I hear noise in my yard or inside my home. What should I do?
Call 911 immediately! Stay put and stay on the phone. Don't go wandering around. The police will get there as soon as possible. The dispatcher on the telephone will tell you what to do. Follow the instructions.

I just got a traffic ticket. What should I do?
When you get a traffic ticket, the officer will explain the citation and then will ask you to sign it. Signing the ticket does not indicate that you are in agreement with the citation, nor is it an admission of guilt. It is simply a promise either to pay it or contest it in court. The citation will include all the pertinent information: the date and time of the violation, your name, the offense for which you are being cited, the location of the offense, the officer's name, and applicable court dates and information. If you need more information, call the Southern Branch County Traffic Court at (650) 363-4300.

How do I report a concern I have over a recent contact with a San Carlos police officer?
You may call the watch commander's office at (650) 802-4268 or visit the complaint page of the city's website. Make sure you provide your name and contact information, including a phone number. A city representative will respond to your call or e-mail, providing you a direct avenue to discuss personally any suggestions or concerns.

To file a formal complaint, obtain a form from the San Carlos Police Department office at City Hall (first floor), 600 Elm St., City Hall. Once the department receives the complaint, a police supervisor will call you. The supervisor may be able to resolve the issue with you; if not, the supervisor will investigate the complaint and the police chief will notify you of the results in writing.

What is the procedure for claiming property that I found and turned into the Police Department?
If the property goes unclaimed for 90 days after you turn it in to the police, you may claim the property under the following conditions:

• When you originally turn the property in to the Police Department, you must fill out an Affidavit of Found Property form at the same time.
• If the property has a value of $250 or more, the Police Department will publish a description of the property at least once in the newspaper. If after seven days the owner fails to claim the property and the person who found the property pays for the cost of the publication, the property shall vest in the person who found the property.
• If the property has a value of less that $250, the property shall vest in the person who found the property after 90 days.
• The above does not apply to items that are illegal to own.

Where is the San Carlos Police Department located? When is it open?
The Police Department is located on the first floor of City Hall, 600 Elm St. The department is open 24 hours a day. An emergency call box is located on the west side of the building as well as one in front of City Hall on Elm Street for after-hours service.

I need to get fingerprints taken for work.  Does the San Carlos Police Department provide fingerprinting services for the public?
The San Carlos Police Department does not provide fingerprinting for the public.  The California Department of Justice website provides a listing of Livescan Fingerprinting locations.  California Department of Justice 

Are there any support services available for victims of violent crimes?
Yes, the San Mateo County Victim Center is a division of the San Mateo County Probation Department. They can offer advice and act as a liaison between the victim and the criminal justice system. They can provide information as to the progress of the case through the criminal courts and can assist the victim in filing claims with the California State Board of Control to seek reimbursement for lost wages or lost support. For more information, call (650) 877-5494. The center has a very small office; be prepared to leave a message; they will return your call within 24 hours.

What are my responsibilities of owning a home alarm system? What will the San Carlos Police Department do when my alarm goes off?
First, you must get a permit for your alarm from the Police Department at (650) 802-4277. It is a misdemeanor to use an alarm system in San Carlos without a permit. All audible alarms must be installed or activated to automatically cease transmitting the audible signal within 10 minutes. A user or a representative should respond within one hour to the premises upon the request of the Police Department.

The City of San Carlos has an ordinance that allows an alarm owner one false alarm per year. On the second and each succeeding alarm, you will incur a response fee of $60.

Note that all of the above information does not apply to car alarms. No permit is required for alarms in your vehicle, and no penalties are issued for false alarms. However, if your car alarm is activated and does not shut itself off, it becomes a public nuisance, and the police may tow your car.

How can I learn more about the San Carlos Police Department?
The San Carlos Police Department has an annual Citizen’s Police Academy. It is open to anyone 18 and older who is interested in the Police Department and law enforcement in general. Participants will be invited to apply for our new Citizen’s Traffic Control Program. For more information, call the Citizen’s Police Academy coordinator at (650) 802-4129.

May I volunteer with the Police Department?
Yes, you may join our department as a "Volunteer in Police Service" (VIP). The department offers an array of assignments that can be customized to your skills and abilities. For more information, contact the VIP coordinator at (650) 802-4277.