Police Department FAQ

1. Overview

Welcome to the Police Department FAQ, please select the question that best fits yours. 

2. What are the police department hours?

Our General business hours are Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. We close our general office on holidays.

The information desk and Watch Commander are available 24/7.  

 

3. I was a victim of a crime. You arrested the suspect. How do I learn if the suspect is still in the jail?

Contact the Kent County Correctional Facility at 616-632-6301. You can also check www.Accesskent.com. Inmate information is found under the Sheriff Department's listing. You have the right to know if a suspect is released from jail.

4. I think the people living next to me are selling drugs. Who can I call?

The best way to report a drug activity in your neighborhood is to call our Vice Unit at 616-456-4800. Also, you can report the information anonymously through Silent Observer by calling 774-2345. You can also email Silent Observer at www.Silentobserver.org. Please provide as much detail as possible.

5. How do I get a Personal Protection Order (PPO).

You must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by someone of that age or older who will consent to be petitioner’s "next friend". You can petition for a PPO by going to the Kent County Court House, located at 180 Ottawa Ave., NW, Suite 3500. A valid ID is required.

6. I have some information on a crime that occurred several weeks ago that would help solve the case. Who do I call?

To provide information for a crime that has happened in the past, you can contact the Detective Unit at 616-456-3380. Detective Unit office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, information can be called in to the Watch Commander at 616-+456-3604. You can also report crime tips anonymously at Silent Observer, 616-774-2345 or at Silentobserver.org.

7. How do I add information to my police report?

You can add property that is missing after the initial report. You can also add recently discovered information. There are two different ways.

  1. You can call the detective that handled the investigation and report it to him/her
  2. You can call us at 616-456-3400 and an officer will add the missing information to your report.

8. How do I find out which Detective is assigned to my case?

Our Detective Unit is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can call 616-456-3380 to talk to the assigned detective. It is helpful if you have your report number at hand when you call to speed up your service.

9. Do individuals leave fingerprints on all items that they touched?

No. Many factors determine whether a print is left. This can include:

  • The condition of the individual’s fingers (oily, dirty, clean, dry, etc.)
  • The type of surface touched (smooth, porous, dusty, etc.)
  • The environmental elements (weather).  

10. How long does it take for evidence to be analyzed?

Analysis time varies from a few hours to several months.

11. Do crime scene technicians respond to all crime scenes?

No, they respond at the requests of officers and detectives based upon the particular scene and circumstances.

12. Why is there an orange sticker on my vehicle?

A fellow citizen, snowplow driver, or police officer reported your vehicle as abandoned on the public roadway. Your vehicle must be moved within 48 hours from when it was tagged with the sticker, or it will be towed at your expense.

13. Can I report an abandoned vehicle?

Yes. Have the location and vehicle information (including license plate if possible) and call 616-456-3310. You will be prompted to leave a message with the details. 

14. How and when can I file an accident report?

If your accident report was not made on the scene with an officer, you must appear in person at the police department. You must be involved with the accident. You will need to bring you driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance. We do not take accidents information on those that occurred in:

  • parking lots
  • private property
  • Damage is under $1,000

These reports should go to your insurance company. We will not document accidents that happened more than 5 days ago.

15. How do I get traffic enforcement in my neighborhood?

Contact your Service Area Commander. To determine your Service Area, click here.

16. Someone stole my identity, what do I do?

Report identity theft and fraud report in person. You can do this at our front desk or by requesting a patrol officer being dispatched to the victim’s location. We do require documentation verifying the complaint. This documentation could be credit card or bank account transaction history, fraudulent loan applications or other fraudulent account bills and applications.  

17. Somebody just tried to scam me through the telephone/internet/mail etc. What can I do?

Many crimes that occur over the internet are outside of the local police jurisdictions. We refer those crimes to a federal agency. The local FBI Office telephone number is 616-456-5489. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office also has a fraud hotline telephone number 877-765-8388. We refer many of the telephone & mail scams that occur outside of the our jurisdiction to this telephone number. If you have questions call the us at 616-456-3403.

18. Who is my Community Police Officer?

You should contact your Service Area Commander. To determine what Service Area you reside or work in, please click here.

You can also call 456-3363.

19. How do I get involved in a Neighborhood Watch group?

Please consult your Neighborhood Association or call 456-3363.

20. Where can I learn more about Crime Prevention or keeping my home secure?

The Crime Prevention Office has free information available to those who request it. Please call 456-3363 for more information. You can also click here to go to an online resource for a comprehensive guide to securing your home.

21. Do I (or someone I know) have a warrant?

We do not provide warrant information over the phone or on 3rd parties. If you believe you have a warrant, either appear at the Police Department or the Court you believe may have issued the warrant.

22. ICHAT says I have a warrant that I already took care of, what can I do?

Bring your ID to the Records Unit. We will perform a warrant check. We can issue a letter stating the warrant has been cleared if applicable.

23. Where do I pay my traffic or parking ticket?

Contact the Court listed on the face of the ticket.  

24. Does my child need to be in a child seat?

Children under 4 years of age are required to be in an approved Child Restraint System (and in the rear seat if available). A child in a rear facing restraint system may be in the front seat ONLY if the passenger side airbag has been deactivated.

Children ages 4-7 and under 4’ 9” tall are required to be in an approved child restraint system (booster seat).

Children ages 8 to 16 must be buckled with the available seat belt regardless of where they are seated.

You can be stopped and ticked for if you fail to follow this law.

25. When does the Police Department auction off property and other items?

We partner with Meidema Autioneering to auction off property. Auctions of Bicycles and other property occur periodically. Go to their website to contact them when the next auction may occur.