North Liberty Police Department
25 West Cherry Street, North Liberty, IA 52317. Records line: (319) 626-5724. Non-emergency dispatch (Johnson County JECC): (319) 356-6800. Emergencies: 911. Office hours: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Patrol covers the city 24/7.
Address & how to reach the right desk
| What you need | How to reach it |
|---|---|
| Emergency in progress | 911 — routes to the Johnson County JECC dispatch. |
| Non-emergency report (no immediate danger) | JECC non-emergency: (319) 356-6800. An officer will be dispatched or you'll get a callback. |
| Records (reports, accident reports, criminal history) | NLPD Records Division: (319) 626-5724, weekdays 7 AM–4:30 PM. |
| Walk-in | 25 W Cherry St lobby during business hours. After hours: use the courtesy phone or call 911 / non-emergency. |
| North Liberty Police Department, 25 W Cherry St, North Liberty, IA 52317. (City Hall mail goes to 3 Quail Creek Circle — they're different addresses.) |
What the records division can give you
- Accident reports. Crash reports filed by NLPD officers. Generally available 5–10 business days after the incident. Fee applies.
- Police reports / case reports. Available subject to the Iowa public records law (Iowa Code Chapter 22). Investigative records in active cases are exempt from disclosure.
- Body-worn camera footage. Requestable under Chapter 22, though release is limited by ongoing investigation, privacy, and victim safety considerations.
- Local criminal-history checks. NLPD can verify whether an individual has had contacts with NLPD; for statewide records, request from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
- Vehicle release / property release. If your vehicle was towed or property held as evidence, contact records to coordinate release.
Iowa Open Records Law (Chapter 22)
Iowa's public records statute (Iowa Code Chapter 22) gives any citizen the right to inspect government records — including most police records — with statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, victim identities in sensitive cases, and certain personnel records. Requests must be in writing for most non-routine records. Fees can be charged for staff time and copies. There is no statutory deadline for response, but Iowa courts have required "promptness."
How to file a police report
For something that just happened or is happening now, call 911 (emergency) or the JECC non-emergency line (319) 356-6800. Dispatch routes the call to NLPD. An officer is dispatched, takes the report on scene, and a case number is generated. For older incidents or follow-up reports, call NLPD records or walk into the station during business hours.
Jurisdiction — who polices what in North Liberty
Jurisdictional lines around NL are denser than most residents realize:
| Agency | Where they patrol |
|---|---|
| North Liberty Police (NLPD) | North Liberty municipal limits — streets, neighborhoods, business districts inside the city. |
| Johnson County Sheriff's Office | Unincorporated Johnson County (rural areas, county roads between NL and other cities). Also operates the Johnson County Jail and provides courthouse security. |
| Iowa State Patrol | Interstate I-380 through and around NL, and Highway 965 outside city limits. Crash investigation on state highways. Commercial vehicle enforcement. |
| University of Iowa Police | U of I campus and properties (Iowa City) — separate sworn agency, generally not in NL but can assist mutual aid. |
| Coralville Police | Coralville city limits. Mutual aid with NLPD on the southern border. |
If you're not sure whose case it is — the agency that responded is the one to call back. Reports generated by ISP on I-380 are filed with ISP and routed to the prosecuting county's attorney.
JECC — the dispatch hub
The Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center (JECC) at (319) 356-6800 dispatches for North Liberty, Coralville, Iowa City, University of Iowa Police, the Sheriff, and area fire and EMS. When you call 911 from within NL city limits, JECC takes the call and dispatches NLPD (or fire/EMS as appropriate). The advantage is consolidated dispatch and faster mutual aid; the practical effect is that all of these agencies share dispatch infrastructure.
After arrest — what happens next
If NLPD arrests you in North Liberty:
- Booking transport. Most NLPD arrests are transported to the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City for booking. NL does not run its own jail.
- Initial appearance. Within 24 hours (often the next business day), you appear before a magistrate at the Johnson County Courthouse. Bond is set. Counsel is appointed if you qualify.
- Charging decisions. The Johnson County Attorney decides whether to file, what to file, and at what level.
- Case proceeds in state court. See the criminal defense guide for the next steps.
School Resource Officers
NLPD assigns School Resource Officers (SROs) to the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) schools serving North Liberty, including Liberty High School and elementary buildings in the city. SROs are sworn NLPD officers with school assignment — they handle on-campus incidents, support school administration, and investigate matters that may become criminal charges. Parents and students should know that statements to an SRO are statements to a police officer, full stop.
Specialty assignments & task forces
- Criminal investigations division — major case work, follow-up, evidence.
- Community outreach & victim services — referral to advocates and county services.
- Regional task force participation — NLPD partners with other Johnson County and area agencies on drug, gang, and major-crime investigations.
Coralville residents needing the Coralville Police equivalent see our sister page at coralvillelaw.com.
FAQ — North Liberty Police
What's the non-emergency number for North Liberty Police?
The dispatch non-emergency number is (319) 356-6800, routed through the Johnson County JECC. The NLPD records line at (319) 626-5724 is for records requests during business hours, not dispatch.
How do I get a copy of a North Liberty accident report?
Call the NLPD Records Division at (319) 626-5724, or stop by 25 W Cherry Street weekdays 7 AM–4:30 PM. Reports are generally ready 5–10 business days after the incident. A copy fee applies. Crash reports may also be available through Iowa DOT for some incidents.
Where do North Liberty arrests get booked?
At the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City. North Liberty does not operate its own jail. The Johnson County Sheriff operates the jail and provides booking services for all Johnson County police agencies.
Can I look at NLPD body camera footage?
You can request it under Iowa Code Chapter 22 (Open Records). Release depends on whether the case is active, whether disclosure would harm an investigation, and victim/privacy concerns. Requests should be in writing to NLPD records.
Does NLPD handle traffic stops on I-380?
Generally no — the interstate is Iowa State Patrol jurisdiction. NLPD patrols city streets and assists on calls inside city limits. ISP citations on I-380 are routed to the prosecuting county (Johnson if south of the line, Linn if north).