FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the PD have a Lost and Found?
If you have lost/found something, the first step is to
complete a Citizen's Crime
Report (available here online or at the Police Department: 900 Park Street,
Paso Robles) for any reported lost or found property. If you've
found an item, it should be brought in to the Police Department
with a completed Citizen's
Crime Report. Found property that can not
immediately be identified will be secured in our property room
and will be properly disposed of after the appropriate time
period.
When is the Paso Robles Police Department open?
The Police Department as a whole is open 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The
Records Division is open M-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Should I call the police if I see something "suspicious" or "unusual" in my
neighborhood?
Yes! Police need your help in recognizing when somethings wrong. Your input is vital
and we need your help. Most criminals are caught when citizens see something
"suspicious" and call police.
What can I do about traffic safety problems in my neighborhood?
If you are concerned about speeding, drivers running stop signs
or parking problems, complete the online
form for reporting a traffic
problem.
I was told I need a police "case number." How do I get one?
Police case numbers are only issued when an official investigation and report is
made. In order to get a case number, therefore, you need to file a report. You may
come to the police station at any time of the day or night, or you can call police
dispatch (805) 237-6464 and have an officer come to where you are if you are in the
City or reasonably close by. In some cases, for some kinds of reports, the officer
can take the information over the telephone. After the report is taken, you should
ask the officer for their name and the case number for your records.
How do I get a case number for something Ive already reported?
The best thing to do is to write it down, as well
as get the name of the officer, when you make your report.
However, you can get a case number by calling the Records
Division at (805) 227-7500 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We need to know what
kind of an incident occurred, and the date, time and location to look it up for you.
How do I get a copy of a report?
You need to complete an application, and, if a juvenile (under the age of 18) is
involved, a different form is required. You or your insurance representative/attorney
may also request a copy the report for a fee. Click here to download/view the
Fee Schedule.
How can I find out when Im supposed to be in Court?
We will look it up for you or refer you to the clerk of the San
Luis Obispo Superior Court, Paso Robles Branch at (805) 237-3080
for criminal cases and (805) 237-3070 for traffic.
I lost my copy of a "fix-it" ticket/citation. How do I get a duplicate?
If you come in personally and properly identify yourself, we will make an attempt to
locate the citation and provide you with a copy or refer you to court to obtain a
copy of your citation.
How do I get a ticket signed off?
If you have received a "fix it" ticket you may have it signed off at our Department
at 900 Park Street by Police Personnel. Please have with you your ticket, photo ID, and
your repaired vehicle. There will be a $15.00 fee (cash or credit
card only).
How can I contest/appeal a parking citation?
The
Section 40215 of the
California Vehicle Code sets forth uniform procedures for
contesting parking citations. These procedures include several
time periods that must be carefully adhered to. The
Parking Citation Appeals
Process, including all required forms, can be found here.
You may also contact the Records Division at 227-7500 for more
information.
How do I register a gun?
The Police Department does not register firearms. Private gun dealers will complete
the necessary state forms for you for a fee.
My car got towed. How can I find out where it is?
You can call us anytime at (805) 237-6464. We need to know the license plate number
or VIN (vehicle identification number), when, and from where it was towed.
I need information on crime statistics. How do I get it?
Call the Records Division at 227-7500.
Do you offer Live Scan fingerprinting to the public?
Yes, by appointment only with a completed application and a photo ID.
Cash, credit card, and business checks only.
I need to be fingerprinted. Can you do it, and how much does it cost?
We provide Live Scan fingerprinting. Photo ID is required. Live Scan fingerprints are done by appointment only.
The fee varies depending on the level of service indicated on the application. Call
the Records Division at (805) 227-7500, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
to schedule an appointment. We do not fingerprint for I.N.S. purposes.
How can I find out if I have a warrant?
You can come into the police station in person, and properly identify yourself.
Please be aware that if you do have a warrant that is not cite-release authorized,
you may be taken into custody and held until you can post bail or you are released.
How can I find out if someone else has a warrant?
Find out where the crime occurred; then call the court you believe has jurisdiction
of that town or city. Do not call the police department. We cannot give this
information to you over the phone.
How can I clear a warrant?
That depends on the warrant. For most traffic warrants, the
issuing magistrate will allow us to cite-release you, or simply
give you a new appearance date, and that will clear the warrant
from the system. However, due to circumstances beyond our control,
the magistrate may require bail, which you will have to post in
the form of a bond, credit card or cash, to be released. Of course, if you are taken into custody, your warrant
is automatically cleared. Note that warrants are issued by the Court, and not us, and
may be re-issued by the Court without notice or warning for a variety of reasons; the
most common being "failure to appear" or "failure to pay."
How can I find out if someone is in jail?
If you come to the front counter, or call us at (805) 237-6464, we will tell you if a
specific person is in our jail. Since we dont hold people in our custodial
facilities any longer than 6 hours, you should also call the San Luis
Obispo County Main Detention Facility at (805) 781-4600. They will tell you if a
specific person is in their custody.
Can I check my own criminal record?
Yes you can. We have the Request for Record forms and information that explains the
Department of Justices requirements for obtaining your criminal record.
Fingerprints are required to be sent along with your application.
Can I check someone elses criminal record?
No, it is not public information. You can, however, check public conviction records
at the Court (805) 237-3080.
How do I find out what the status of my case is?
The best person to call is the officer or detective assigned to your case. If you
know the officers name, contact them at (805) 237-6464, and leave a message
referencing the case number and your specific question. Remember, with some shifts,
it may be several days before they come back to work, research the case, and call you
back. If you dont have the case number or the officers name, call us at (805)
237-6464 and well get the information needed so you can leave a message with the
officer. All of the officers have voice mail. You may
call the number above and request to be transferred to an
officer's voice mail.
I was arrested, but was never given an appearance date. How do I find out if I
should go to court?
If you were not immediately charged with a crime, that doesnt mean charges cannot be
filed later, after an investigation. Depending on the case, after a complaint is
filed, the Court will mail you a Notice to Appear, if they have your current address.
If the Court cannot locate a current address for you, an arrest warrant will be
issued in your name. If you are concerned you might be charged with a crime, perhaps
the best option is to talk to the officer or detective directly that was
investigating your case.
My son/daughter was arrested. Can I get a copy of the case?
If your son or daughter was over 18 at the time of the incident, they are adults, and
you have no standing as a parent to receive any information. Even if they were
juveniles at the time, as a parent, you do not have a right to automatically receive
a copy of the case. If the case is progressing through the legal system, you may
petition the Juvenile Court for a copy of the report. We will be glad to begin this
process for you, once you fill out the Juvenile Request form. And, if its just a
question you have about a case involving your minor child, you might want to talk
directly to the officer.
I reported a crime, but the person who did it was never charged. Why?
The decision to charge, or not charge a person with a crime is something that the
police department does not have control over. While we may accurately document the
facts of a crime, including your statements and make a logical identification of
someone as being responsible, it is ultimately the decision of the District Attorney
to decide to file a criminal complaint, or not. These decisions are not whimsical,
and are more a product of evaluation of evidence, probability of gaining a
conviction, and the overall administration of justice. If your case was not filed,
you should contact the officer or detective involved and discuss the matter with
them. They may also be able to share with you the rationale, if provided, of the
District Attorneys declination of complaint.
How can I get a restraining order?
A restraining order is a civil process, where the person seeking the order makes and
application to a magistrate to temporarily restrain, or restrict another person from
doing something that would otherwise be perfectly legal behavior. While the obtaining
of a restraining order is a private process, there are numerous resources available
to people, especially in cases of domestic violence, to make the process
straightforward and workable. While in some cases the police may apply for an
emergency protective order for someone, it is a temporary solution only, and the
regular process needs to be set into motion as soon as possible.
How can I find out if my restraining order was served?
If you can satisfactorily identify yourself to us as a protected party, and bring in
a copy of the order during normal business hours, we will examine the record to see
if your order shows proof of service.
How can I tell if my restraining order is still valid?
The expiration of a restraining order is listed on its face. If you no longer have
your copy, but can identify yourself to us as being the protected party, we will tell
you if the order is still in force and effect.
How can I find out if someone has a restraining order against him or her?
The court that has jurisdiction of the restraining order
may release
information to you, however, we consider the information a privacy issue and
therefore, confidential and not for public release.
How can I find out if I have a restraining order out against me?
You would have to have been personally served to make it valid, and presumably, you
would know about it.
My (ex) husband/wife violated a restraining order, but wasnt arrested. How
come?
The decision to file charges against someone under 166.4 or other sections of the
Penal Code regarding violation of court orders is a decision by the District
Attorney, not the police department. Our function is to document and assemble
evidence and forward it to the District Attorney for evaluation and further action.
If you have a specific question about a case, we suggest you contact the involved
officer directly.
I need a clearance letter. How do I get one?
We will need a picture I.D. and home address to run a check. The clearance is for a
Paso Robles PD database search only, and is not checked by fingerprints. There is a
charge of $28.00 per person.
How do I get my juvenile records sealed?
Start by calling Juvenile Probation, (805) 781-5300. They can get you started.
Can my employer contact you and ask for my record with the Paso Robles Police
Department?
It depends on who your employer is. Most government and state agencies conduct
records checks on their prospective employees; however, if you work for the private
sector, most likely a records check by your employer will be denied. Your record is
considered confidential and not for public release.
I want a copy of my police report to prepare for my court appearance next month.
Why cant I get it?
We cannot release your report prior to review by the District Attorney. You will
receive a copy of your report on your first court date (your arraignment).
Can I pay my parking ticket at the front counter?
Yes, you can pay for your Paso Robles Police Department issued parking citations at
PRPD. Cash or credit card only.
What can I do about a neighboring house where I believe occupancy numbers are
more than safe or legal?
Contact the Code Enforcement Coordinator at (805) 227-7540.
Under the "Megans Law" can I see if registered sex offenders live in my
neighborhood?
You may now access
information via the California Megan's Law website at
www.meganslaw.ca.gov
What is the process for making a complaint against a
Police Department employee?
Any person desiring to
report misconduct or improper job performance by a police
employee should call the Police Department and ask to speak with
the Watch Commander or that employees supervisor. The
supervisor will meet with you to initially discuss your
complaint. Sometimes issues can be resolved at this point by
the supervisor, who may be able to answer your questions and
concerns. Should you request further investigation after
speaking with the supervisor or the supervisor determines that
further action is warranted, the supervisor will assist you with
completing this Complaint
Form in English or Spanish.