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Police

Show All Answers

1. How can I get a copy of a police report?

If you were the victim, contact the police agency that investigated the crime. If you were the defendant in a criminal case and your case is complete, get a copy of the police report from the court. The court will charge you a copy fee for the front and back of each page

2. My friend/family member was arrested, what do I do?

Calmly and politely ask the police officer for the exact title of the charges. Calmly and politely ask the remaining police officer for the name of the jail where your friend will be taken. DO NOT try to argue with the police officer. You will not change the situation and may even make things worse.

3. What is the procedure for posting bail?

The most prevalent method of posting bail is by obtaining a bond through a licensed bail bondsman since bail can be in the tens of thousands of dollars or more. You pay the bondsman up to 10% of the bail amount so that if a defendant has bail set at $50,000, you can buy or secure a bond for $5,000.

4. I need to make a missing person report, what do I do?

Once you have sufficient reason to believe they are in fact missing, contact your local law enforcement agency to make a missing persons report. Police will need details like the missing person's photo, date of birth, address, physical description, clothing last seen wearing and other details of the life of your missing person. Make it a routine to take at least one head and shoulders photograph of
your loved ones each year. Please be complete with the information you provide to law enforcement; it's always better to have too much information, than not enough.

5. Is the Willits Police Department open 24 hrs?

Yes, the police station is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You may also call the department’s business phone at (707) 459-6122 at any time day or night and speak with a dispatcher who will answer your questions or take messages for the appropriate officer.

6. Where can I obtain information on Domestic Violence?

The different types of restraining orders require different forms, but in all cases, you will need to describe what happened and why you need the restraining order. If you need help with a domestic violence restraining order or a restraining order against someone who sexually assaulted, or if you need emergency shelter, counseling, or help going to court, contact Project Sanctuary at: 564 S. Dora Street (707) 462-9196. You will need to be specific, with dates, details of what the person you want protection from said and did, and copies of any photos, police reports or other evidence.

7. How can I report a hate crime?

If you have been the victim of a hate crime, get medical help if necessary. Write down any and all of the details of the crime as soon as possible after the incident. Include the perpetrator(s) gender, age, height, race, weight, clothes and other distinguishing characteristics. If any threats or biased comments were made (such as slang or epithets), include them in the report.

8. What can I do about graffiti?

Graffiti is an offense of criminal vandalism and can be reported to your local police force via 101. If prosecuted, the offender could face a fine or even imprisonment. Persons under 16 years of age are not permitted to buy aerosol paint cans.

9. What are the ways that I can prevent a crime?

Many municipalities focus on Neighborhood Watch Programs and similar community-based programs, to create positive relationships with the Police Department. Other programs include:

Police Explorer programs
Citizen Police Academies
Coffee with a Cop
Prescription drug drop-off locations
Home and business security surveys
Vacation property checks
Needle exchange programs

You can also use technology to help protect your home.

10. I received a parking/traffic ticket, what do I do?

If you are ticketed for speeding or parking illegally, the ticket should have all the important information printed on it, including the fine, where to pay it, and when to pay it. Even if you decide to fight the ticket, make sure that you know when you must appear in court and where, or to whom to send a letter appealing the ticket.

11. How do I contest a parking citation?

You can contest a parking citation in person. Contact the Willits Police Department at (707) 459-6122. Or visit www.citationprocessingcenter.com .

By phone:
1-800-273-6488

In person:
City of Willits Police Department
125 E. Commercial Street, suite #150
Willits, CA 95490      

12. I was involved in a traffic collision, what do I do?

If you are involved in the collision, get to a safe place if you are able to and gather all of the vehicle’s information. This includes your driver license, vehicle registration and proof of vehicle insurance. If applicable, exchange information with the other involved parties.

13. I had my vehicle towed, what is the process?

At the time that you call to find out about location and charges from the impound, ask what documents you will need to provide to retrieve your car. Generally, you’ll be asked for your driver’s license, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and current registration. Also, if there were any traffic fines, they will probably have to be paid before you get your car back. You might have to fill out some forms, too. If you don't have proper registration and proof is required, you'll have to register the vehicle before being able to retrieve your car.

14. What can I do about a noisy neighbor?

Take a step back before contacting law enforcement.

Ask yourself if this truly is a matter that needs to be addressed immediately? Will this issue resolve itself?

Consider your personal safety.

If you have any concern that your neighbor could react aggressively or  violently to your request, consider asking a third party to help you address the problem.

Avoid personal contact.

In keeping with social distancing guidelines, do what you can to address the issue in a personal, but not in-person manner. E-mails and phone calls are better options than written notes.

Warn the neighbor.

Be sure to provide details on the problem, including the dates, times, and a description of the noise. If tackling the problem head-on doesn't work, get a copy of your local noise ordinance. Email the ordinance to your neighbor (if you have an email address) or send them a printed copy.

15. What can I do about barking dogs in my neighborhood?

Before you get so frustrated that you call animal control on your neighbor and their furry, four-legged friend, it’s important to understand why the dog is barking.

- Anxiety
- Boredom
- Protectiveness

Things you can do:

- Document the issue
- Talk to your neighbor
- Offer solutions
- File a noise complaint

16. I would like to apply for the Citizen Ride-Along Program, what do I do?

- Be at least 18 years of age or 16 years old with parental consent.
- Not have a suspended or revoked driver's license from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Not have any outstanding warrants for their arrest.
- Applicants must apply at least two weeks in advance of the ride-along date so records checks and scheduling can be accommodated.

If you wish to participate in this program, print out and complete the Citizen Ride-Along Application Packet. If you are under the age of 18, but 16 or older you must obtain signed permission from your parent or legal guardian and provide proof of your age (driver's license or birth certificate) before you will be allowed to ride. You must submit your application during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the Willits Police Department, located at:

125 E. Commercial Street suite#150
Willits, CA 95490

17. Can I become a Police Explorer? What is the process?

Law Enforcement Exploring is the preeminent career orientation and experience program for young people contemplating a career in the field of criminal justice. Its mission is to offer young adults, ages 14-21, interested in a career in law enforcement a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences and other activities.

Law Enforcement Explorer Program