was a Team Commander of the Special Response Team. Captain Bankowski is currently the Captain of the Professional Standards Bureau

Officer Thomas Hogue
Officer Thomas Hogue has eight years of law enforcement experience. He is dedicated to building trust and safety in Warren. He works closely with residents through proactive policing, problem-solving, and community partnerships. Officer Hogue is involved in the Police Explorer Program, Crisis Intervention Team, Domestic Violence Reduction programs, and serves as a Field Training Officer.
(586) 519-8371 thogue@warrenpd.org

Officer Chadwick Hopkins
Officer Chadwick Hopkins has seven years of law enforcement experience, serving in Special Operations, Fugitive Apprehension, and the Cease Fire program for at-risk youth. He is committed to helping residents and improving everyday life in Warren through professional, community-focused policing.
(586) 571-3491 chopkins@warrenpd.org

Officer Bryce Moon
Officer Bryce Moon has seven years of law enforcement experience and is committed to keeping Warren safe and welcoming. He is especially passionate about working with youth, inspiring and motivating them to make a positive difference in the community.
(586) 519-3980 bmoon@warrenpd.org

Michigan Concealed Pistol License application forms are available via the Michigan State Police and the Macomb County websites. Printed copies are no longer supplied by the City of Warren.

C.P.L. Applicants who are City of Warren residents may have the fingerprinting process completed by the City of Warren Police Department Identification Division. Applicants must present their ID and the LIVESCAN request form produced by the Macomb County Clerk’s Office. The fee for C.P.L. fingerprinting is $15.00 (cash or check only). Fingerprinting is performed Monday – Friday, 8:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-3:30pm

For information on gun registration in the City of Warren, please call (586) 574-4751 during normal business hours.

C.P.L. licenses are NOT issued by the city.

More information from the State of Michigan.

Warren Police Department Drone Team

The Warren Police Department’s Drone First Responder Unit uses drone technology to improve response times, enhance situational awareness, and support community safety.

Meet the pilots:

Call Sign: Victor 1: Officer Shannon Makowski
Officer Makowski has 24 years of law enforcement experience, including 13 with Warren PD, Officer Makowski serves as a drone pilot in the Drone First Responder Unit. She has worked in narcotics investigations, undercover operations, and as a Field Training Officer. She also serves on the Crisis Negotiator Unit, supporting de-escalation efforts during critical incidents.

Call Sign: Victor 2: Officer Sage Wiggins
Officer Wiggins began his career with the Detroit Police Department in 2014 and joined the Warren PD in 2018. An FAA Part 107 certified pilot, he now serves in the Drone Unit, providing aerial support. His dedication has been recognized with the MACP Medal of Honor and the 100 Club Award for Valor.

Call Sign: Victor 3: Officer Nick Tiano
Officer Tiano has 12 years of experience in law enforcement and has been an FAA-licensed drone pilot since 2019. He holds two master’s degrees, has earned 34 awards, and is certified in multiple areas, including defensive tactics, patrol stops, and Taser instruction. He has also trained a quarter of the officers currently serving in Warren’s Patrol Division.

The Emergency Dispatch Center is the vital communications hub for the City of Warren, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staffed by skilled dispatchers, the center serves as the community’s first point of contact in emergencies—answering 911 calls, non-emergency requests, and coordinating responses for police, fire, and EMS.

Using advanced computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, GPS tracking, and modern radio communications, dispatchers assess each situation, gather critical details, and direct the closest available units to where they are needed most. They play a key role in officer safety, providing real-time updates, running records checks, and relaying vital information throughout an incident.

Beyond emergency calls, the Dispatch Center supports community safety by monitoring special events, assisting with missing persons alerts, coordinating mutual aid with neighboring agencies, and ensuring rapid response during severe weather or large-scale incidents. Every member of our dispatch team is trained to remain calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and make quick, informed decisions that save lives.

The Warren Police Dispatch Center is more than just a voice on the line—it’s the lifeline between our community and the officers who serve it.

The Exploring program is a career orientation program. Exploring posts are sponsored by local businesses offering interested young adults the opportunity to investigate career opportunities before committing to a chosen profession. The Exploring program is open to all young adults who are at least 14 years of age and are not yet 21 years of age, live in or around the City of Warren and have no criminal record. Parental approval is required for all persons under 18 years of age. For more information please visit the Explorer website: warrenexplorers.org

The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the department’s spokesperson and primary contact for news media, community updates, and public inquiries. The PIO is committed to providing timely, accurate, and transparent information to keep the community informed and engaged.

For media requests or public information:
📞 (586) 574-4831 | jgajewski@warrenpd.org

Accident reports must be obtained online at the following website: clemis.org

PAL is a youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth. It is based on the conviction that young people if they are reached early enough, can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goal of maturity and good citizenship.

The PAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer and the reinforcement of the responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents. Studies have shown that if a young person respects a police officer on the ball field, gym or classroom, the youth will likely come to respect the laws that police officers enforce. Such respect is beneficial to the youth, the police officer, the neighborhood and the business community.

Our website is designed to educate the community on the advantage PAL has on our community as well as recruit new members to our program and provide as a resource to current PAL members.

Our programs are open to all Warren Residents (programs have age restrictions, see the sports page for more information).

More information on Warren PAL at warrenpal.org