A YES answer to any of the following questions would indicate an emergency:

• Is there an injury or possible injury?
• Is a crime being committed or about to be committed?
• Is someone asking for help?
• Is the suspect still at the scene?
• Is there a threat of impending danger or major damage?
• Is there a hazardous condition that would cause injury or death to citizens or their property and will not go away unless action is taken?
• Will immediate response prevent possible injury or damage or result in the apprehension of the perpetrator(s)?

It is best to describe from the top down.

• Race: White, black, Spanish, etc.
• Gender: Male, female
• Age: 18 to 20 years old, 30 to 40 years old, etc.
• Clothing: Type, color, hat, coat, shirt, pants, shoes, etc.
• Height: 5 foot 8 to 5 foot 10, etc.
• Weight: 140 to 150 pounds, etc.
• Hair: Color, style, length, beard, mustache, etc.
• Build: Fat, thin, large, petite, medium, etc.
• Other: Scars, tattoos, moles, etc.

When describing a vehicle, attempt to supply as much information as possible that would allow the responding officers to distinguish this vehicle from the many others. Again, describe from the top down.

• License number (the most important)
• Color (two-tone, three-tone)
• Body style (two-door, four-door, van, pick-up truck, etc.)
• Make (Ford, Chrysler, Pontiac, Honda, etc.)
• Year (If not known, then describe newer or older)
• Any outstanding features (damage, rust, clean, dirty, antenna, bumper sticker, sunroof, vanity plate, writing on sides, etc.)

• Stay calm.
• Don't get excited.
• Don't wait for someone else to call.
• Tell the person who answers the phone exactly what is wrong, like this, "There was just a car accident in front of my house..."
• Tell the person who answers the phone the exact address of where the emergency is located, including the apartment number if you live in an apartment.
• Tell the person who answers the phone your name and the phone number from which you are calling.

• A stranger is entering your neighbor's house or yard while they're away.
• Peddlers offering merchandise at ridiculously low prices.
• Anyone removing accessories, license plates, or gasoline from a vehicle.
• Persons entering or leaving a business after hours.
• Sounds of breaking glass, gunshots, screaming, car alarms, or anything suggestive of foul play.
• Persons loitering near schools, parks, or secluded areas in your neighborhood.
• Open or broken windows at a closed business or residence.
• Vehicles being loaded with valuables, even if they appear to be legitimate-looking commercial vehicles.
• Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons--especially if seen at an unusual hour.

When reporting a crime or emergency to the Ferndale Police Department, the following information is needed:

• Your name and address.
• The type of crime or emergency.
• The exact location of the situation.
• The description of the suspect and the suspect's vehicle if one is used.
• The direction of flight.
• The time of occurrence.
• If a weapon was used, and if so what type.

The above seven requested items are very important, however, do not wait to call until you can answer all of them. Call as soon as you observe the crime or emergency, then attempt to obtain the answers to numbers four through seven (above).

Access the Ferndale Police Department Witness Statement. 

Complete and submit the Traffic Change Request Form. 

The Ferndale Police Department does not require an alarm permit.

Click to download a print-ready brochure.