Appleton Police Department

🏀 Neighborhood Nets is heading to Houdini Plaza!

Join officers from the Appleton Police Department and staff from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley this Thursday, June 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Stop by, say hello, and spend part of your afternoon with us. We hope to see you there!

We're very excited for the World Cup.

Please forgive us for any slip-ups in the meantime. ⚽️

APPLETON POLICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY SURVEY TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

(APPLETON, Wis. – June 9, 2026) – The Appleton Police Department is inviting residents, workers, and visitors to share their perspectives through a newly launched Community Survey.

The survey, spearheaded by Lieutenant Adam Nagel, is designed to gather feedback on how the department can best serve the community, address local concerns, and strengthen its connection with the people of Appleton.

“Hearing directly from our community helps ensure we are aligned with the expectations of the people we serve,” said Lieutenant Nagel. “Every voice matters, and this survey is an important tool to guide our work moving forward.”

The survey will remain open through July 17, 2026. It can be taken online through the following links:

Community Survey - English -
https://appletonpdwi.evidence.com/api/drawbridge/community/public/surveys-web/SRV-825310

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https://appletonpdwi.evidence.com/api/drawbridge/community/public/surveys-web/SRV-691913

Encuesta Comunitaria - Español -
https://appletonpdwi.evidence.com/api/drawbridge/community/public/surveys-web/SRV-414553

In addition to the online survey, Appleton Police officers will be engaging with the community in person, sharing information and answering questions at public events and locations. The first public engagement will be at the Appleton Public Library on June 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Additional in-person locations and times will be announced on the Appleton Police Department’s social media channels.

The Appleton Police Department expresses its appreciation to everyone who takes the time to participate and contribute to shaping the future of public safety in Appleton.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2026

APPLETON POLICE MAKE ARREST RELATED TO CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT

(APPLETON, Wis. – June 8, 2026) – The Appleton Police Department arrested a registered s*x offender for crimes related to the s*xual assault of a child. DePreist T. McGruder DOB 12/14/99, of Appleton, was arrested today at his residence and confined in the Outagamie County Jail.

The case began when McGruder met the victim at a public location. McGruder was not known to the victim prior to the encounter. He falsely presented himself as a 17-year-old to the victim, who was under the age of 16. McGruder continued contact with the victim both in person and through electronic means. Police were notified after the victim suspected McGruder was older than he claimed and attempted to distance themself from him out of fear.

McGruder was confined in the Outagamie County Jail on charges including:
• Repeated (1st Degree) S*xual Assault of the Same Child, WI §948.025(1)(b)
• Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child S*x Crime, WI §948.075(1r)
• Child Enticement, WI §948.07(1)
• Sending Obscene or S*xually Explicit Electronic Messages, WI §944.25(2)
• Grooming of a Child for S*xual Activity, WI §948.072(2)
• Probation Violation

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest any other children in the Appleton area were harmed. Because this is an active criminal case, no additional details will be released at this time.

Thumbs up for BFF's! 👍🚒

On , we're giving a shout-out to our friends at the Appleton Fire Department. We're fortunate to work alongside such dedicated professionals every day.

Thanks for your partnership, teamwork, and shared commitment to keeping our community safe—even if you still won't let us drive the trucks.