No! The Police Department clearly identifies our responsibility in resolving complaints.

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

• 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 threat of impending danger or major damage?
• Is there a hazardous condition which 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.
• Sex: 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 the phone number from which you are calling.
• Tell the person who answers the phone your name.

The Ferndale Police Department does not require an alarm permit.

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).

Complete and submit the Traffic Change Request Form. 

• A stranger is entering your neighbor's house or yard while they're away.
• Peddlers offer 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, gun shots, 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.

Click to download a print-ready brochure.

Access the Ferndale Police Department Witness Statement. 

We strive to meet your expectations in quality professional standards. We ensure that your trust in law enforcement is not misplaced and that we will resolve these problems to the best of our ability.

No. Your complaint may be resolved immediately and informally by speaking with a department employee/supervisor. If informal resolution cannot be achieved, a formal complaint will be filed. This will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. Please keep in mind that the amount of time it takes to resolve a formal complaint may depend on the complexity of the issue.

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Yes, without question. The Police Department recognizes your crucial role in helping us to learn, adapt, and improve our services for all members of our diverse community.