The police department is committed to educating the public on various things that can be done by an individual, or groups of individuals, in order to improve personal safety and to promote a safer community. The following identifies some of the topics that should be considered by all.

Crime Prevention

Be aware of your surroundings. When walking to or from your car at a shopping center or other public place, look around. Be sure nobody is following you. When you get to your vehicle, look around again. Be sure nobody is sitting in a nearby vehicle. If you see somebody just sitting in a nearby vehicle, walk back to the public area where there are people. If necessary, ask someone to accompany you to your vehicle.

Around your home, keep valuables out of sight, especially if you have service workers in your home to clean carpets, paint, etc. On the outside, don't leave furniture outside except in your back yard.

Park your vehicles in your garage. They are much harder to vandalize or steal if they are inside. Vehicles are much more expensive than most other items you may have in your garage, so take care of them and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. If you have more vehicles than will fit inside the garage, remove ALL valuables from the vehicle such as briefcases, cell phones, stereo faceplates, etc. Most important, remove your garage door openers AND all keys! If your vehicle is equipped with a HomeLink system, never park it outside. Anyone who is able to break into your vehicle will have instant access to your garage and then into your home.

Keep your garage door closed at all times! Never leave it open for ventilation.

Alarm Systems & Permits

All owners of alarm systems in the City of Phoenix are required to have a permit for their alarm system, including both residential and business users. Alarm permit applications are available at by contacting the Alarm Unit at (602) 534-0322, or you can download an application right from this web site. Read More.

Burglary Prevention

If you are home during the day, never open the door without checking to see who it is first. One method burglars may use to see if anyone is home is to knock and see if you answer, and if someone does they will make up a name and say they are looking for that person. The safe thing to do would be to get a cordless or cellular telephone and have it with you when you get to a position where you can see who is at the door. If there are persons there whom you do not know, call Crime Stop at (602) 262-6151 to report suspicious persons. Just be aware that there are numerous magazine sales crews and other vendors who might be working the area, but in any event you should keep an eye on the person/s at the door. By being prepared, if anybody should move around to your side or rear yards you will be able to advise the Crime Stop operator about what is happening. Read More.

Change of Address

When you move Arizona law requires that you notify the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within 10 days of when the new address takes affect. You can visit any MVD office and complete the change of address/name card, mail in the change, or you can complete the changes online by visiting the MVD's "servicearizona" website. You can change the address on your drivers license and vehicle registrations at the same time through either method.

This requirement is important to you. It allows MVD to send registration renewals to your current address (they are not forwarded). It also assists us in notifying your family should you ever be injured or unconscious in a traffic collision, biking/hiking accident, etc. If we know your current address, we can send an officer to your residence that your family members can be with you in a timely manner. This could also have important benefits if you have a medical condition that emergency personnel should know about.

MVD has developed a computer system that links all of your MVD records together. When you submit a change of address, they will update your driver license or identification card record and each vehicle record for which you are listed as the registration recipient.

You may report a change of address online at MVD's servicearizona or phone or by mail. For an address change provide your full name, old address with zip code, and new address with zip code, plus your driver license number and date of birth and your plate or vehicle identification number (VIN). If you wish to show your new address on your license, you may apply for a duplicate license for a $4 fee

Change of Name

You may not change your name by telephone or Internet.

You may notify MVD by writing to:
Mail Drop 538M
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100
Phoenix AZ 85001-2100

or you may go to any MVD or authorized Third Party office.

You will need to present appropriate identification in both your new and previous names. If you wish to show your new name on your license, you may apply for a duplicate license. If your vehicle title has a lien, written
permission must be obtained from the lienholder. Additional documentation may be required.

Crime Reports

If you need a copy of a criminal incident report you must file a public records request either in person or by mail. The Public Records Detail is located on the first floor of the police headquarters building at 620 West Washington, in Phoenix, and is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read More

Curfew

The activities of children under the age of 18 is regulated at night by City Code 22-1 and 22-2. Youth, age 15 and under must be home between 10 PM and 5 AM and those 16 and 17 years of age must be home between midnight and 5 AM. If away from home during these hours, juveniles must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (not a "friend") OR be on an emergency errand or legitimate business with parental consent. Read More

Go-Peds/Dirt Bikes/ATC Information

Go-Peds are regulated under Phoenix City Code 36-64. Riders must be at least 14 years of age. Juveniles between 14 and up to age 18 must have in their possession, a written and notarized consent from their parent or guardian listing the name and date of birth of the operator, the home address, home and work numbers of the parent and a statement giving permission to the juvenile to ride the Go-Ped.

In Phoenix, Go-Peds CANNOT be ridden:

• On any sidewalk.
• In any City park.
• On any public property that has been posted as skateboards prohibited.
• On any street with a posted speed limit over 25 MPH.
• After 8 PM, before 7 AM or during hours of darkness.
• With any passenger on board.
• Two abreast on a roadway

Dirt bikes, ATC's and similar off-road vehicles cannot be ridden on any dirt lot within the City limits or on any street in the city. These are best transported outside the City limits where off-road use if permitted. Check with the governing authority of the location to determine their laws/regulations/policies. The Gila River Indian Reservation does not allow these vehicles to be ridden on their property.

Graffiti Notes

If you see graffiti in your neighborhood the area, call Graffiti Busters at (602) 495-7014 for removal. Read More

Missing Street Signs

Contact the Street Transportation Department at (602) 262-4659 for missing or obstructed street signs.

Orders of Protection

An Order of Protection in printable Adobe Acrobat format is available online from the Arizona Supreme Court web site. These Orders must be served by either a Process Server (information is available at the court information desks) or by a police officer. The City of Phoenix will bill $25 for service plus mileage if the service location is over 7 miles from our station.

Parking

Parking regulations seem like a trivial matter, but they are very important when they are posted. If you have questions about a parking situation you can submit your question and someone from the police department will provide you with an answer. Submit your question

Potholes

Contact the Street Transportation Department at (602) 262-6441 to report potholes.

Streetlights Out

Contact the Street Transportation Department at (602) 495-5125. You will need the pole number of the light that is out.

Traffic Accident Reports

If you need a copy of a Traffic Accident report, you can go to the police headquarters building at 620 West Washington, in Phoenix, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to get one. Another option is to purchase a copy of the report using the Online Accident Report service, click here for details.

Traffic Citations

If you receive a traffic citation, you may attend a traffic school (if you are eligible), mail in the fine or appear in Court. The Phoenix Municipal Court is located at 300 West Washington and parking is available across the street in the 305 W. Washington parking garage. If you receive a citation from the Department of Public Safety or the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, you will need to contact the appropriate court listed on your citation as we have no information on court procedures.

Traffic Signal Malfunctions

Contact the Street Transportation Department at (602) 262-6021 to report traffic signals out of order.