Dear Middleton Businesses,

The purpose of this letter is to notify you of a change in the police department’s policy regarding the investigation of worthless checks. Effective January 1, 2006 the department is enacting new polices and procedures for the investigation of Worthless Check complaints. Although many departments no longer investigate worthless check cases unless they reach felony status ($2500.00 or more); our department recognizes the importance of these types of cases to the business community, and the deterrence that is provided by arrest and prosecution of more minor cases. The most significant changes in the investigative policy are:

• Checks submitted for investigation must be written for a minimum of $100.00, or there must be multiple checks from the same issuer totaling $100.00 within a 60 day period.
• The person receiving the check must require and document positive identification from the check writer. Positive identification may be in the form of a Wisconsin drivers license or ID card, or the check issuer is personally known.
• The check must be drawn on a Wisconsin bank, and the account holder must have an address in Wisconsin .

These restrictions will not apply to cases involving fraud or forgery, nor do they preclude you from pursuing collection or civil action against the check writer. All other restrictions of current state statutes will still apply.

The department has developed a new Worthless Check Complaint Form which provides additional information on the department policy and can be used to submit a qualifying complaint.

Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,

Sgt. Barry Reynolds
Supervisor – Investigative Services Bureau
827-1017

breynolds@ci.middleton.wi.us