Royal Oak Police Department

09/28/2026

Press release concerning an incident which occurred on the evening of Sunday, September 27, 2026.

09/18/2026

Members past and present of the Royal Oak Police Department were honored to take part in the eastern leg of the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan along Woodward Avenue earlier today. Our team took over from the Ferndale Police Department and ran up Woodward Avenue, before handing the torch off to the Berkley Department of Public Safety. Thanks to everyone who honked, waved and cheered us on along the way. It was a great day for a wonderful cause.

09/17/2026

UPDATE 9/17/2026 at 2:35 PM: The issue has been resolved and we have resumed normal operations. Please call 248.246.3500 for all non-emergency inquiries. Thank you for your patience.

NOTICE: Our non-emergency phone lines are currently experiencing intermittent functionality. 911 REMAINS OPERATIONAL FOR EMERGENCIES. If you have issues reaching us for non-emergency calls at our normal number, please dial either 248.545.9302 or 248.545.9303 to reach our communications center. Thank you. Royal Oak, MI - City Hall

09/17/2026

Tomorrow afternoon, Royal Oak PD will be running as part of the eastern leg of the Oakland County Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan along Woodward Avenue, picking up from Ferndale Police Department and handing off to Berkley Department of Public Safety. Give us a wave if you see us! We appreciate everyone’s support of the Special Olympics Michigan!

Birmingham officers will be participating in the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan tomorrow morning, September 18, 2026. Please be advised that our officers, along with many other local agencies, will be running in roadways with a police es**rt. We apologize for any delay this may cause in your travels as our first responders fundraise for the amazing SOMI athletes.

We appreciate your encouragement and support for our officers, and the incredible Special Olympics Michigan organization!

09/16/2026

Want an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how your local police department operates?

Applications are still open for the 2026 Royal Oak Citizens Police Academy! The Citizens Police Academy is open to Royal Oak residents 18+ and starts on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026 for seven weeks. The application deadline is October 10, 2026.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with your police department and learn what it takes to Keep Royal Oak Safe. Apply here today: https://seam.ly/IpSH0Voe

**APPLY NOW for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy!!**

Are you a Royal Oak resident looking to get an insider's view of the internal operations and challenges of your police department?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Royal Oak Citizens Police Academy, which begins on Wednesday, October 21st., 2026 at 6:30 PM.

The Royal Oak Citizens Police Academy is an exciting seven-week course that meets once a week on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM. Classes are open only to Royal Oak residents and each class will last for approximately three hours.

You must be 18 years of age or older to attend the academy and all potential applicants will be screened before they are accepted. The deadline to apply is October 10, 2026.

Apply at: https://seam.ly/IpSH0Voe

Questions regarding the academy should be directed to Sergeant Dominick Catanese at [email protected]. Royal Oak, MI - City Hall

09/15/2026

Members of the Royal Oak Police Honor Guard and Auxiliary Police Unit were honored to attend last Sunday's Blue Mass for First Responders, held at The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak. Thank you to everyone at Shrine for honoring and blessing first responders from throughout Southeast Michigan. (Photo Credit Retired LT Al Carter)

09/14/2026

Please join us in celebrating the well-deserved promotions of three outstanding members of our department!

Deputy Chief Karly Junga

We are proud to announce the promotion of Karly Junga to Deputy Chief! Making department history, Deputy Chief Junga becomes the first female Deputy Chief in the 108-year history of the Royal Oak Police Department—a fitting tribute coming right on the heels of National Police Women’s Day.

Deputy Chief Junga joined ROPD in August 2005. Over her 21-year career with the city, she has served as a Detective (2014), Sergeant (2015), and Lieutenant (2018). She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University, a Master’s degree from Madonna University, and is supported by her wife, Ashley. We look forward to her continued leadership at the executive level as she takes over as Deputy Chief of Staff Services.

Lieutenant Jimmy Elrod

Congratulations to Jimmy Elrod on his promotion to Lieutenant!

Hired as a police officer in 2015, Lt. Elrod has served the community in multiple key roles, including work as a Task Force Officer with the Troy Special Investigations Unit and a promotion to Sergeant in 2023. Prior to his law enforcement career, he served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Lt. Elrod is supported by his wife, Meagan and will serve as the Commander of Charlie Platoon. We are excited to see him step into this pivotal operational command role!

Sergeant Dave Ratliff

Join us in congratulating Dave Ratliff on his promotion to Sergeant!

Since joining ROPD in 2013, Sgt. Ratliff has demonstrated exemplary service, including specialized work as a Task Force Officer with the Oakland County Narcotics Enforcement Team. Sgt. Ratliff is supported by his wife, Ilyssa and will serve as a patrol supervisor on Bravo Platoon. We look forward to the strong guidance and mentorship he will provide to our officers on shift!

We wish Deputy Chief Junga, Lieutenant Elrod, and Sergeant Ratliff the very best as they begin these exciting new chapters in service to Royal Oak! Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to public safety continue to make the City of Royal Oak a safer and stronger community. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished so far and look forward to the leadership and vision they will bring to their new roles.

09/12/2026

Today, the Royal Oak Police Department proudly recognizes the dedicated women in uniform who serve in law enforcement and make a difference in our community every day.

Thank you for your leadership, courage, and commitment to keeping Royal Oak safe. We’re proud to celebrate you today and every day!

09/11/2026

Today, we say farewell to a true cornerstone of our department.

After 26 years and 6 months of dedicated, honorable service to the Royal Oak Police Department and the City of Royal Oak, Deputy Chief Keith "KD" Spencer is officially retiring and entering his next chapter.

KD began his law enforcement career as a dispatcher with the Berkley Department of Public Safety before entering the police academy and pursuing his path as a police officer. Throughout his distinguished tenure at ROPD, Deputy Chief Spencer served in every operational rank—rising through the department as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and ultimately leading as Deputy Chief for over four and a half years.

His commitment to excellence and leadership is reflected in his decorated service record, which includes a Meritorious Service Award, two Detective of the Year honors, nine Unit Citations, and numerous departmental commendations and letters of recognition.

We congratulate Deputy Chief Keith "KD" Spencer on a remarkable career and a well-deserved retirement. We wish KD and his wife, Christa, all the absolute best as they embark on their next adventure together!

09/11/2026

On today's 25th anniversary, we join our fellow Americans and the rest of the world in remembering those lost in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon. Flight 93, as well as those who have since succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. To the Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, Civilians and every other hero who rushed in to save lives, fight the attackers, or answer the call to serve, we will never forget you.

As we look back on that terrible day, we also remember the four Royal Oak PD officers that responded to New York City to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Pictured: (L-R) Ofc. P. Edgell, Sgt. D. Welch, Ofc. A. Izydorek, Ofc. B. Reilly.