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1. Why does it take longer for the police to respond to certain calls?

All requests for police are prioritized based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. Occasionally, less serious calls must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies.

2. Why am I asked so many questions when I call the police?

Dispatchers are trained to gather as much information as possible in order to determine the nature and seriousness of the problem. On emergency calls, the dispatcher will relay information to the officer while asking you additional questions.

3. Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

Unfortunately, because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department does not open locked vehicles. We will assist you by contacting the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, which does perform this service, or call a locksmith for you if you wish. 

If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the police and/or fire department will respond and remove the child from the vehicle. This may require the breaking of a window.

4. Can I have the police department run a tag, check a driver's license, or see if there is a warrant for someone?

Absolutely not. Florida regulations prohibit the police department from sharing information from the statewide FCIC/NCIC computer system with non law enforcement personnel. The department can be fined and/or lose it’s terminal for violating these regulations. The Indian River County Tag Agency can run a tag for you and the Florida Driver License office can run a driver’s license check.

5. Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the police tow it away for me?

The police department can only have vehicles towed that are on public property. 

Call a wrecker service in your area and the vehicle should be towed away at no cost to you. The wrecker service will notify the owners once they have determined ownership.

6. How can I find if someone is in jail, when someone in jail can be visited and any other information about persons in jail?

Contact the Indian River County jail directly at 772-569-6700 or visit their website.

7. How do I get a copy of a police report?

The Records Section is open from 8 am until 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. If you need further information or would like to request a copy of a police report, email us or call the Records Section at 772-589-5233, ext. 2.

8. What if I have a question about the status of my case?

Cases involving criminal acts which appear to have some basis of solvability are referred to a detective for further investigation. To inquire about your case, call the police department detective bureau at 772-589-5233, ext. 4. Or if you know who the detective assigned to your case is, you may call him/her directly.

9. Where do I go to pay my traffic citation?

The traffic citations are processed through the Traffic Division of the Indian River County Clerk of the Court’s Office. If you have any questions about paying for a traffic citation or you would like to schedule a hearing date, please contact the Clerk’s Office directly at 772-770-5185.

10. Can I make a police report any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?

The police department will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests for police assistance. The phone number for non emergency assistance is 772-589-5233.

11. My friend or relative is overdue returning home. How can I find out if they were in a traffic accident?

The police department dispatch center does not have the names of persons involved in accidents available. If a person is injured in an accident and unable to call themselves, we will notify their family.

12. We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can we do about it?

Call the police department, ask to speak to a Patrol Supervisor or the Uniform Division Lieutenant. Request that this area be placed on selective enforcement and close patrol.

13. Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

Absolutely! The Police Department depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. You will be asked questions about the activity to determine it’s nature for descriptions or the people involved. You may be asked if you would like an officer to contact you, however, you may remain anonymous, if you wish.

14. What do I have to do to become a police officer? How do I get into the police academy?

Contact either the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce at 772-462-7150 or the Brevard Police Testing and Selection Center at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne at 321-632-1111 for entrance information.