Q: How do I
get a copy of my accident report?
Q: How do I
obtain a copy of a criminal incident report?
A: The county
attorney’s office, 872-6327, can authorize release of these reports. If a
release is allowed, you can pick up a copy of the report at the Police
Department. There is no charge.
Q: How do I
report something to the police?
A: Call 872-6424.
A dispatcher will record your complaint and connect you with an officer.
Q: How can I
provide information to the police?
A: Broken Bow
Police Department encourages citizens to provide information, particularly for
Crime Stopper action. You can contact BBPD by phone at 872-6424 or visit the
office at 116 South 11th Avenue. All information is held in
strictest confidence. Please be assured that you can remain anonymous.
Q: Somebody is harassing me and I want it to stop. Where can I get a Protection Order or a Restraining Order?
A: You can file
for a harassment protection order against a person who is abusing you by
visiting the District Court Office at the Custer County Courthouse.
Q: Can you tell
me if there is a warrant out for my arrest?
A: No. The Custer
County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for keeping all warrants, regardless of
which agency requested the warrant.
Q: I received a call from a company claiming I had won a trip, but in order to claim my prize, I have to give them my bank account number, social security number, credit card number or some money. What should I do? Is this a scam?
A: The best rule
of thumb is that if something sounds too good to be true, it is. And if you
feel at all uneasy, there’s probably a good reason for that. You should never
have to divulge personal information to receive a prize. And it’s always best
to get information in writing rather than over the telephone. If you do talk to
someone on the phone, get his or her full name, the name of the company and
phone number. Then you can call back to verify if it is a legitimate company.
If they won’t give you a name and number, chances are it is not legitimate.
Q: I have had several phone calls from people representing themselves as police officers and asking for donations. Are they police officers and what is the money used for?
A: BBPD police
officers do not solicit money over the phone for the department. There are some
law enforcement-related agencies such as the Fraternal Order of police that
solicit donations, but they are not police officers nor does the money directly
benefit local law enforcement. However, some of the money does help support the
sponsorship of legislation concerning law enforcement.
Curfew/Animals/Parking
Q: What’s the
city law on curfew?
A: The city
curfew is 11 p.m. for anyone under the age of 16.
Q: What should
I go if my dog is lost?
A: Report it to
the Police Department. If you dog has been picked up and placed in the pound,
you can retrieve your dog from the Police Department. There is a $20 pound fee.
Q: What is the limit on the number of dogs and cats per residence in Broken Bow?
A: City ordinance
limits the number to four dogs and four cats (a total of eight animals) at any
one time per residence. The offspring of any dog or cat shall now count toward
the maximum allowed for a period of four months after the birth of said
offspring. However, only one exempt litter of cats or dogs may be kept in a
household at any one time. Violators of this ordinance can be cited.
Q: Why did I
receive a parking ticket?
A: Parking tickets are issued to the
registered owner of a vehicle that violates city parking codes. The violation
is checked on the front of the ticket, and may include the following:
Q: How do I pay a
parking ticket?
A. Mail the ticket and your payment in to the police
department or bring it to the police department. Please note that payment due
is $5 if paid within 10 days of the day when the ticket was issued, $10 if paid
within 11 and 20 days and $20 if paid between 21 and 30 days. After 30 days,
additional penalties will apply.
Permits/Bikes/Vacation Watches
Q: How do I obtain a
handgun permit?
A: If you are a resident
of the City of Broken Bow, bring proof of identification to the Police
Department, fill out an application and pay a $5 fee. A criminal history will be run. If approved, you will receive
your permit, good for three years. Those who live outside city limits may apply
for a permit from the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.
Q: How do I register a
bike?
A: Bring the bike to the
police department. A Police Department staff member will place a number on the
bike, take a photo, and obtain a description of the bike and the owner’s name,
street address and phone number.
Q: I am going on vacation, how can I get the police to watch my house?
A: If you will be gone for
at least 7 days, you can stop at the police department and fill out a request
for a Vacation Watch.
Lost and Found/Ride Along Program
Q: I lost my watch, bike, keys, eyeglasses, etc. How can I check to see if they have been turned in to the Police Department?
A: Stop in to the Police
Department. If your lost item in the police’s Lost and Found and you can
correctly identify it, it will be released to you. A department employee will
ask you to sign a release form.
Q: If I find an item
somewhere in Broken Bow, what should I do?
A: Bring it to the police
department, where it will be held in the Lost & Found for the owner to
claim.
Q: I am interested in a career in law enforcement. How can I get permission to Ride Along with an officer?
A: BBPD has a Ride Along
Program. Simply go to the Police Department and fill out a short Ride Along
form. You must be 18 and not have a criminal record or warrants. If you are
approved for the program, you will be notified of the date and time that you
can Ride Along. Your Ride Along will consist of actually riding in a working
police car with a patrol officer. Riding along with an officer can be an
eye-opening experience.
Three factors must be
present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. You can have a
significant impact on the last one – opportunity. And you can significantly
reduce crime by taking simple crime prevention steps, such as the following:
Use a door viewer before
opening your door. Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or
sales persons).
Always lock up your home before leaving.
Don’t hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use
when you return home.
Plan your route ahead of time. Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
Use well-lit streets, not dark alleys
or wooded areas.
Carry signaling devices like shriek
alarms or a whistle.
Be alert! Look behind you occasionally.
Never ask for or accept a ride from a
stranger
Don’t carry large sums of money or wear
valuable jewelry.
Don’t resist an armed robber – hand
over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
Your life and safety are worth more
than any personal property.
If possible,
don’t carry one! Never carry anything you can’t afford to lose in it.
Carry your
purse across the front of your body with your forearm across the front of the
purse and your elbow held tightly against your side.
Carry your
keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes.
Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards. Keep a record of all of your card numbers.
Driving
Garage Sales
Garage sales are generally
safe. HOWEVER, here are some precautions.
Do not advertise garage sales
as a “moving sale.” This implies that the house may be vacant for an extended
time.
Do not answer personal
questions about the house, such as the type of alarm, daytime occupancy, etc.
Do not let people inside
(to use the bathroom, phone, etc.)
p If you are stopped
If you are stopped by an
officer while driving you may feel confused, anxious or even angry. These are
natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and
dangerous for the officer. Each year, a number of law enforcement officers are
killed or seriously injured while making the “routine” traffic stop.
If stopped by a Police
Officer, please remember:
1.
When you see the red
and blue overhead lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm and pull safely
over parallel to the right side of the road.
2.
Remain in your
vehicle unless the officer advised otherwise. Be sure the officer is wearing a
police uniform. If not, keep your door locked and ask for credentials.
3.
Try to keep your
hands where the officer can see them. It’s a good idea to rest both hands on
the steering wheel.
4.
Avoid any sudden
movements, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the
vehicle. The officer might think you are reaching for a weapon or concealing
some other object.
5.
Do not immediately reach
for your license or other documents until the officer requests them. The law
requires drivers to show their license, registration and insurance card to a
peace officer upon request.
6.
If your documents are
out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
7.
If the stop occurs
during darkness, the officer will likely use a bright spotlight to illuminate
your vehicle. You can help by turning on your interior lights so the officer
can see that everything is in order.
8.
If there are passengers
in your vehicle, encourage them to remain quiet and cooperate with
instructions. As the operator, you are solely responsible for the vehicle and
its occupants.
9.
The officer may issue
you a ticket. If you feel the reason is vague or unclear, ask the officer for
details.
10.
If you contest the
violation, you will have an opportunity to address the matter in court – do not
argue with the officer.
11.
Finally, if you
receive a ticket, please accept it calmly and sign the citation. Signing is not
an admission of guilt, it’s only a promise to appear in court at the appointed
time or pay a fine. State law mandates that if you refuse to sign the citation,
you will be arrested.