When should You call 911?

What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

Do I have to give my name when I call 911? 

What can I do for an immediate noise problem?

What can I do for an on going illegal noise complaint?

May I park at a broken, jammed, or defective meter?

Can I park my car once the sanitation sweeper cleans the street?

How far must I park from the fire hydrant in New York City?

I have information about a crime I believe has occurred sometime in the past, so how do I report it and remain anonymous?

I want to get involved or learn more about The Police Explorers Program so how do I get more information?

How do I apply for a handgun License?

How do I get a copy of an accident report?

How do I get a copy of an aided or complaint report?

I think I have a warrant for my arrest. How do I find out?

How can I clear a warrant?

Do arrest or bench warrants expire? 

How do I become a Police Officer?

What are the benefits?

How do I become a part-time crossing guard?

How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

How do I check on the status of a missing person?

How do I check on a case handled by detectives?
Does the Police Department offer any tips for home safety.

Does the Police Department Offer any Security tips for small businesses.

Where can I get my vehicle VIN Etched?

What kind of programs does the Police Department have that involve the community?

What is the Police Department doing to promote positive police/community relations?

How can I get information regarding Summer Playsites or Playstreets and other  

How many Developments are patrolled by the Housing Bureau?
What is a vertical patrol?

I need help from the police. Should I call 911 or the police service area?

What does internal affairs investigate?

How do I make a complaint? 

Must an individual identify themselves to report an allegation?

How does one qualify for a Press card?
How much is the application fee for press credentials?

How can I obtain an application for press credentials?

How long is the application process?

I am starting out in the business and have not covered any previous assignments. How can I obtain a press card?
I have press credentials issued by another state or country. I will be in New York City to cover a major event. Will my credentials be honored ?

Q. When should You call 911?
A. When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

Q. What should you do if you see a crime occurring?
A. Call 911 immediately.

Be observant and make mental notes.
Are there any weapons involved?
What is the address?
Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
Any clothing description?
How many people involved?
Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Q. Do I have to give my name when I call 911?
A. If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

Q. What can I do for an immediate noise problem?
A. If it's not a Police Emergency, please call your local precinct to report the complaint.

Q. What can I do for an immediate noise problem?
A. If it's not a Police Emergency, please call your local precinct to report the complaint.

Q. What can I do for an on going illegal noise complaint?
A. You can report the complaint to the N.Y.C. Department of Environmental Protection AT: (718)337-4357

Q. May I park at a broken, jammed, or defective meter?
A. If the meter is broken, jammed or defective, you may park at that location for a maximum of one hour regardless of the time limit indicated on the sign.  If the meter is missing, you may park at the location for the time limit indicated on the sign. For example, if the sign says (2 Hour Parking), you may not stay longer than two hours just because the meter is missing.

Q. Can I park my car once the sanitation sweeper cleans the street?
A. No, regulations prohibiting parking are in effect during the full period listed

Q. How far must I park from the fire hydrant in New York City?
A. The NYC Traffic Rules state that all vehicles parked within NYC must be at least fifteen (15) feet from a fire hydrant.

Q. I have information about a crime I believe has occurred sometime in the past, so how do I report it and remain anonymous?
A. If you have information about a violent felony crime or whereabouts of someone wanted for a crime, you are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. (Se habla espanol: 1-888-57-PISTA). Callers remain anonymous. If your information leads to the arrest and indictment of a perpetrator for a violent felony crime, you are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000.

Q. I want to get involved or learn more about The Police Explorers Program so how do I get more information?
A. You may call your local precinct and ask to speak to the Youth Officer for information about the Explorers Programs or any other program that might be available at the precinct.

Q. How do I apply for a handgun License?
A. You Must apply in person in the License Division at 1 Police Plaza, room 110. You must be 21 years of age or older and not have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence offense and you must submit all appropriate documentation as required by the license Division. You will be fingerprinted, interviewed and investigated and notified of the results. The application fee is $170.00 and there is a $74.00 fee to process the fingerprints.

Q. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

A.

• You must complete the Request for copy of AIDED/ACCIDENT RECORD
  
• Check or money order for $10.00 payable to N.Y.C. Police Department.
  
• Enclose a stamped, self addressed 9 1/2" X 4" envelope.
  
  NOTE: You may appear in person at the Precinct of occurrence and obtain a copy of your accident report up to 30 days of accident date. If after 30 days, all requests must be mailed.
  

Q. How do I get a copy of an aided or complaint report?

• You must complete the Verification of Crime/Lost Property Form.
• Check or money order for $15.00 payable to N.Y.C. Police Department.
• Enclose a stamped, self-addressed 9 1/2" X 4" envelope.
• Mail all requests to:
  Police Department, Criminal Records Section,
  P.O. box 2528, New York, 10272-2528.
  
  NOTE: No refunds of the search and service fee will be made in any case.
  

Q. I think I have a warrant for my arrest. How do I find out?
A. You may contact the Warrant Section's Telephone Inquiry Unit at (718) 217-8484. You will be asked a series of questions and an investigator will search the records for you.

Q. How can I clear a warrant?
A. In order to clear a warrant, the defendant must return to the court that issued it. A judge will decide what happens next. You can report to one of the boroughs Warrants Squads, your local police precinct or police agency if you live outside New York City, or you can go direct to the court of issuance. Once you appear in court, your lawyer may make a motion to reschedule a court date.

Q. Do arrest or bench warrants expire?
A. Warrants of arrest, which include both arrest and bench warrants, have no expiration date. They are cleared only when abated by death or when a defendant appears before a judge in the court that issued the warrant.

Q. How do I become a Police Officer?
A. You must pass a medical exam, psychological exam, physical agility exam, Background and character investigation . On the day you are hired you must be a United States Citizen, at least 21 years old, have 60 College credits with at least a 2.0 GPA or two years of satisfactory military experience or 2 years satisfactory experience as a Traffic Enforcement or School Safety Agent, have a valid drivers license without restrictions, not have been convicted of a felony and be a resident of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange or Putnam county.

Q. What are the benefits?
A. $34,970 Starting salary (including holiday pay, uniform pay and night differential)

Excellent Promotional Opportunities
A choice of paid medical and dental programs
20 paid vacation days
27 paid vacation days after 5 years
Unlimited sick leave with full pay
Annuity Fund
Optional Retirement at one half salary after 20 years of service. 

Q. How do I become a part-time crossing guard?
A. You may call your local precinct and ask to speak to the highway safety officer for information and an application.

Q. How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?
A. There are several ways you can report someone missing depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 911. In non emergency cases you may wish to visit your local police precinct. It is helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.

Q. How do I check on the status of a missing person?
A. Call the Missing Persons Squad at 646 610-6914

Q. How do I check on a case handled by detectives?
A. Call the assigned detective. If you are unable to reach that person after several attempts and he or she does not return your call, ask to speak to the squad supervisor.

Q. Does the Police Department offer any tips for home safety.
A. The police department offers a free confidential security survey to all residents in New York. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey contact your local precinct's Crime Prevention Officer.

Q. Does the Police Department Offer any Security tips for small businesses.
A. The police department offers a free confidential security survey to all businesses in New York. This survey analyzes the present security level of the premise and makes recommendations on how to increase the level of security. If you are interested in setting up an appointment for a security survey contact your local precinct's Crime Prevention Officer.

Q. Where can I get my vehicle VIN Etched?
A. Each of the city's 76 Precincts offer VIN Etching as part of our Crime Prevention Programs. Contact your local precinct and ask to speak to the Crime Prevention Officer to set up an appointment.

Q. What kind of programs does the Police Department have that involve the community?
A. The office of the Deputy Commissioner Community Affairs develops and oversees programs that involve the community. These include civilian patrols, crime prevention programs, youth programs and liaisons to the various ethnic and cultural communities within New York City. DCCA also oversees special events such as National Night Out, Precinct cleanups and Harmony picnics.

Q. What is the Police Department doing to promote positive police/community relations?
A. The Police Department has developed the Courtesy, Professionalism and Respect Strategy (CPR) to focus on police conduct and police/community relations. The strategy outlines various initiatives regarding Professional Standards, Recruitment Criteria, Training, Performance Monitoring, Reward and Disciplinary Systems and Public involvement CPR is an on going process and the department is continually developing new CPR initiatives. Copies of the CPR strategy can be obtained through the Office of The Deputy Commissioners Community Affairs.

Q. How can I get information regarding Summer Playsites or Playstreets and other PAL programs?
A. You can contact the Youth Division of the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Community Affairs at (718) 834-8855 or the PAL direct at (212) 477-9450 or on their web site http://www.palnyc.org/

Q. How many Developments are patrolled by the Housing Bureau?
A. The Housing Bureau patrols 1,567 buildings that make up 176 developments in the City Of New York.

Q. What is a vertical patrol?
A. Vertical patrol is a process by which a Police Officer systematically and methodically checks each building one at a time, covering roof landings, stairwells and lobbies.

Q. I need help from the police . Should I call 911 or the police service area?
A. If you have a Police Emergency dial 911. If you have a noise complaint, suspect drug activity, or other non emergency situation call your local police service area.

Q. What does internal affairs investigate?
A. The Internal Affairs Bureau investigates allegations of corruption and serious misconduct against members of the NYPD.

Q. How do I make a complaint?
A. The IAB Command Center office is open for complaint, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A complaint may also be called in by phone to (212) 741-8401, by E-Mail to IAB@NYPD.org, or By postal mail to Occupant, P.O. Box 1001, New York 10014; to the Internal Affairs Bureau, located at 315 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013 or in person at any Police Department facility.

Q. What does internal affairs investigate?
A. The Internal Affairs Bureau investigates allegations of corruption and serious misconduct against members of the NYPD.

Q. Must an individual identify themselves to report an allegation?
A. No, an individual need not identify themselves in order to report an allegation. However, if not identified that individual must understand they cannot be contacted by the investigative unit for further information. 

Q. How does one qualify for a Press card?
A. You must be a member of the press and be able to supply the New York City Police Department with proof of your work. (See the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information's Web page for further information)

Q. How much is the application fee for press credentials?
A. There is no filing fee or any other fees for press credentials.

Q. How can I obtain an application for press credentials?
A. Applicants can call the credentials office at (646) 610-6700. We can fax an application or one can be mailed.

Q. How long is the application process?
A. A complete application takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks to process.

Q. I am starting out in the business and have not covered any previous assignments. How can I obtain a press card?
A. The company that hired you has (or can obtain) a temporary reserve working press card. The reserve card will afford you access through police lines.