Frequently Asked Questions
Author:
Summary:
Frequently asked questions about police related matters: case status, police reports, release of property, vehicle releases and 9-1-1 calls.
Published On:
9/13/2007Last Updated:
3/2/2010- Police Reports
- Case Status
- Release of Property
- Notarized Record Check Letters
- Vehicle Releases
- 9-1-1 calls
Police Reports
- How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
- You may call our business line before coming in to the Police Department. This will let you know ahead of time if the police report is already filed in the Records Bureau. The Records Bureau is open daily to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- You will need to complete a request form. A case number or detailed information will assist us in obtaining your report.
- You can also request a copy of a report by mail. The written request should list the following information: Name of party involved, type of report, date and time occurred, case number and the need for the information. There are two types of requests; basic (face sheet, short information) or full copy (face sheet and narrative/supplement info.)
- The basic copy will take only the time it takes to research and copy. A full copy takes about 5 days to complete.
- How much will a police report cost?
All police reports cost 25 cents per page. Cash or personal checks are accepted. Checks are payable to the City of Yuma. - How can I add information to my police report?
Call (928) 783-4421. You will be referred by the Communication Center for follow-up by an officer or Patrol Support Officer (PSO).
Case Status & Release Of Property
- How do I find out the status of my case or the the release of my property?
You will need your case number. You may be transferred or referred to the Investigations Bureau for any felony or domestic violence cases. The officer who initially took the report handles all misdemeanor cases. If the officer is unavailable when you call, leave a message and the officer will return your call as soon as possible. - What are the hours of operation for release of property?
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 9:00-12:00 & 1:00-4:00. Please call for an appointment at (928) 373-4775.
Notarized Record Check
- How do I obtain a notarized "Record Check" letter?
Come to the Yuma Police Department main lobby. You will need to bring identification with a photo (i.e. driver license, passport). The clerk will take all the information necessary to conduct a search. You might have to return at a later time to pick up your letter. Record check letters are free of charge.
Vehicle Releases
- How do I obtain a vehicle release?
If your vehicle has been impounded under 28-3511, the following is required to obtain a vehicle release:- Registered owner's valid driver's license
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- $75.00 processing fee (Cash, cashiers check or money orders are accepted.)
- What are the hours of operation for vehicle releases?
Personel are available from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday to Saturday
Questions About 9-1-1
- What is 9-1-1?
It is the fastest way to get help in an emergency. By dialing 9-1-1, the caller can reach emergency services including fire, police, rescue, and ambulance. Each call is sent over dedicated phone lines to the answering point with jurisdiction. It is answered by highly trained and dedicated personnel who will send the appropriate units to help. - What is Enhanced 9-1-1?
Enhanced 9-1-1 selectively routes the emergency call to the appropriate answering point and automatically provides the call taker with the caller's address and telephone number when available. The call taker may ask where help is needed to verify the location of the problem and that the information displayed is correct. Location information is currently not available for cellular calls or rural callers who only have a route and/or post office box number for an address. - Who pays for 9-1-1?
Each access line whether it be from a household or commercial or cellular pays a small monthly fee on their telephone bill. This amount helps to keep the equipment and network at an optimum for the public. There is no cost for making a 9-1-1 call. However, ambulance providers may bill for their transport services. - When should you use 9-1-1?
9-1-1 is ONLY to be used in emergency situations. An emergency is any situation, which requires immediate response from police, fire, rescue, or ambulance units. If you are ever in doubt, call 9-1-1. It is better to be safe and let the call taker decide if your call can be taken on 9-1-1.
Do NOT call 9-1-1:
- for information
- for Directory Assistance - dial 4-1-1
- for paying tickets
- when you are bored and want to talk
- for your pet
- as a prank
- when you need a ride
- if you want to be transferred to another agency
- because your cell phone only dials 9-1-1
- What about prank calls?
Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time and money. They can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help they need. It is also against the law to make prank calls. - How do you make a 9-1-1 call?
- Dial 9-1-1. It is a free call. You can use any kind of phone; push button, rotary, cellular, cordless, PC or pay phone.
- Try to stay calm! State your emergency (why you need help).
- Speak Clearly. Give the call taker your name, phone number and the address where help is needed.
- Stay on the telephone, if it is SAFE to do so. Answer the call taker's questions.
- What if the caller does not speak English?
9-1-1 speaks your language with the help of the Language Line. When necessary, the call taker can add an interpreter to the line. Follow the instructions of the call taker. You may hear some clicking noise and a short conversation in English. Do NOT hang up! - What if the caller uses a TTY/TDD?
- Stay calm and place the phone receiver into the TTY/TDD, and dial 9-1-1.
- After the call is answered, press the TTY/TDD keys several times. This may help shorten the time necessary to respond to the call. However, if you do not press the keys, do not worry. If the call taker receives a silent phone call, their first response is to assume it is a TTY/TDD call.
- Give the call taker time to connect their TTY/TDD. The 9-1-1 call taker will answer and type a "GA" ("go ahead").
- Tell the call taker what is needed – Police, Fire, Rescue or Ambulance. Give your name, phone number and address where help is needed.
- Stay on the telephone, if it is SAFE to do so. Answer the call taker's questions.
- What if a hearing/speech impaired caller does not have a TTY/TDD?
You will still be able to receive help. Dial 9-1-1 and do not hang up. This leaves the telephone line open. With most 9-1-1 calls the address you are calling from is displayed on the 9-1-1 screen and police will be sent. Please remember this does not apply to cellular telephones nor PC telephones, which are not land line connected. - What about silent/hang-up 9-1-1 calls?
9-1-1 is NEVER ignored. Silent or hang up calls, which furnish an address are always checked. The call taker will attempt to re-contact someone by the telephone number listed. If contact is not made, officers will respond to the address. If you accidentally call 9-1-1 or mis-dial 9-1-1, please be sure to stay on the line and let the call taker know there is no actual emergency. Officers may still be sent to your location to make sure you are safe.
International area codes: Be aware some international country codes are close to 9-1-1. If you get 9-1-1 by mistake, please do not hang up. Tell the call taker what happened so they know that there is no emergency. - Are emergency 9-1-1 cellular calls different?
Cellular telephone calls are different from those from a home or business phone. 9-1-1 call takers cannot automatically identify your location.- If you are in a vehicle, pull over and stop.
- Dial 9-1-1 and give as much location information as possible.
- Give your name and cell phone number.
- Describe the nature of the emergency.
- Give a description of the vehicle or person involved.
- Remember do not place yourself at risk to obtain this information.
For More Information
If your question is not answered here, feel free to check out some of the other information available in "Who? What? Where?" the City of Yuma's on-line citizen information system, or contact The Yuma Police Department Records Bureau.
