In August of 1993 the City of Fond du Lac Police Department opened a "Field Office" within the Central District area. The office, in a storefront type of apartment in a three-story apartment building, was opened to promote positive contacts between police officers and individuals residing in the neighborhood. 

The Central District encompasses the downtown business district, and the adjacent residential area located to the west. It is geographically the smallest of the city's seven districts, but it regularly accounts for over 20% of the city's call load. The downtown area is home to numerous small shops, low-rise office buildings, apartment buildings, restaurants and 11 of the city's 28 taverns. The residential area is characterized by four large apartment buildings and numerous multi-family houses converted from older single family houses. There are very few owner occupied houses in the area. The City and the Department hope that this program will promote home ownership in the area.

The Field Office is staffed by Officer Rich Woodruff during his working hours, and by volunteers from the Patrol Division during the hours and on the days that he does not work. The office is usually open for three hours a day, seven days a week. The office has an "Open Door" policy. Neighbors are encouraged to come in and talk about concerns, file complaints, or to sit, talk and have a soda. Officers are encouraged to use the office to conduct interviews, complete paperwork and to follow-up on complaints. In 1996 several pieces of office equipment were added, including a computer, to assist officers with their duties.