FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I see suspicious
persons or activity, what should I do?
Please call the Police Department at (386) 329-0800. Give the Communications
Specialist a description of the person or the activity and they will
dispatch an officer to the location. You may remain anonymous if you wish.
If I see a crime in
progress, what should I do?
Please do not try to apprehend the subject or take matters into your own
hands. Call 911 immediately and give the Communications Specialist as much
information as you can. Please be as accurate as you can in giving the
precise address of the crime so we can respond as quickly as possible. You
are much more valuable as a good witness.
for more information on reporting
a crime click here
How do I fill out a police
report?
You can either come to the Police Department at 110 N. 11th
Street or call (386) 329-0800 and an officer will respond to your location
in the city.
How do I obtain a copy of a police or accident report?
You must wait three working days and then come to the Police Department at
110 N. 11th Street . A records clerk will assist you in the
lobby. If possible, please bring the case number to help the clerk in
locating the report. There is a nominal fee for each page copied.
What is the mailing
address and fax number for the Police Department?
The address is:
110 North 11th Street, Palatka, FL 32177, FAX (386)
329-0159.
How do I get a background
check done for an employer?
The Palatka Police Department can only provide information regarding
incidents that have occurred in the city. Should a more in-depth check be
required, please contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Public
Records Section, (850) 410-8109. Information is also available online at
their website on the Internet. The address is
www.fdle.state.fl.us
How do I get my
fingerprints done?
Fingerprinting is conducted Monday thru Friday located at 110 North 11th
Street, Palatka, Florida 32177, between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00pm. There is a
$10.00 charge.
How do I apply for a
position with the Police Department?
Applications are available at Palatka Police Department, 110 North 11th
Street. Remember, if you are applying for a Police Officer position you
must be certified in the State of Florida to be employed. The Palatka Police
Department is an equal opportunity employer. You may also contact Christeen
Haney. Chief Secretary at (386) 329-0115.
How do I start or become
part of a Neighborhood Watch group in my area?
You can contact Officer Mylinh Reeves, Community Relations Officer at (386)
329-0115, ext. 304. She can provide you with information regarding a
specific group or with how to start one in your neighborhood. She can also
provide you with information on securing your home or business against
becoming a victim of crime.
Why do I see so many
patrol vehicles in front of houses instead of out on the streets patrolling
our neighborhoods?
The Palatka Police Department allows its members who live within the city
limits to take their patrol vehicles home. This increases our visibility on
the streets of our city thereby reducing crime. Studies also show that a
vehicle that is assigned to one person remains cleaner, better maintained
reduce the maintenance costs and increase the vehicles life within the
Department, reducing the replacement costs.
What can be done about the
cars speeding on my street?
Call Commander Reno Fells, at (386) 329-0115. Your complaint will be
received and every effort will be made to monitor the traffic on your
street. It is helpful if officers may use your driveway to park on.
Who do I contact to
contest a traffic citation?
If you feel that you were issued a traffic citation unjustly or due to
circumstances beyond your control and you wish to contest it, you may
contact the Traffic Violations Bureau at the Putnam County Courthouse, 410
St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Florida. Their telephone number is (386) 329-0350
Does the police department
do house checks while the residents are away on vacation?
Yes. You will need to come to the police department and fill out a
residential house check request and we will check your residence while you
are away and contact you if there is any problem.
How does one get a
background check done?
The police
department will do a local background check for the residents that live in
Palatka. If in depth information is required the person would need to
contact Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) themselves. There is a
cost of $15.00 for each request, the address is: FDLE P.O. box 1489
Tallahassee, FL, 32302 attn: USB public records You will need to include
full name, including maiden name and any alias, if applicable, date of
birth, race, sex and social security number. It will take approximately five
working days to process the request.
How can I get a copy of a
police/accident report and when can I pick it up?
The records department is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You
will need to come to 110 North 11th Street and the charge is $.15
cents for single sided and $.20 for double sided copies. Please allow at
least 24 to 48 hours before coming in to pick up a copy of your
police/accident report. It is always best to call in advance to see if the
report is ready to be released. Please have the date, case number and
location of the incident.
Do you have a program to
call and check on senior citizens in the city?
Yes, our
seniors program is called "Checking on Your Neighbor". The resident will
need to fill out a form that would include any information for emergency
contact, medicines, doctors and hospitals. They may choose the time of day
they wish to be called or checked on.
I'm moving into a certain
neighborhood in Palatka, can you tell me what types of crimes have been
reported for that area?
Yes. We ask that you allow at least 72 hours for the results of your
request.
I have property that was
picked up by the police, how can I get it returned to me?
Call the police department during the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F at
(386)329-0115 and set an appointment with the property officer.
Where can I pay my
traffic ticket?
Putnam County Court House M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm, 410 St. Johns Avenue,
Palatka, FL, 32177, (386)329-0350.
