FAQs-Police

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911 is for emergencies only. Police, fire and medical assistance is sent out when there is an immediate threat to life or property and an immediate response is required.

911 should also be called when there is a good chance of arresting a crime suspect or preventing the development of a serious crime situation. Timely reporting of suspicious persons, vehicles, or circumstances, threats of violence or injury, and disturbances of any nature could prevent an emergency from occurring.

Examples of emergency calls:

In progress crimes
House/structure fire
A person has been shot
Bank/business robbery
Burglary in progress/just occurred
Someone is having a heart attack
Traffic accident withinjuries involved
Life threatening condition and medical aid is needed

Examples of non-emergency calls:

Loud party or music
Parking violations
Barking dog
Road information
My car was towed. How do I get it back?
The traffic light is broken
I scraped my knee
Non-injury traffic accidents
Time delayed reports with no suspect information

Note: Calls to 911 for non-emergencies require the dispatcher to divert his or her attention away from real emergencies and may create a delay in responding officers to the scene of a serious crime.

What should I do when calling 911?

The dispatcher will ask you what type of emergency you have - Police? Fire? or Medical? You must remember to:

*Stay on the line * Remain calm * Answer all questions

Napa Central Dispatch is a primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). This means, all calls from teh County of Napa are routed to Napa Central Dispatch. When a 911 call is received, the dispatchers evaluate the caller's needs. If the call involves a medical emergency in the city or county, dispatchers have received specialized training and certification in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD). Dispatchers will evaluate medical calls for service and provide pre-arrival assistance to callers. If the call involves a fire in the county, the call is transferred to Cal-Fire.

If I call 911 on my cell phone, who will I reach?

If you are in the Napa County area you will reach Napa Central Dispatch. If you are in another jurisdiction you will either reach the local Dispatch Center or the California Highway Patrol.

How do I call 911 from a cell phone?

You can call 911 directly or the alternate number (for the Napa dispatch center only) 253-0911. It is a good idea to program this into your phone for easy access in an emergency.

What should I do if I call 911 by mistake?

Whether you call 911 on purpose or by mistake, the dispatcher will many times receive your caller information even if you terminate the call before the line is answered. The dispatcher will immediately call you back and inquire if an emergency exists. If the line is busy, the dispatcher may have an operator interrupt your calls o that he/she may determine if there is an emergency at your residence or business. If the line is not answered when the diaptcher attempts to call, an officer will be dispatched to the address from which the call originated to "check the welfare" of the residence or business. If you dial 911 in error, please remain on the line and advise the dispatcher that you have made a mistake.

I am a TTY/TDD caller.

If you use a text telephone (TTY/TDD), make sure you know the correct way to dial 911 on your machine. After dialing 911, it's very helpful to the dispatcher if the caller taps the space bar several times on their keyboard, then wait, (tapping the space bar is not a requirement), repeat this procedure continuously until the dispatcher activates his/her dispatch TTY/TDD device. When the dispatcher's TTY/TDD is activated, it will automatically type "Napa 911, what is your emergency GA." Please reply with your address and state your emergency. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until he/she advises you to terminate the call (sksk).

If you do not have access to a text telephone or a hearing person is not available to call fo ryou, dial 911 and leave the phone off the hook. If you can talk, repeatedly state your problem or make frantic sounds that can be heard by the dispatcher. The telephone system's viewing screen will display your location and the dispatcher will send help for you.

Tapping the space bar is not a requirement. All calls into the Communications Center that are "open line" or when a person is "not speaking" will be tested for a possible TTY/TDD caller.

What number should I call if it's not an emergency?

Please telephone the Police Department at 707-257-9223. 911 is to be used for emergencies only.

Can I file a police report online?

Yes. To file an online report, please use our Online Reporting System . Telephone the Police Department at 707-257-9223 if the suspect is nearby and may be possible to apprehend.

Can I remain anonymous when I call?

If you wish to remain anonymous, please tell the Dispatcher at the time of your call.

How can I obtain a restraining order against someone?

You should contact an attorney or the Napa County Superior Court for information on restraining orders.

Will the Police Department do a background or DMV check on an individual for me?

No. It is illegal for a member of the Police Department to access the DMV or criminal history computer files for private purposes.

I'm leaving on vacation soon. Would it be possible for the Police to watch my home while I'm away?

Sorry. The Police cannot act as security companies for private residences. Click here for tips on making your house look lived-in while you're away.

I am having an alarm system installed in my house or business. Do I have to have a permit?

Yes. All intrusion alarms installed within the Napa city limits require a permit. The fee is $34 for a three-year permit. To view and print an application form, please visit our alarm permit information page .

Does the Police Department charge for excessive false alarms?

Yes. Fines for excessive false alarms are being enforced as provided in the Napa Municipal Code. For more information, please visit our alarm permit information page .

I received a billing for false alarms and want to appeal it. What should I do?

Call our alarm permit office at 707-257-9290. to discuss your questions and concerns. If you are unsatisfied with the results of this conversation, you may request a formal appela haring.

To request a hearing, send a letter stating the reasons for your appeal. It is suggested that you attach any supporting documentation such as repair orders for a faulty alarm system. Mail your appeal letter to:

    Napa Police Department
    Alarm Permit Office
    1539 First Street
    Napa, CA 94559

A hearing officer, appointed by the City Manager, will contact you with a hearing date.

How do I report a crime?

If you are reporting an emergency that is happening now or just happened, call 911 (remember...if you're calling from a cell phone you should dial 253-0911). If you are reporting something that previously happened and want a report made, call 257-9223.

How do I report a traffic collision?

Traffic collisions don't necessarily need a report taken. If there are no injuries and all parties have exchanged the necessary information, your next step is to report the collision to your insurance company and the DMV (if necessary). If injuries are sustained during the collision or if the other party refuses to exchange the necessary information, please call 911 (253-0911 from a cell phone).

How can I report domestic violence?

Call 911 If there is a dangerous situation occurring or one that seems imminent. To report violence that is not occurring at that moment, call 257-9223.

I would like to report a missing person. Who can I contact?

To report a missing person (juveniles or adults) telephone 257-9223.

I lost something and need to know if it's been found. Who do I speak with?

Contact the Napa Police Department Property Room by calling 257-9580.

Where can I obtain a copy of a Police report?

From the Records Bureau located in the Napa Police Department. Normally, requests must be made in person. For additional information and fees associated with obtaining the report please visit the Records Bureau page.

I received a parking ticket. How do I go about taking care of it?

You have 21 days after issuance of the parking ticket to take care of it before incurring penalties. Parking tickets are handled by a company called Data Ticket whom the City of Napa has contracted to manage our parking tickets. Data Ticket can be contacted at (800) 989-2058; by logging onto www.ticketwizard5000.com ; or by U.S. mail - Citation Processing Center, P.O. Box 2730, Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2730.

I received a parking ticket that I believe to be in error. How can I contact the officer who wrote it?

If you believe that you are not guilty of the violation cited, you can contest the citation by calling Data Ticket at (800) 989-2058 or by logging onto www.ticketwizard5000.com within 21 days of issuance of the citation. If you believe the citation is in error, such as it is written to a vehicle you don't own or drive you can come to the Police Department within 5 days of issuance of the citation and fill out a "Parking Citation Review Request" form. It will be reviewed by teh Parking Enforcement personnel and you will be notified with the results of the review. We reiterate that appeals based on guilt or innocence or mitigating circumstances must be processed through the 800 number or throught the website. Officers cannot voice, forgive or otherwise "fix" tickets once they are written.

How can I retrieve an impounded vehicle?

If you are the registered owner or his/her agent you can retrieve the impounded vehicle by coming to the Police Department and contacting the Records Division. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. You may have to pay a release fee to get your car out of impound. Before the car can be released the car has to be currently registered and a licensed driver has to be present when the car is released.

How can I report an abandoned vehicle?

Call the Abandoned Vehicle hotline at (707) 257-9549 and leave the location of the vehicle, the make and model, color, license plate, a brief description of the problem and a telephone number if we need to contact you for further details. The removal process begins with a 72-hour notice. Top priority removals go to vehicles found without tires, broken windows, missing engine cmoponents, are filled with trash or are leaking fluids. Second priority goes to those vehicles with expired registration tags in excess of six months. You can also send an e-mail with this information to the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it desk with this information.

How can I report a stolen vehicle?

If it is being stolen now or was stolen minutes ago, call 911. If you do not know exactly when it was stolen call 257-9223.

Who do I speak to regarding traffic issues?

Call the Traffic Division at (707) 258-7889 and leave a voicemail message. Someone fromthe Traffic Division will call you back at their earliest convenience.

Cars speed down my street. Who do I call to get extra patrol and/or have the radar trailer parked on my street?

Call the Traffic hotline at (707) 258-7889 and leave a voicemail message describing the problem. The Traffic Sergeant will assign Police Officers and the radar trailer on a priority basis.

My car was towed an impounded for 30 days because the driver has a suspended license. Who do I call for a tow hearing to see if the car can be released earlier than 30 days?

You can call the Tow Hearing line at (707) 258-7892 and leave a message requesting a tow hearing. During your message leave the case number or license plate of the vehicle that was impounded. A Police employee will call you back to arrange an appointment for a tow hearing or conduct the hearing over the phone. You can also come to the Police Department Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to request a tow hearing.

How do I report a broken traffic signal or a traffic hazard?

Please call the Dispatch center non-emergency center at (707) 257-9223. The Public Safety Dispatchers will take care of routing the call to the appropriate person.

Who can I speak to about a drug problem?

If you have a drug problem you should contact the County Drug and Alcohol Services at 253-4412.

I need to speak with someone about my teenager who is having problems. Who should I speak with?

Our Youth Diversion Program specializes in helping our youth and parents. To speak to someone in our Youth Diversion Program, please call 257-9262.

I am a juvenile and would like to speak to someone about abuse from my parents. Who can I call?

If you feel you are in danger and need immediate assistance, please call 257-9223 and ask for an Officer's assistance. If you are not in immediate danger and would like advice, you can call and speak to someone with our Youth Diversion Program. This program specializes in helping youth and parents. The number is 257-9262.

Who should I speak with regarding an outstanding warrant?

Contact the Napa County Sheriff's Department Warrant Bureau at 253-4309.

Can I obtain a copy of my personal criminal report?

Please call our Records Bureau for information on pricing. They can be reached at 257-9573. If you choose to pay for the livescan services , your rap sheet will be sent to you by the Department of Justice.

I need to talk to someone regarding a subpoena.

You can call the Napa County District Attorney's office at 253-4211.

How do I apply for a job with the Napa Police Department?

Job descriptions, employment information and applications can be obtained at www.cityofnapajobs.org, by phoning the City of Napa JOBLINE at (707) 257-9542 or in person at the City of Napa Personnel Department. 1541 Second Street, Napa. Additional information can also be obtained by contacting our Hiring and Recruitment Specialist, Steve Geoghegan. Steve can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling (707) 257-9572.

What steps do I need to take to become a Police Officer?

To obtain a comprehensive job description please visit www.cityofnapajobs.org . If you have further questions please e-mail our Hiring/Recruitment Specialist at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How do I contact the Napa Police Department?

For additional phone numbers and contact information please click here.

What are the Police Department's business hours?

The Police Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and closed on holidays.

Where is the Police Department located?

The Police Department is located at 1539 First Street in downtown Napa.

Who can I contact about the service or treatment (either good or bad) I received by the Police Department?

You can call 257-9223 at any time of the day or night and ask to speak to the Sergeant on duty or a supervisor. During normal business hours you may also call 257-9550 and ask to speak with the Sergeant on duty or a supervisor. You may also use the U.S. mail or e-mail any of the contact people listed on this website. Finally, you can come into the Police Department in person during normal business hours. Please note that the Napa Police Department does not accept anonymous complaints.

How can I start a Neighborhood Watch group for my area?

For information on our Neighborhood Watch Program please call 258-7885.

I'm moving to a new area. Can I talk to someone about crime in the neighborhood I'm moving to?

The Police Department does not release specific neighborhood information. The best way to find out about a neighborhood is to ask people who live there.

Where can I obtain information about Megan's Law?

For further information visit their website locaed at www.meganslaw.ca.gov

How can I report drug activity in my neighborhood?

If you are concerned about drug activity in your neighborhood you can call 257-9223 and ask to speak to an officer or you can call the drug tip line at 224-DRUG. You can choose to give your name and phone number or remain anonymous.

How can I report gang activity in my neighborhood?

You may call the Department's non-emergency line. The number is 257-9223 and ask to speak to an Officer. If you'd like to remain anonymous you may still call that number and ask to be transferred to the voicemail of a S.T.R.E.T. team (gang unit) member.

Should I call the Police if I see something "suspicious" or unusual in my neighborhood?

Yes - you should call 257-9223. Police need your help in recognizing when something is wrong. Your input is vital and we need your help. Most criminals are caught when witnesses see something 'suspicious' and call Police.

I'm hosting an event and there will be music. Do I need a permit?

Yes, you do. Please contact our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by e-mail or by telephone at 707-258-7838.

I am hosting an event and would like to close my street and prevent traffic from coming through. Who should I contact to obtain approval?

Please call City Hall Administration. They can be reached at 257-9500.

How do I report graffiti?

Call the Graffiti hotline at 257-9528 and report the exact location. Please give street address, or if in a block, the nearest cross street and the exact location and typ eof graffiti. Please leave your name and a phone number in case we need to contact you. You can also send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the information.

Who do I call about animal problems such as dogs running loose in the neighborhood?

Animal care and regulation for the citizens of Napa is provided by a fulltime animal control officer through an agreement with the County of Napa. You should call 253-4517 for animal control issues. For dog bites, call the Napa Police Department (257-9223) and an Officer will respond. For barking dog complaints, call the Police Department (257-9223) and request that a barking dog packet be mailed to you. The Napa Police Department will not respond to the location of the barking dog.

What are the noise limits for the city/my neighborhood?

Neighborhood noise. There are no specific limits in the law. However, the law does prohibit what is called unreasonable noise. What is reasonable depends on the time of day, location and cause of the noise.

Construction noise. Please be aware that personal construction noise can occur at any time of the day. Commercial construction rules are listed below:

Noise - commercial activity (store deliveries, etc.): 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (per NMC 8.08.020)

Noise - construction activity in Napa city limits only (per NMC 8.08.025): 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunda and legal holidays (unless a special permit has been secured from the City Manager; start up of machines/equipment: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; Delivery of materials/equipment: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Cleaning of machines: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (note that machines may not be running until 8:00 a.m. and must be shut off by 7:00 p.m.); Servicing of equipment: 7:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. (note that machines may not be running until 8:00 a.m. and must be shut off by 7:00 p.m.)

How can I report someone who I believe is breaking the noise level laws?

Report the incident to our dispatch center at 257-9223.

How can I report someone who is loitering?

Call our dispatch center at 257-9223 and an Officer will be dispatched to investigate the person.

I need to get fingerprints done. Can I get them done at the Police Department?

Fingerprinting services are available at the Napa Police Department. You may arrange for an appointment by calling 707-257-9573. For hours, fees and further information please visit our Records Bureau page.

I collect patches. Can I have a Napa Police Department patch to add to my collection?

Unfortunately, due to security and fiscal reasons, the Napa Police Department does not give or sell patches.

What is the difference between the Napa Police Department, the Napa County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol and how do I contact the appropriate agency?

The Napa Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, crime prevention and traffic safety within the Napa city limits. To reach our dispatch center for non-emergency calls, please call 257-9223. To obtain further contact information for Department employees, please visit the Department's contact page .

The Napa County Sheriff's Department is responsible for those functions in the unincorporated areas of Napa county and by contract for the Town of Yountville and the City of American Canyon. For more information on the Napa County Sheriff's Department please click here.

The California Highway Patrol is primarily responsible for traffic enforcement and safety in the unincorporated parts of the county and on freeways. Their business office number is 253-4906. For CHP dispatch, please call 551-4100.

If you are not sure which agency you need, you may call 257-9223 and one of our Public Safety Dispatchers will direct your call.

Who oversees the Napa County Jail?

The county jail is run by the Napa County Department of Corrections. The Napa Police Department has no oversight authority or responsibility for jail operations or for prisoners in the jail. They are located at 1125 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559. To reach their administration please call707-253-4401 or to reach the jail please call 707-253-4402.

Who can I contact to find out if someone is currently in jail?

To find out if a certain individual is currently in custody please call 707-253-4401 or you may use your computer to do an in-custody search.

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