Common Complaints

This page will assist you providing guidance in the departments response in addressing various issues.

Noise Complaints:  This is one of the most frustrating calls for service which the department receives each day.  Many times once the call is made to the police and the officer responds there is no noise detected and the officer is unable to take any action.  To combat this the department offers the following information.

First be patient these issues may take time to resolve.  Effective resolution of these complaints is only possible through cooperation and patience.  In order for a successful prosecution many times it is necessary to have the complaining person appear in court.  Documentation is the key to any successful prosecution for repeated violations and complaints.  On calling the department explain the full nature of the problem;  is this an ongoing problem or is it the first time.  Provide all necessary information requested and stay on the line until the dispatcher hangs up.  Once the officer responds should the noise continue or, begin again if it did stop, call the dispatch center again and advise them of this fact and request that an officer come back.    The department usually uses a three strikes rule when responding to loud parties or music from an event for which no permit was issued.  But the officer has the final decision.

Horn Blowing / Taxis:  Should you have a complaint about taxis repeatedly blowing their horn while picking up a fare.  Call the department and an officer will usually be assigned to check the area at the time of your complaint.   However, on some occasions the taxi will be gone by the time the officer arrives on the scene.  In these cases you should obtain as much information as is possible Company Name, Address of the pickup, and Taxi Number or license plate number.  This information should be forwarded to the department using the contact information below.   On receipt of the information an officer will be assigned to contact the company and address the complaint by issuing a summons or warning as is determined appropriate under the circumstances.

Effective Measures you can take:

You are able to sign your own complaint and take the matter to municipal court, many times this is the most effective way of addressing the problem as the judge is provided all the necessary information and can issue a penalty at trial.

Use your own audio or video recording device to document the noise or other actions.

Keep a log book listing information.

Take notes detailing dates & times.

Call the department and request follow-up action on the complaint.

As part of the departments philosophy on community policing each patrol sergeant has been assigned to address on-going or problem specific issues in the wards of town. 

The patrol sergeant assigned to your ward will assist you in resolving your problem or you can call Captain Peter Ugalde (973-366-2200 x 181)