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F.A.Q.
Fresno Police Department Frequently Asked Questions
How do I deal with a suspicious person?How do I deal with a theft?How do I deal with an animal that has been hurt or endangered?How can I reduce the chances of being a victim of vehicle burglary?What are the new laws governing driving while using my cell phone?How do I obtain a copy of a police report? Who can obtain a copy of a police report? Is there a fee for a copy of a police report?Can I request a police or accident report by mail?How do I find out if my car has been towed, repossessed or impounded?How can I get a release for my vehicle?How much will having my vehicle released cost?My vehicle was impounded for driving with a suspended driver's license. What happens now? How can I dispute a vehicle impoundment? Who do I call if my vehicle was repossessed?How do I find out if someone has been arrested?How do I find out if I have warrants for my arrest? How do I obtain a copy or review my local criminal record? How do I obtain a police clearance letter for immigration or visa purposes? Can I go on a "Ride Along" with Fresno Police?What is required of me in order to go on a Ride Along?Who do I contact about participating in the Ride Along program?How do I deal with a suspicious person?
2. Be a good witness. Take note of hair color, facial hair, height and weight. Remember, clothing can easily be changed - often criminals will wear multiple layers of clothing so they can escape easily.
3. Get vehicle descriptions and license plates if you can. Do not jeopardize your safety to do so.
4. If it appears the subject is about to commit a crime, make it known to them that the y are being watched. Do not approach the subject.
5. If someone comes to your door that you are not expecting or do not know, do not open the door. Make contact through the door. Have them provide you with their I.D. and tell them that they will have to make an appointment to see you. Do not avoid answering the door. Often times criminals will knock on a door to see if someone is home before they break into a residence. Most thieves do not want to encounter a person while they are committing their crimes. These people will usually ask for someone and then say they have the wrong address when you answer.
6. Know your neighbors. Have their phone numbers available. If you see someone suspicious, call your neighbors so they are aware of the subject.
7. If you believe that the person is involved in criminal activity, call the police. Be prepared to give your address and the location where the suspect is standing. If you do not know the address, describe the location and where it is in relation to your address. For example "It's the blue house two houses south from my house."
8. If you are not at home when you see a suspicious person, keep your distance. This is especially true if you are on foot or alone at a location.
9. Call the police and describe what you saw. Do this from a safe location.
10. If it appears the subject is committing a crime, make noise to get other people's attention. Honk your horn or yell. This will usually cause the person to run away.
Back to topHow do I deal with a theft?
Back to topHow do I deal with an animal that has been hurt or endangered?
2. If you see a loose dog or other animal, contact the owner if you know who they are. If you don’t know who owns the animal contact the Central California S.P.C.A at (559) 233-SPCA. They are trained to catch loose animals.
3. Keep children inside. Wait for someone to catch the animal before going outside.
4. Do not pick up or touch injured animals. A bite from an animal may necessitate medical treatment for the injury and rabies. This is especially true if the animal runs away before it can be caught and tested.
5. If you know the animal and it is familiar with you, try to contain it to a fenced yard. Avoid pulling on the animal. If you injure it, it may bite you.
6. If you encounter a large animal such as a cow or horse, try not to spook the animal. Warn traffic of the loose animal if possible and contact the Fresno Police Department.
Back to topHow can I reduce the chances of being a victim of vehicle burglary?
2. Park in a well-lit area.
3. Get an alarm with a flashing LED light and shock sensor. The light lets people know you have an alarm. Shock sensors are designed to go off when the window is broken. It is very common for thieves to break a window to remove property and never set off the car alarm.
4. Park on well-traveled paths. Avoid parking in alleys or small dark streets. Most parking lots have major roads near them; this allows your vehicle to be seen by people passing by.
5. Park inside your garage. If this is not possible, get motion lights for your driveway.
6. Do not leave garage door openers in vehicles left outside. This could facilitate intruders getting into your house.
7. If you have expensive stereo equipment, keep it out of sight. Get a removable stereo or removable faceplate.
8. Be cautious about leaving items in a vehicle trunk. Most trunks can be accessed from within the vehicle.
Back to topWhat are the new laws governing driving while using my cell phone?
Back to topHow do I obtain a copy of a police report?
You may also go to:
Southwest District Station located at 1211 Fresno Street, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.
Northeast District Station located at 1450 E. Teague Avenue, Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., except holidays.
You will need to complete a request form, which states your interest in the police report. Please include the case number or detailed information to assist us in determining the correct case number.
Back to topWho can obtain a copy of a police report?
To obtain a copy of a property or person crime report, you must provide a case number or other information to assist in identifying the incident. The report may be released if it is not still under investigation or restricted.
If you are an arrested party on a police report and charges are filed by the Fresno County District Attorney's Office, the Deputy District Attorney will provide a copy of the police report to your attorney at the arraignment hearing. If you are not represented by an attorney, the Deputy District Attorney will provide a copy of the report to you at the arraignment hearing. Do not go to the District Attorney’s Office to request a copy of the police report.
If a juvenile is listed on the police report as a suspect, is arrested, or the activity may result in dependency procedures, you can only obtain a copy after a juvenile court order is obtained through the Fresno County Juvenile Court, located at 810 S. Tenth, Fresno (559) 455-5195.
Back to topIs there a fee for a copy of a police report?
If applicable: Make your check or money order payable to the City of Fresno. We also accept most major credit cards when you come in person. NO CASH OR PERSONAL CHECK.
Back to topCan I request a police or accident report by mail?
Please send your request, along with payment, if over 10 pages to: Fresno Police Department, Attention: Records Bureau, P. O. Box 1271, Fresno, CA 93715-1271.
Back to topHow do I find out if my car has been towed, repossessed or impounded?
Also any information that the officer issued to the person who was last driving your car when it was impounded is helpful. If you do not know the license plate or VIN, please check your paperwork (such as the pink slip, vehicle repair receipts or insurance papers) that you may have
Back to topHow can I get a release for my vehicle?
Monday - Friday 8 to 5 PM
Southwest District Station 1211 Fresno St 621-6111
Northeast District Station 1450 E. Teague Ave 621-6441
Saturday - Sunday 8 - 5PM: Come to the Fresno Police Department Headquarters, 2323 Mariposa Mall, Fresno CA.
CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS
The vehicle must be currently registered.
The vehicle will only be released to the licensed registered owner*.
If the registered owner does not have a valid driver's license he or she will need a State of California identification card, or another acceptable form of identification, and accompanied by a valid, licensed driver.
With the registered owner's consent, a vehicle release can be issued to another licensed driver. You must contact the Fresno Police at (559) 621-2500, for this requirement.
* Only the driver listed on the vehicle release may obtain the vehicle from the tow yard.
Back to topHow much will having my vehicle released cost?
STORED ONLY: NO FEE - No vehicle release is necessary, go directly to the tow company to get your vehicle.
All impounds are a minimum of $184.00, with additional fees added as they apply.
IMPOUNDED: ($184.00) plus any additional fees as specified by officer on information sheet provided to you at time of the tow.
IMPOUNDED 30 DAYS ($184.00) plus any additional fees as specified by officer on information sheet provided to you at the time of the tow.
Additional Fees
$110.00 ... Added for unlicensed driver, suspended license, DUI, involved in a Speed Contest, or held for evidence.
$184.00 ... If your vehicle was impounded for no registration, expired registration, parked illegally, abandoned.
You will be given the tow company's name and phone number to call for the tow company's payment policy.
Back to topMy vehicle was impounded for driving with a suspended driver's license. What happens now?
The vehicle will be impounded for 30 days.
The owner of the vehicle is responsible for storage fees.
At the end of the 30 day hold period, you will be able to obtain a vehicle release and pick up your vehicle from the tow company.
Back to topHow can I dispute a vehicle impoundment?
To request a hearing call the Hearing Officer at (559) 621-5059 within ten (10) days of the tow.
How you can prevent your vehicle from being impounded?
Do not drive if you have a suspended driver's license, unless your type of suspension states you can drive under certain circumstances.
Please observe those restrictions. Keep your vehicle registration up-to-date. If you have a Certificate of Non-Operation on your vehicle, do not park it on a public street.
Do not loan your vehicle to an unlicensed driver or a person with a suspended driver's license. You will be financially responsible.
Do not operate the vehicle if you are not appropriately licensed. Certain vehicles require special driver's licenses, such as motorcycles.
Do not park your unattended vehicle on a public street for more than 72 hours. After 72 hours, any vehicle, if it is not moved, can be impounded as an abandoned vehicle.
Back to topWho do I call if my vehicle was repossessed?
Back to topHow do I find out if someone has been arrested?
Back to topHow do I find out if I have warrants for my arrest?
Back to topHow do I obtain a copy or review my local criminal record?
The cost for this service is $30.00.
No one can obtain or review your local criminal record but you!
Back to topHow do I obtain a police clearance letter for immigration or visa purposes?
You will need to contact another local law enforcement agency or a private company that provides such services.
Back to topCan I go on a "Ride Along" with Fresno Police? We hope that by offering such a program, we may improve the understanding and sense of cooperation between our officers and members of our community.
Back to topWhat is required of me in order to go on a Ride Along? 2) We will check for warrants, arrests and prior criminal history.
3) An Interview
If you are under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must be with you during your interview and must sign the liability waiver.
Back to topWho do I contact about participating in the Ride Along program?
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