Frequently Asked Questions
Click Questions to view Answers
Where is the Fountain Valley Police Department located?
We are located at 10200 Slater Ave in the city of Fountain Valley.
Just east of the intersection of Brookhurst and Slater, on the south side of Slater. Click here for a map. From the 405 freeway, exit Brookhurst North.
Make the first right (east) on Slater Ave. At the first signal (Civic Center), turn right. You are now in the Police Department / City Hall parking lot.
I'm being pulled over by the police. What do I do now?
If a police officer turns on his/her red lights behind you, you are being pulled over.
Immediately pull to the right curb and stop. The officer may direct you via his loud speaker, to pull into a parking lot or other safe location. The officer will make contact with you at your vehicle. DO NOT exit your vehicle. Keep your hands in plain sight (on the steering wheel is a great place) and do not make any quick movements or reach for anything under the seats, in the glove box or anywhere else without first letting the officer know what you are doing.
The officer will advise you why you are being stopped. He will also ask for your driver's license, registration and proof of current vehicle insurance. You are required by law to provide all three of these documents. You will either be warned on the violation you committed, or be issued a traffic citation. If a citation is issued, you are required to sign the citation. This is not an admission of guilt, but only your promise to appear in court on a later date.
If you refuse to sign the citation, you will be arrested and book into jail (40302(b)CVC).
Can I pay my parking ticket online?
Yes, go to pticket.com and follow the prompts. You will need your vehicle’s license number.
My vehicle was towed by the Fountain Valley Police Department. How do I get it back?
Your vehicle is stored at one of two local tow companies. Before responding to the tow yard to pick up your vehicle, you MUST come to the FVPD to obtain a vehicle release. The tow yard will not release your vehicle without authorization. Click here for more info: Vehicle Release Information.
What can I do about a barking dog problem?
This problem falls under the jurisdiction of Orange County Animal Control. Their phone number is: 714-935-6848 or 714-935-7419 for after hours. For further information and assistance you can visit their website at: OC Pet Info.
What is the current law on child safety seats?
Most kids 4-6 yrs old are riding at risk. Could yours be one of them?
Kids should be in car booster seats if they: Are too big for child safety seats...or weigh about 40-60 pounds. The NEW LAW says, "Children under the age of 6 or weighing less than 60 pounds MUST use a child safety seat or other safety restraint system." Car booster seats must be used in conjunction with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. The booster seat raises the child so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt can be positioned properly, and the child's knees can bend naturally.
For children too small for booster seats, an approved child safety seat must be used, and properly secured in the vehicle. The back seat is the safest place for ALL children to ride. Always secure an empty booster seat/car seat in place. They can become "UFO's" (unsecured flying objects) in the event of braking or a collision.
I collect police patches. Does FVPD trade or send out patches?
We currently do not send out patches or trade patches. This is due to a couple of issues; the first and most important is security. In this day and age, especially following 9-11-01, it would seem irresponsible to send out police insignia to people outside of law enforcement or people that we could not confirm their law enforcement status. It would be very easy to attach a couple of patches to a dark blue shirt and impersonate a police officer. Second, the expense. Patches are expensive to produce and send out. While we appreciate that people have a fond interest in collecting police patches and 99.999% of people requesting patches would in fact display them respectfully, we are not currently sending out FVPD patches.
What are your hours and how can I contact you?
We are open 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays. Our front desk is available from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Saturday for reports and other business related police activity. Click here for our department directory.
I am trying to find out if we need a permit for our home alarm. Thanks.
A permit is required in Fountain Valley for an alarm system; residents should go to City Hall and fill out a permit form and will pay an annual fee for the permit, currently $25.
I have a citation for expired registration issued to me by one of your officers. I have corrected the problem and need the citation signed off on.
Can I just stop by the fountain valley police station and have an officer sign off on the citation?
Can I just stop by the fountain valley police station and have an officer sign off on the citation?
More times than not, it can be handled as a citation sign off at the FVPD front desk (Correction fee may be required). Our recommendation would be to bring the citation to the front desk after the violation has been corrected. Our front desk staff can look at the citation and advise you of the required next step.
I need two signed, stamped, and sealed original police reports/background check/letters of good conduct for a medical school I was accepted to. How do I obtain these forms? What are the fees? How long would it take?
You would need to come to the front desk and fill out a document request. The fees associated with the request depend on the type and size of the reports being requested. Normally it takes less than a week to obtain the reports back.
But, there are restrictions on who may obtain police reports. Each situation is different and you will be advised at the time of your request if you are approved or not.
But, there are restrictions on who may obtain police reports. Each situation is different and you will be advised at the time of your request if you are approved or not.
I receive a traffic ticket which was due on 2/12/09. I sent payment on 1/30/09. My question is that I have not seen my check clear yet from my bank, should I be worried or is there someone I can call to make sure my check was received. I do not want to get in any trouble. Thank you.
Once a moving citation is issued by a police officer, the disposition of the citation is handled by the court system. If you paid a fine to the court, you need to check with them to see if your fine was received. Fountain Valley PD is not able to tell you if your check has been cashed. You may contact the Superior Court West Justice Center by calling (714) 896-7111 or go to the traffic window at the court located at 8141 13th Street, Westminster, CA 92683.
Would I get in trouble if I skate (as in just rolling around) at night in a parking lot?
If you are on private property (which parking lots are), the owner could tell you to leave, or the police could enforce the trespass law.
Who do I need to contact to have an extra-patrol request for juveniles drinking alcohol in a neighborhood street?
You can contact the front desk at 714-593-4485 to request additional patrol checks of your neighborhood.
Can I view traffic accident reports online?
No. You are unable to view police reports online at this time.
I have 2 parking tickets on my truck. I just renewed the tags this month. Does the DMV collect the ticket fines with the registration?
Parking citations which are delinquent are reported to the DMV. The registered owner is then required to pay the citations before they can renew their vehicle’s registration. If parking citations are paid in a timely manner, the violations are not added to the vehicle’s registration fees.
I am insterested in joining your police department and am wondering where I can find out job information. Please let me know.
Visit the city web site's Employment page at:
http://fountainvalley.org/government/employmentopportunities
http://fountainvalley.org/government/employmentopportunities
How do I join the police explores?
How do I get a permit to park on a street that has suddenly posted permit parking only--code 220507?
Come to the front desk of the police department with vehicle registration and proof of your address and a permit will be issued to your vehicle. Temporary permits can also be issued for visitors.
Can I view police reports online?
No, I'm sorry, but police reports are not available on line at this time. To request a police report, you would need to go to the front desk and fill out a request.
I need to be fingerprinted to renew my RN license. Do you do fingerprinting?
Yes, we do. Please visit FINGERPRINTING for more information.
I was wondering if there is any information on impounded cars for sale/auction. I've seen so many false adds I was wondering if you have any information!
The Fountain Valley Police Department does not auction off cars. The Police Department uses the service of two tow companies, A & B Tow and Best Tow. These private companies from time to time will sell vehicles in their possession, but not under the auspices of the Department.
Check for a valid business and dealer’s license whenever buying a vehicle from a private company, or check with the California Attorney General’s Office to see if complaints have been registered with the company you are dealing with.
Check for a valid business and dealer’s license whenever buying a vehicle from a private company, or check with the California Attorney General’s Office to see if complaints have been registered with the company you are dealing with.
When are the bicycle licenses issued?
The Fountain Valley Police Department offers bicycle licensing free of charge to all residents. Bike licensing is done every first Saturday of every month between the hours of 9:30AM-1:30PM at the Police Station. No appointment is necessary. The bicycles must be brought to the station for licensing.
Do you sign-off on Fix-it tickets? If so, is there a specific time or location? I received a ticket for no front license plate and have now corrected the issue. Thanks.
Bring your copy of the ticket, along with all proof of correction to the front desk of the Police Department during normal business hours. 7am - 5pm Monday through Saturday.
Is writing a bad check (insufficient fund) a crime in Fountain Valley?
Can I come to file a police report?
Can I come to file a police report?
Under certain circumstances, it can be considered a crime. Please bring documentation to the front desk of the police department during normal business hours and a desk officer can assist you. These types of crimes are reported directly to the Orange County DA’s Office. We have the forms needed and can assist you with any questions you may have. Front desk hours are Monday through Saturday, 7am – 5pm.
Is it legal in Ftn. Vly. to shoot a bb or pellet gun in your backyard?
FVMC: 8.20.010 Use within city limits restricted.
It is unlawful for any person, other than a police officer acting in his/her official line of duty, to shoot, fire or discharge, or for any person, firm or corporation to cause or permit to be shot, fired, or discharged within the city limits, any rifle, shotgun, carbide cannon, pistol, revolver, BB gun, air gun, spear gun or any firearm except when it may be necessary so to do to protect life or property or with the written permission of the chief of police or designated representative. Shot, fired or discharged shall include blank ammunition. (Ord. 512 § 17, 1968: Ord. 293 § 1, 1964)
It is unlawful for any person, other than a police officer acting in his/her official line of duty, to shoot, fire or discharge, or for any person, firm or corporation to cause or permit to be shot, fired, or discharged within the city limits, any rifle, shotgun, carbide cannon, pistol, revolver, BB gun, air gun, spear gun or any firearm except when it may be necessary so to do to protect life or property or with the written permission of the chief of police or designated representative. Shot, fired or discharged shall include blank ammunition. (Ord. 512 § 17, 1968: Ord. 293 § 1, 1964)
Want to know if there is an ordinance in Fountain Valley regarding someone going through my trash I put out for the trash collectors. If so, can they be cited & fined / if so how much is the fine. Have seen this happen more then once here in the city of Fountain Valley.
FVMC: 6.08.060 Scavenging prohibited.
The city and its duly authorized contractor or franchisee shall own all material once it is deposited into receptacles for collection. Before such materials are deposited in those receptacles for collection, the owner may dispose of those materials in any lawful manner, including self-hauling waste to an appropriate landfill or other appropriate facility, or selling or donating recyclable material. Once the material is placed in a residential refuse or recycling container at curbside or in a commercial dumpster, title to the material passes to the city or its authorized contractor or franchisee. No person shall thereafter interfere with or tamper with said material or container or remove any contents thereof. (Ord. 1397 § 1, 2007)
The city and its duly authorized contractor or franchisee shall own all material once it is deposited into receptacles for collection. Before such materials are deposited in those receptacles for collection, the owner may dispose of those materials in any lawful manner, including self-hauling waste to an appropriate landfill or other appropriate facility, or selling or donating recyclable material. Once the material is placed in a residential refuse or recycling container at curbside or in a commercial dumpster, title to the material passes to the city or its authorized contractor or franchisee. No person shall thereafter interfere with or tamper with said material or container or remove any contents thereof. (Ord. 1397 § 1, 2007)
On what days during the year will residents not be ticketed for street sweeping?
Please refer to the City Web Site for more information.
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
My husband ws rear-ended by another motorist June 2 2009. She showed the FVPD police officer at the scene her proof of insurance card knowing she had already been cancelled by her insurance company for non-payment. Our insurer covers our "totaled" car but we are out $400 in rental car costs. What recourse do we have other than small claims court? Can we file a report and have her ivestigated for insurance fraud?
Thanks for your question; sorry to hear the other motorist wasn’t insured. At this point small claims court would be your option, since this would not be considered insurance fraud in California.
I am attaching this quote from the DMV’s website; note that the other driver’s license should suspended by the DMV:
DMV Accident Reporting
When you have an accident, report it to DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete the SR 1 report and send it to the DMV within 10 days if someone is killed or injured (no matter how minor the injury) or property damage is over $750. The SR 1 report is required in addition to any other report made to the police, CHP, or your insurance company.
The SR 1 form is available at DMV field offices, at CHP offices, or online (www.dmv.ca.gov) (see link in previous paragraph). This report is required whether you caused the collision or not, and even if the collision occurred on private property.
Your driving privilege will be suspended if you do not complete a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form or if you did not have the proper insurance coverage at the time of the vehicle collision.
Every vehicle collision reported to DMV by law enforcement will show on your driving record unless the reporting officer says another person was at fault. Every vehicle collision reported by you or another party in the collision, will show on your record if:
· any vehicle involved has over $750 in damage, or
· anyone is injured or dies.
It does not matter who caused the vehicle collision. The law says DMV must keep this record.
I am attaching this quote from the DMV’s website; note that the other driver’s license should suspended by the DMV:
DMV Accident Reporting
When you have an accident, report it to DMV using the Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form. You or your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative must complete the SR 1 report and send it to the DMV within 10 days if someone is killed or injured (no matter how minor the injury) or property damage is over $750. The SR 1 report is required in addition to any other report made to the police, CHP, or your insurance company.
The SR 1 form is available at DMV field offices, at CHP offices, or online (www.dmv.ca.gov) (see link in previous paragraph). This report is required whether you caused the collision or not, and even if the collision occurred on private property.
Your driving privilege will be suspended if you do not complete a Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR 1) form or if you did not have the proper insurance coverage at the time of the vehicle collision.
Every vehicle collision reported to DMV by law enforcement will show on your driving record unless the reporting officer says another person was at fault. Every vehicle collision reported by you or another party in the collision, will show on your record if:
· any vehicle involved has over $750 in damage, or
· anyone is injured or dies.
It does not matter who caused the vehicle collision. The law says DMV must keep this record.
I would like to find out crime history for a specific house address. What department should I go to for information?
You would need to contact the Records Bureau during normal business hours to request this information.
Have a question that is not listed here?
Let us know and we will get it answered for you.
Let us know and we will get it answered for you.