Will the police department keep a check on our house while we are on vacation?

You can call 459-4545 and request a residential check.  The police officers will try to check on your house while you are away.

Will the police department deliver a message to someone who does not have a telephone?

The police department only delivers emergency, life or death, messages.

Can the police department open my car if I have locked the keys in it?

The police department will attempt to unlock your car.  You are responsible for any damages occurring during the attempt.  If your car has side air bags, the police department will not attempt to unlock it.

Can I ride on patrol with a police officer?

No.  The Nashville Police Department does not have a ride-a-long program.

Should I report suspicious activity?

The police department depends on citizens reporting crimes or suspicious activity.  Many crimes have been prevented because alert citizens reported suspicious activity.  The person taking your call will ask questions about the activity and for a description of the people involved.  They will ask your name and address but you do not have to give that information and we will still respond to your call.  Remember one simple rule: “If you see a situation and it doesn’t feel right to you, it’s suspicious.”  If your intuition tells you something isn’t right, call and report your suspicions.  It’s better to discover that nothing is wrong than to let a crime occur.

I have left my spouse and am living elsewhere but I need to get my clothing and other personal property.  Can the police department help me?

The police department will send an officer to keep the peace and prevent violence while you retrieve your belongings, which is limited to a change or two of clothing, medications and valuables.

Is there a waiting period to report someone missing?

No.  You may make a missing person report whenever you realize someone is missing. 

Can the police tow an abandoned car off my parking lot/property?

No.  The police cannot have abandoned cars towed off private property.

Can I get a copy of a police report?

You can pickup a copy of an incident or accident report at the police department between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.  The report can be mailed to you if you provide a SASE and pay the fee for the report.  Reports are not faxed to individuals.  There is a $3.00 charge for each report. 

Please remember that it normally takes a minimum of 36 hours after you file a report for it to be ready.

Will the police department fingerprint me?

The police department offers fingerprint service between the hours of 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday.  Please bring your own fingerprint cards, as we do not provide them.  The agency requesting that you be fingerprinted should provide them.  The charge for fingerprinting is $5.00 for one or two cards.

The police department does not fingerprint for Immigration or Naturalization purposes.  If you need fingerprints for this purpose, you need to contact an immigration certified agency.