ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The San Jose Police Department is proud of its efforts in working with the community to make San Jose one of the safest cities in the nation. We continue to achieve this standard by educating residents about services available, on our policy procedures and methods to prevent crime. Below you will find information on the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of the San Jose Police Department. Click on the topic that interests you to view the FAQs.
CRIME STATISTICS
Q. How can I obtain crime statistics?
A. Crime Statistics are avaliable on SJPD.ORG at the Crime Statistics page. Crime Statistics are also available on a walk-in basis at the Community Services Division located at 1671 The Alameda Ste. 100, San Jose cross street Naglee. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Crime Prevention Specialist may assist you in understanding the police statistics and in determining which police patrol area to view. You can look up specific areas in the city but not individual streets nor houses. If you are writing a research paper and you need specific information, you can call the Records Unit at (408) 277-2500. Depending on the request, they may be able to assist you (please visit the Document Center page for related request forms). To review police calls for service via the Public CADmine site, please click here.
EMPLOYMENT
Q. What job opportunities are currently available?
A. Thank you for inquiring about employment with the San Jose Police Department. We offer both sworn and non-sworn positions. Our web site has all the information you are looking for on the recruiting page located at www.sjpd.org .You can also find out about testing dates and apply on-line. If you'd like any further information, you can contact our recruiting office at (408) 277-4951.
Q. Are you accepting applications for Police Recruit/Lateral Police Officers?
A. We are accepting application for the Police Recruit Officer and the Police Officer-Lateral position on a continuous basis. We test and hire Police Recruit Officers twice a year. Typically, we hire a group of Recruits and start the academy once in January and then a second time in July. These dates are subject to change depending on staffing and budget issues. Lateral testing and hiring is done on an as needed basis depending on how many applications we receive.
Q. What does it take to become a Police Reserve Officer?
A. It takes a special person. Those interested in becoming a San Jose Police Officer must exhibit good common sense, possess a strong sense of community orientation, and be both physically and mentally healthy. We look for someone who is well balanced, has good communication skills, and the ability to interact with our diverse community. Requirements are the same as a full time officer. For further information, please call the reserve unit at (408) 277-4963. (Reserves)
Q. What volunteer opportunities does the Department offer?
A. The Volunteer Opportunities & Leadership Training (VOLT) Program was implemented in the Fall of 1996, as a complement to the San Jose Police Department's Community Policing Strategy. There are well over 200 members and more applying every day. The department offers many volunteer opportunities. Hours, assignments and qualifications vary according to the information given on your application. To receive an application or for further information you can call (408) 277-VOLT (8658) or you can click this [Link].
LAWS
Q. What is Megan's Law and how can I find out if a sex offender lives in my neighborhood?
A. In 1996, California enacted "Megan's Law" which provides the public with photographs and descriptive information on the most serious sex offenders residing in California who have been convicted of committing sex crimes and are required to register their whereabouts with local law enforcement.
You can obtain sex offender information by visiting one of the following locations: Locations .
To view the Megan's Law database you will need to show identification.
Q. Does the City of San Jose have any curfew laws?
A. Yes. The Youth Curfew Ordinance, SJ Muni Code 10.28.020, was amended on June 21, 1994 through the efforts of the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task Force and San Jose City Council. Curfew hours are 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for minor's 15 years old and under and 11:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for minor's 16 & 17.
Q. Is there a noise law?
A. No. According to the law, noise coming from a vehicle should not be heard greater than 25 feet from the vehicle. As for loud music and noisy neighbors, there is not a defined law that states by what time noise needs to be kept down. We usually suggest you contact your immediate neighbors and find out when is a good time to play and how loud you can get without bothering them. There is no specific decibel level set. To report loud music or noisy neighbors at any time, you can call 311 or (408) 277-8900, the police non-emergency line. (Note: In San Jose, 311 service is not available from cellular phones.)
MISCELLANEOUS
Q. Where can I obtain information on police auctions?
A. The police dept. sends all unclaimed property to the DGW Auctioneers in Mountain View. You can give them a call at 650-559-8905 to receive a current list of dates and times. (automobiles are not auctioned).
First Capitol for surplus vehicles (automobiles)........(707) 552-0739.
Q. How do I file a complaint against a police officer?
A. To file a complaint against a member of the San José Police Department, simply: Gather as much information as possible. The following information will be helpful for the investigation. 1. Date and Time of the Incident 2. Location of the Incident 3. Name, Badge Number, or description of the Officers involved. 4. Details of the Incident You can contact our Professional Standards and Conduct Unit at (408) 277-4094. An administrative officer will take your complaint and have an investigator look into the matter and decide whether or not disciplinary action is needed and whether the officer's actions were in the realm of policy and procedure. You can also contact the Independent Police Auditor at (408) 794-6226.
Q. Can I go on a police ride-a-long?
A. Yes! We hold ride-a-long orientation classes which are mandatory for all persons. Everyone who plans to go on a ride-a-long must sign-up a month in advance because we have to background the participants. When you call we will need to know your DOB, address, phone number and full name. To sign-up for an orientation class, call Community Services at (408) 277-4133.
Q. Where are you located?
A. The main police buildings are located at 201 West Mission Street. click here for a map
NUISANCE
Q. Where can I report illegal dumping?
A. To report illegal dumping you can call the Department of Transportation at (408) 277-4373
Q. To whom do I address issues regarding illegal vehicle parking?
A. To report a vehicle parked illegally on a City street, you can call the Department of Transportation (Parking Compliance and Enforcement) at 534-2900. Please have the vehicle make, model, color and vehicle license plate along with the location of the vehicle.
If the vehicle is abandoned on the street, call the Department of Transportation (Vehicle Abatement) at (408) 277-5305. They will also need the above information about the vehicle.
To report vehicles abandoned on private property, visit this link or call (408) 277-4528
Q. I've been having problems with annoying phone calls, what do I do?
A. For your convenience we have set up a system so you can report this incident on line at our web site: Online Crime Reports or over the phone at 3-1-1, or at the Information Center located at 201 West Mission Street, in San Jose. Write down your case number and give it to the Telephone Company so they can add a block to your phone and track the calls.
Q. Where do I report graffiti?
A. You can report locations vandalized with graffiti by calling the anti-Graffiti Program at (408) 277-2758. They will send a team of maintenance workers to abate the nuisance. You can also call it into 311, if you see it occurring. (Note: In San Jose, 311 service is not available from cellular phones.)
RECORDS
Q. Can I obtain a copy of a crime or traffic accident report?
A. To obtain a copy of a crime or traffic accident report you must be listed as the victim or driver, authorized representative of the victim or driver or someone filing a claim in an accident report. If you are a suspect or an arrested party on a report you may obtain a copy through the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office at 299-7400.
Q. How can I get a copy of a police crime report?
BY MAIL:You can request a copy of the crime report by mail. Include the following information in your request: Your name, the case number, the type of crime, the date and time of the incident and how you are associated with the crime. see document center
Crime reports cost 30 cents per page. You may pay by personal check, money order or a cashier's check made payable to "City of San Jose" The amount description must indicate "Not to exceed $15.00". Our mailing address is: San Jose Police Department, Attention: Records Division, P.O. Box 270, San Jose, CA 95103-0270.
IN PERSON: You may also visit the San Jose Police Department Report Counter located in the Main Lobby of the Police Administration Building at 201 W. Mission St. The Report Counter is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon.
You will need to complete a pink report request form listing the following information: Your name, the case number, the type of crime, the date and time of the crime and how you are associated with the crime. You will need to present identification. You may pay by cash or personal check, money order or a cashier's check made payable to "City of San Jose".
Q. How can I get a copy of a traffic accident report?
A. Traffic Accident Reports are available online via this link. The cost is $15.00 per report. If you are unable to find your report it may not be available for download at this time. Please check back at a later time, visit the Police Administrative Building at 201 W. Mission St or call (408) 277-4141 if you have questions.
TRAFFIC
Q. What can be done about illegally parked vehicles?
A. It depends on where the car is parked and/or whether the vehicle is abandoned on private property
1.) To report an illegally parked or abandoned vehicle on the street you can call the Department of Transportation at (408) 277-5305.
2.) To report a vehicle parked on an unpaved surface of private property or if a car has been inoperable for over 72 hours on private property (missing essential parts like engine, transmission, wheels, windshield) call Code Enforcement (408) 277-4528. Please have the vehicle make, model, color and vehicle license plate along with the location of the vehicle.
Q. Can I request a traffic accident report?
A. To obtain a copy of a crime or traffic accident report you must be listed as the victim or driver, authorized representative of the victim or driver or someone filing a claim in an accident report. If you are a suspect or an arrested party on a report you may obtain a copy through the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office at 299-7400.
Traffic Accident Reports are available online via this link. The cost is $15.00 per report. If you are unable to find your report it may not be available for download at this time. Please check back at a later time, visit the Police Administrative Building at 201 W. Mission St or call (408) 277-4141 if you have questions.
OR:
Send your written request, payment and self addressed stamped envelope to: San Jose Police Department, Attention: Records Division, P.O. Box 270, San Jose CA 95103-0270.
Date and time of the accident, the case number, location of occurrence and how you are associated with the accident. The cost is $15.00. You may pay by personal check, money order or a cashier's check made payable to "City of San Jose". We do not accept cash payments.
Q. My vehicle was impounded for driving without a driver's license, what happens now?
A. According to the California Vehicle Code section 14602.6, if the driver is cited for driving without a license, then law enforcement is mandated to impound the vehicle for 30 days. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for storage fees during this period. At the end of the period the vehicle may be towed. Vehicle Impound Fee is now $120.00 (effective July 1, 2007). For further information on a towed vehicle you may call the (408) 277-4156.