FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Question:

         Who is the Police Chief?  

Answer:

David W. Sembach is our Police Chief. 

Question:

How do I call in an Emergency using 9-1-1?

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

            How do I get something done about telephone harassment?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

How do I start a Neighborhood Watch Program?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

          What happens after a crime has been reported?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

How do I resolve a bad check?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

How do I resolve a parking violation citation?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

How do I get a police record check?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

Can I get a police record check on someone else?

 Answer:      

          State and Federal laws regulate the release of information, in order to obtain a record check (background) on another individual, you must contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Juvenile information may only be released by the Juvenile Authorities.

Question:

How do I get a copy of a police report?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

What happens if a police officer stops your vehicle?  

Answer:  F.Y.I.

Question:

How do I resolve a traffic citation?

Answer:

          If you wish to pay the applicable fine, you may use the envelope provided by the officer to mail in the fine.  You also have the option to attend Defensive Driving School, you must visit the nearest Office of the Clerk (126 6th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach) to make arrangements for this option.  If you received a traffic citation and feel it was issued in error, then we encourage you to visit the nearest Office of the Clerk (126 6th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach) and set up a court hearing.  You must appear in person to set a court date. 

Question:

            Can I ask an officer to check my vehicle license plate or my driver's license?

Answer:       

          State and Federal regulations prohibit officers from using the agency computer to retrieve information not related to investigative purposes and the information may only be shared with law enforcement entities.  You may in person contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and request information regarding your vehicle license plate or driver's license.

Question:

            Why can't officers resolve or intervene in a civil matter?  

Answer:

          Officers generally do not actively get involved in civil disputes as they are not empowered by state statute to do so.  These incidents are best dealt with by contacting an attorney or the courthouse.  However, do not hesitate to call for an officer in any situation as he/she will recommend some options available to you.

Question:

            I have a concern about something in my neighborhood, who do I contact?  

Answer:

         The Neptune Beach Police Department has a program called "Citizen's Request".  You may call the Communications Center 270-2411 and relate the information to the duty dispatcher.  The dispatcher will record the information and it is provided to all officers.  The duty officers, with the information provided, will patrol the area during specified times related to the concern and try to resolve the problem.  When the matter is resolved, you will receive a form in the mail from the department.  The form will detail when the officers checked on the matter and when it was resolved.

Question:

            I'll be leaving for vacation and concerned about my vacant house, what should I do?  

Answer:

         The Neptune Beach Police Department has a "house check program".  Contact the Communications Center 270-2411 and the duty dispatcher will take the information.  You will be asked; when you are leaving and returning, if there will vehicles in your driveway, whether lights will be on, if you have an alarm system, and for an emergency contact number/person.  You will be advised to contact the department when you return, so the house check is discontinued.

Question:

            I have a complaint against an officer, what should I do?  

Answer:

         The Neptune Beach Police Department is committed to maintaining a professional force; and in this regard if anyone has a complaint concerning an officer's actions, he/she is encouraged to contact the Department about the incident.  The Lieutenant generally handles all complaints, but you may speak to any supervisor.  He/she will advise you to contact the Lieutenant if necessary.  No one should feel that any sort of retaliation will come as a result of a complaint.  The Department will investigate the complaint and implement corrective measures if they are warranted.

Question:

Why do I see officers speeding?  

Answer:

         The Department policies are specific regarding officers' driving habits and forbids any violation of speed that is not related to law enforcement duties.  Officers are permitted, as set by Florida State Statute and Department policy, to exceed at times, the speed limit only as it relates directly to a police call.

Question:

            I saw an officer "run" an intersection with his/her lights and siren only to turn them off when he got down the road.  What was he/she doing?  

Answer:

         Sometimes an officer responding to an emergency call is cancelled and this is why he may appear to be using his lights to get through an intersection.