Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 in any emergency situation. Do not call the station in an emergency situation, call 911 so that the communications center can dispatch officers promptly to your location. The rule of thumb is “if you need an officer to respond…then call 911.” If possible, try to remain calm and give as much information as is safely possible to the 9-1-1 operator.

2. How do I make a Police Report?

If it is a life-threatening emergency, you should call 911.  If not, call 816-271-4777.  Not all reports require an officer respond and can be made by phone with our Teleserve Division during regular business hours by calling 816-271-4777.  Many reports can also be made online at your convenience.

3. What happens after I file a written report about an incident?

The department reviews each report written to ascertain whether there is sufficient information to conduct a follow-up investigation. If there is information that is available for a case solution, the case is transferred to the Detective Division for further development. During this process, a Detective will contact you to see if you have any additional information. If you have a question reference your case please call (816) 271-5336. This process may take 3 to 5 business days, so please be patient.

4. Where can I get a copy of a police report taken in St. Joseph, Missouri?

You can obtain police reports at the Law Enforcement Center, 501 Faraon Street in St. Joseph, Missouri. Police Records is open Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. You may call them at (816) 271-4705.

5. I was the victim of a hit and run accident, how do I get follow-up information?

The police Traffic Unit investigates hit and run accidents. If you have a question in regards to your case please call (816) 271-4882.  This process may take 5 to 7 business days, so please be patient. 

6. I received a ticket, where do I go to pay it?

If you received a Municipal Court ticket, you will need to go to the Buchanan County Courthouse, 411 Jules, Municipal Division located in the basement of the courthouse (816) 271-4686. If you received a Circuit Court ticket you will need to go to the Buchanan County Courthouse, Circuit Division, located on the 3rd floor of the Buchanan County Courthouse, 411 Jules (816) 271-1462. If you received a parking ticket, you will to go to City Hall-1100 Frederick to the Financial Services Division (816) 271-4760.

7. What information should I exchange with the other driver if I am in an accident?

Missouri State Statute requires you to give your name, address, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the scene of an accident. It is also a good idea to write down a description of the other driver’s vehicle (year, color, model, license plate, etc.), as well as exchanging your insurance information and possibly a phone number.

8. If an incident occurred in another city, can I still report it in St. Joseph?

No. Any report you make regarding an incident, must be made in the city in which the incident occurred, with the exception of Identity theft and Internet crimes.

9. Where can I get a restraining order…or an order of protection?

You can file for an order of protection against the person who is abusing you at the Buchanan County Courthouse-411 Jules Street, St. Joseph, Missouri (816) 271-1462.

10. Where do I report an animal bite?

If the animal bite occurred in St. Joseph, Missouri then you should contact the Animal Control office at 816-271-4876 to report the bite and for an animal control officer to respond if needed. If an animal seriously injures someone, then you need to call 911.

11. How can I get a police ride along?

The St. Joseph Police Department has a ride along program to which it is easy to apply. Contact the Support Services Division 816-271-4881 to obtain an application. Your application will be reviewed and a criminal history run. If you are approved (you must be over 18, and not have a criminal record or warrants), they will schedule a time and date for you to ride-along. Your ride-along will consist of riding with a patrol officer as he/she works a normal shift…answering calls, stopping vehicles, and everything else that makes up a typical tour-of-duty. Riding along with an officer can be an eye-opening experience. Ride Along Application

12. How do I get my property returned?

All property that is taken into custody by the Department is inventoried into the property section of the Department. It is held until the Prosecuting Attorney determines whether a criminal case will be filed. If a case is filed, the property is held until released by the Prosecutor’s Office. If a case is not filed, the property can be returned to its rightful owner. If you have property to be returned, please call (816) 271-4784 and make arrangements. Property can be returned Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

13. How do I make a complaint or compliment an officer?

Many people believe their complaints will be addressed more rapidly if they contact City Hall, the Mayor, City Manager, or Chief of Police. The Professional Standards Office conducts investigations of citizen complaints. A Professional Standards Officer may be reached at (816) 271-4780. By contacting an on-duty supervisor or the Professional Standards Office, the complaint procedure is started in a more timely manner. The on-duty supervisor resolves many minor complaints and questions regarding our procedures as soon as they are received. To contact an on-duty supervisor, call (816) 271-4722 or the Communication Center at (816) 271-4777.
You may also fill out a Complaint Form or a Commendation Form.

14. How do I become a St. Joseph Police Officer?

To be a police officer, applicants must be at least 21 years of age with no felony convictions. In addition, they should not have any significant traffic convictions that would limit their ability to be insured by the City of St. Joseph.  For more information on Missouri Police Officer requirements,  visit the Missouri POST website.

To check for Police Officer openings, visit the City of St. Joseph Careers web page.

15. How do I get a uniform shoulder patch?

At this time we currently do not honor these requests due to the high cost of patches. We are sorry that we can not honor your requests.

16. Who can I call about phone solicitors to see if they are credible?

You can call Police Administration (816) 271-4702 Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to see whether or not person(s) are authorized to solicit within the city limits of St. Joseph or are a legitimate organization.