Richardson Police Department
Home MenuFAQ
911 / EMERGENCY CALLS
1.Can I still call 911 if I don’t speak English?
2.What about people who are hearing or speech impaired?
3.What should I do if I dial 911 by mistake?
4.Can the 911 Call Center tell where I'm calling from?
EMPLOYMENT
1.How do I apply for a position with the Police Department?
DETENTION
1.Where is the Richardson Police Jail?
2.When is the jail open?
3.What type of facility is the Richardson City Jail?
4.Where is the county jail?
5.How can I find out if someone is in the Richardson City Jail?
6.What does it mean when a person is “booked” into jail?
7.What occurs during an arraignment?
8.When are prisoners arraigned?
9.What is “jail credit”?
10.Is jail credit applied to all arrests?
11.May a prisoner make free phone calls?
12.Where are impounded vehicles stored?
13.How can a prisoner get out of jail when arrested for a felony or misdemeanor (other than a Class C misdemeanor)?
14.Will city employees recommend a bail bond company or an attorney?
INVESTIGATIONS
1.What information should I provide when I call to find out about my case?
2.Why was my case not assigned to a detective for investigative follow-up?
3.When will I be notified on the status of my case?
4.What are the locations and contact information for local Detention Facilities?
5.How can I protect myself from Identity theft?
6.How do I get a Protective Order?
POLICE PROCEDURE
1.Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?
2.Can I make a police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?
3.Can I make a police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house?
4.Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called them last night?
5.Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
6.Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police?
7.How do I find out if I have a warrant for my arrest?
PUBLIC SERVICES
1.How do I get fingerprinted?
2.Can the Police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
4.My friend or relative is overdue returning home. How can I find out if they were in a traffic accident?
5.What services does the Police Information desk offer?
6.I do not have any transportation and have to get somewhere. Can a Police Officer give me a ride?
7.I need to get a message to someone that does not have a telephone. Can the Police Department go to the person's home and deliver the message?
8.My family and I are going on vacation. Can the police keep an eye on our home while we are gone?
9.We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can we do about it?
10.How can I evict someone from my property?
11.What can I do about stray dogs and cats and barking dogs?
12. Where can I drop off my unused medication?
RECORDS
1.Who do I call to find out if an Accident Report is available?
2.Who do I call to find out information regarding Traffic Tickets?
3.Who do I call to find out information regarding an Impounded Vehicle?
4.How do I obtain a copy of my criminal record?
5. I am thinking of buying a new home. How can I find out how many times the Police have been called to homes on the street?
6.Can you fax the reports to me?
VEHICLES
1.What are the rules and requirements for operating a motorized scooter?
2.Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the police tow it away for me?
3.Can I report drunk drivers to 911 on my car telephone?
YOUTH
1.What age is considered a juvenile?
2.Can a police officer speak to my child without my knowledge or consent?
3.What will the police do to assist me in disciplining my child?
4.What are the curfew hours for children?
5.What legal age limits might apply to my child?
6.What is the First Offender Program?
7.Where can I go to get help with my troubled child?
8.What are the locations and contact information for local Detention Facilities?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
911 / Emergency Calls
1.Can I still call 911 if I don’t speak English?
911 uses language line services. If you don’t speak English, be patient while the interpreter is brought on the line.
2.What about people who are hearing or speech impaired?
Our 9-1-1 center is equipped with specialized teletype devices (TDD) that allow us to communicate with callers via text tones relayed over the phone line. All of our 9-1-1 operators are trained to use this equipment, ensuring that everyone gets the help they need.
* Please Note: Our center is not able to receive or transmit text messaging via cellular phone service.
3.What should I do if I dial 911 by mistake?
Stay on the line until the call is answered, then let operator know that there is no emergency. If you hang up prematurely, we must call you back and expend time that could be spent helping those with an actual emergency.
4.Can the 911 Call Center tell where I'm calling from?
Usually, yes.
However, every day residents and visitors use phone systems that are not capable of providing 9-1-1 with their exact location. These Phone systems are in schools, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, government facilities, ATM locations, businesses and other large complexes and buildings. Multi-line telephone systems, found in voice over internet protocol (VoIP), private branch exchange (PBX), or Key Centrex systems, often give 9-1-1 centers only the address and phone number of the central location within the system, often the main office or billing address. That location may be in another building, another location across town, another city, or even another state.
If you are calling from a cell phone, it is important to provide your location and phone number to the operator. Even though we may have a general idea of where you are, cell phones do not pinpoint your location like a landline phone does.
BACK TO TOP
Employment
1.How do I apply for a position with the Police Department?
Contact a recruiter at 972-744-4845 or email RPDrecruiting@cor.gov. Visit the recruiting webpage.
BACK TO TOP
Detention
1.Where is the Richardson Police Jail?
The jail is located at 140 N Greenville Avenue.
2.When is the jail open?
The jail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3.What type of facility is the Richardson City Jail?
The jail is a holding facility. This means that prisoners are generally confined for less than 72 hours before being released or transferred to another facility.
4.Where is the county jail?
The Dallas County Jail is located at 111 Commerce St in Dallas.
The Collin County Jail is located at 4300 Community Blvd in McKinney.
5.How can I find out if someone is in the Richardson City Jail?
In person: Contact jail staff in the jail lobby, 140 N Greenville Avenue
Telephone: 972-744-4820
6.What does it mean when a person is “booked” into jail?
This is an administrative process documenting a prisoner’s entrance into the jail. The process includes collecting information such as the person’s name, address, reason for the arrest, criminal charge (s), and inventorying personal property. A photograph and fingerprints are taken as well.
7.What occurs during an arraignment?
An arraignment is a formal meeting between a judge and a prisoner. The judge informs the prisoner of his or her charge(s), reads the prisoner his or her rights, and advices the prisoner of the bond amount.
8.When are prisoners arraigned?
Arraignments are generally held twice daily, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., but can occur at alternate times to accommodate magistrate schedules. There will only be one arraignment on weekends and holidays.
9.What is “jail credit”?
The City of Richardson assigns a monetary value for time spent in jail for a City of Richardson Class C misdemeanor ticket or warrant. A municipal judge determines jail credit as regulated by state law.
10.Is jail credit applied to all arrests?
No, jail credit only applies to City of Richardson Class C misdemeanors.
11.May a prisoner make free phone calls?
Prisoners are allowed to place limited free telephone calls once the booking process has been completed. A prisoner also has the opportunity to make collect phone calls from inside a cell block.
12.Where are impounded vehicles stored?
Signature Towing
1204 Municipal Avenue
Plano, TX 75074
972-423-4010
13.How can a prisoner get out of jail when arrested for a felony or misdemeanor (other than a Class C misdemeanor)?
Pay the bond at the Dallas County Sheriffs Office located at 111 Commerce in Dallas
or
Pay the bond at the Collin County Sheriffs Office located at 4300 Community Blvd in McKinney.
14.Will city employees recommend a bail bond company or an attorney?
No, but most bail bond companies and attorneys can be located in the phone book, on the Internet, or by using directory assistance.
BACK TO TOP
Investigations
1.What information should I provide when I call to find out about my case?
Have your Incident number (sometimes called a Case number or a Report number) available. If you were not provided with one by the Patrol officer, provide the complainant’s name, what type of case it is, when it occurred and where.
2.Why was my case not assigned to a detective for investigative follow-up?
The officer’s investigation exhausted all reasonable leads that would identify the suspect(s) and/or aid in the recovery of any stolen property at that time, but should additional information be developed, you will be contacted. If you have any additional information regarding the investigation, please contact the Police Department.
3.When will I be notified on the status of my case?
If your case is assigned to a detective, you should be notified within a couple of days (excluding weekends and holidays). If your case is not assigned to a detective, you should received a letter.
4.What are the locations and contact information for local Detention Facilities?
Dallas County Adult Detention
111 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75207
214-653-2662
Collin County Adult Detention
4300 Community Blvd
McKinney, TX 75070
972-547-5200
For Juvenile Detention Facilities, please check the youth section of the FAQ.
5.How can I protect myself from Identity theft?
While a growing percentage of identifying information is obtained with computers and other high tech means, the compromise of most identifying information can be prevented by simple crime prevention techniques.
Remove all valuable items from your vehicle. This includes checks, credit cards, laptops, PDAs, computer disks, and any paperwork with your information printed on it.
Reason: Vehicle burglaries are one of the most frequent ways for an identity thief to obtain your information.
Keep your passwords and PINs in a secure location.
Reason: If your purse or wallet is stolen, you have given the thief everything they need to access your financial data.
Shred all sensitive documents before throwing them away.
Reason: Identity thieves routinely steal garbage to obtain your information.
Purchase a locking mailbox.
Reason: Identity thieves raid neighborhood mailboxes looking for pre-approved credit applications, convenience checks, and other sensitive information.
Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports.
Reason: Quick detection of fraud will minimize your loss of time and money, and may aid law enforcement in locating the offender.
6.How do I get a Protective Order?
For Dallas County, contact the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office at 214-653-3600
For Collin County, contact the Collin County District Attorney’s Office at 972-424-1460
BACK TO TOP
Police Procedure
1.Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?
No, you may make a missing person report whenever you realize someone is missing.
2.Can I make a police report at 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.
3.Can I make a police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house?
Some reports can be taken over the telephone by the Police Department. The Public Safety Communicator that answers your call can determine if your report can be handled over the telephone.
4.Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called them last night?
All requests for police services are assigned to priority based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of a less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies.
5.Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
The Police department depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. The Public Safety Telecommunicator in Dispatch who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for descriptions of the people involved. You will be asked for certain information to help the dispatcher advise the officer of the type and location of the call. Your cooperation will help make the dispatcher's job as efficient as possible in our mission to provide you with service.
6.Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police?
Public Safety Communicators are trained to try to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. On emergency calls, the Public Safety Communicator has already sent the information to the dispatcher while asking additional questions.
7.How do I find out if I have a warrant for my arrest?
If the offense happened in Dallas County, call 214-761-9026
If the offense happened in Collin County, call 972-424-1460 x4323
BACK TO TOP
Public Services
1.How do I get fingerprinted?
We fingerprint individuals on Saturdays starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending promptly at 11:00 a.m. We do not fingerprint on major holidays. The cost is $10 per person. We accept cash only. An official photograph identification card with signature is required. In addition, you need to bring your own fingerprint cards. We can give you a State of Texas Applicant fingerprint card. However, if the entity requiring you to be fingerprinted, does not accept this type of card, you assume all responsibility for obtaining a new set of prints on the proper card. Contact the agency or entity that is requiring you to be fingerprinted for more details about which type of fingerprint card is required. It is a first come, first serve operation.
2.Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
Because of the potential for damage to vehicles the Police Department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the Fire Department will send a rescue unit to remove the child from the vehicle, possibly by breaking a window.
4.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 until later when accident reports are turned in. If a person is injured in an accident and unable to call themselves, we will notify their family.
5.What services does the Police Information desk offer?
The Information desk provides answers or referrals for any questions regarding police procedures and common legal problems. The Information desk also has information about any vehicles towed by the Police Department. The telephone number for the Information Desk is 972-744-4800.
6. I do not have any transportation and have to get somewhere. Can a Police Officer give me a ride?
Police Officers cannot provide rides.
7. I need to get a message to someone that does not have a telephone. Can the Police Department go to the person's home and deliver the message?
The Police Department can only deliver emergency, life or death, messages.
8.My family and I are going on vacation. Can the police keep an eye on our home while we are gone?
You may click here or come down to the police station at 140 North Greenville Avenue to complete a "House Watch Form. "Your home will then be checked by uniformed Police Volunteers on a time permitting basis. Ideally this will be 2-3 times per week. Be sure to notify the Police if you return earlier than scheduled.
The watch is intended to be used on a temporary basis on occupied homes. It is not intended to be used with vacant rent homes, vacant homes offered for sale, homes where the owners split residency between two different locations, or homes where the owner may be in a convalescent care facility.
9.We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can we do about it?
Call the Police Department Patrol Division at 972-744-4800 and request additional traffic patrol in your area.
10.How can I evict someone from my property?
Eviction is a legal process that often times requires a court order. Contact the Dallas County Constables office nearest you.
11.What can I do about stray dogs and cats and barking dogs?
Animal Control is the city agency responsible for calls involving dogs and cats. Their number is 972-744-4481. After Shelter hours (8 PM-12 Midnight Monday through Friday and weekends from 6 PM to 12 Midnight) contact the Richardson Police Department and they will dispatch an animal control officer.
BACK TO TOP
Records
1.Who do I call to find out if an Accident Report is available?
Please call (972) 744-4836
2.Who do I call to find out information regarding Traffic Tickets?
Please call Municipal Court at (972) 744-4500
3.Who do I call to find out information regarding an Impounded Vehicle?
Please call Signature Towing at (972) 423-4010 or the Richardson Police Property/Evidence Division at (972) 744-4920.
4.How do I obtain a copy of my criminal record?
Criminal Records may be obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4142, Austin, TX 78765. The telephone number is (512) 424-7252.
5. I am thinking of buying a new home. How can I find out how many times the Police have been called to homes on the street?
Submit an Open Records Request, ask for a location call file sheet for a specific time frame. Come to the Records section at 140 N Greenville Ave. or call (214) 744-4752.
6.Can you fax the reports to me?
Sorry, no.
BACK TO TOP
Vehicles
1.What are the rules and requirements for operating a motorized scooter?
For general information about operating a motorized scooter within the City of Richardson, visit our Scooter Page, and don't forget to look over the Safety Tips.
2.Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the police tow it away for me?
The police may tow away only those vehicles abandoned on public property. As a property owner you may contact a wrecker service in your area and work out arrangements to have vehicles which were illegally abandoned on your property removed. The wrecker service should then contact the Police Department to advise that the vehicle was removed so that should the owner return for the vehicle, it will not be reported as stolen.
3.Can I report drunk drivers to 911 on my car telephone?
Yes, calls to 911 on a cellular telephone are free. Do not try to pursue the drunk driver or place yourself in any danger. When you call you will be asked for the description of the car, where it is, and the direction it is going. Try to copy the license plate number.
BACK TO TOP
Youth
1.What age is considered a juvenile?
A juvenile is a person who is between 10 and 16 years of age.
2.Can a police officer speak to my child without my knowledge or consent?
Officers are under considerable legal and administrative constraints when dealing with children. The juvenile system is designed to ensure the child’s individual rights and acts as his/her advocate.
3.What will the police do to assist me in disciplining my child?
Parents have been afforded several rights and duties by the legislature. This information can be found in the Texas Family Code, namely chapter 151.001. In this document, the parent has “the duty of care, protection, and reasonable discipline of the child”. A police officer does not posses the legal ability to discipline a child, nor does discipline fall within the scope of their involvement in the referral process. While the officers of Richardson Police Department support parents in the proper development of their children, their involvement will be limited to the actual statutory ability and the protection of the all parties involved.
4.What are the curfew hours for children?
The curfew hours for any juvenile under 17 years of age are Sunday through Thursday 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and Friday and Saturday 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
5.What legal age limits might apply to my child?
To possess TOBACCO you must be 18 years of age or older.
To possess ALCOHOL you must be 21 years of age or older.
A child can be reported as a RUNAWAY until his/her 18th birthday.
Upon their 17th birthday, they are no longer handled by the Juvenile Justice System.
6.What is the First Offender Program?
This program is handled through the Neighborhood Youth and Family Counseling of Richardson. Click Here to Visit the FOP Program.
7.Where can I go to get help with my troubled child?
Click here to see a list of service agencies.
Click here to get information for Juvenile Municipal Court Citations.
8.What are the locations and contact information for local Detention Facilities?
Dallas County Juvenile Detention
(For M/B and above charges)
2600 Lone Star Drive
Dallas, TX
Near I-30 and Hampton Road
214-698-2200 Letot Shelter
(For Runaways and M/C Charges)
10525 Denton Drive
Dallas, TX
Just North of Lombardy
214-352-8134 (Intake)
214-352-6489 (Counseling) Collin County Juvenile Detention
4300 Community Blvd
McKinney, TX 75070
Just north of the Adult Jail
West side of US75, north of McKinney
1-972-547-5410
BACK TO TOP