Q. What should I do if I get at ticket or citation?

If you need information about a ticket or traffic citation, do not call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or the police agency that issued it. Once the ticket is issued, it becomes part of the court process and is handled by the Clerk of the Courts.

The Clerk of the Courts for Broward County has an informative web site with extensive information about the resolution options for tickets and citations. You can find this information at http://www.browardclerk.org. You can even make online payments for some tickets and citations.

If a court appearance is not required (the box at the bottom of your yellow citation stating “infraction does not require appearance in court” must be checked), you have three options:

• Pay the citation: This is a guilty plea and points will be assessed (if applicable).
• Attend driving school: This is a no contest plea, pay the fine and no points will be assessed if you sign up and complete driving school within 90 days. (Note: there are limits to the number of times you can attend driving school; consult the Clerk’s web site for information).
• Plead Not Guilty: Consult the Clerk’s website for procedures and options for this plea.

If a court appearance is required, you MUST appear on the date specified on the ticket.

Q. Where do I report graffiti?

A. If you want to report graffiti, call (954) 828-8000.

Q. What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?

A. By the time you call us the vehicle will probably be gone, however, if the speeding vehicle continually returns, call our communication center at 828-5700 and a police unit will be dispatched as priorities warrant. If the speeding problem is one of an ongoing nature, call the Operations Bureau at 828-5588 and we will determine the best way to remedy the situation.

Q. Are there noise limits in Fort Lauderdale?

A. You bet! City ordinance forbids certain noise levels after 10:00 PM. Further, in some areas of the City prohibitions exist concerning noise from certain types of establishments. Keep in mind, during those times of the year when the weather is cool, people tend to leave their windows open at night. If you have left your window open, the noise level may be normal and the noise you are hearing seems louder than it really is.

Q. Where can I get a copy of a police report?

A. You can come, or write, to the police department located at 1515 W. Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. For further information, call (954)828-5465.

Q. How much does a police report, other data, or fingerprinting cost?

A. Effective January 1, 1995 fees for requested documents are:

• Bulk Request/Research Fees
• $10.00 Deposit on all requests that will take over 2 hours
• $27.76 per hour
• Police Reports Copies
• $0.15 per page (single sided copy)
• $0.20 per page (double sided copy)
• $5.00 microfilm report (by mail)
• $1.00 per page certified
• $10.00 fee for local records check (computer only)
• $15.00 immigration check

 

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Q. I'm going on vacation. Will the police watch my house?

 

A. Yes. If you are a resident of Fort Lauderdale, all you have to do is call us at 828-5700. Tell the call-taker your address and ask to speak to the patrol supervisor that is responsible for your area. The supervisor will prepare a Zone Alert and the information will be given to the patrol officers that patrol your neighborhood. Be prepared to tell the supervisor who will have your keys (if anyone) and who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Q. Don't the police have better things to do rather than writing tickets?

A. Traffic enforcement is a very important part of the law enforcement function. There is a direct correlation between the number of traffic tickets issued and the number of traffic accidents that occur. And it is not just the property damage loss we are concerned about. We know that by enforcing Florida traffic laws we are preventing injury and loss of life. After all, if we did not write tickets, who would?

Q. What can I do about annoying telephone "hang-ups"?

A. First of all, you should keep track of the hang-ups. After you have documented a pattern of these irritating calls, call us. We will work with the phone company to identify the culprit. Remember, first you must document the calls.

Q. I received a call from someone representing himself as a police officer. The caller wanted a donation. Was the call legitimate?

A. It is very likely that the caller was legit. Many police organizations such as the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Benevolent Association hire private firms to solicit funds for them. However, if you are in doubt regarding a particular call, just say, thanks, but no thanks. For more information on the Fort Lauderdale Fraternal Order of Police solicitation policy, click here.

Q. I want to report the misconduct of a police officer. Who should I call?

A. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department maintains a full-time Internal Affairs Unit. This component is made up of sergeants who are assigned to investigate misconduct complaints made against police officers. In addition, you may call the individual bureaus to file your complaint. Your call will be held in the strictest of confidence. Here are the numbers:

 

Internal Affairs: 255 NE 3rd Avenue Complaint Hotline: (954) 828-6956 Office of the Chief: 1515 W. Cypress Creek Rd. (954) 828-5590

Patrol Sergeant: 1515 W. Cypress Creek Rd. (954) 828-5700 Investigations Sergeant: 1515 W. Cypress Creek Rd. (954) 828-5497

Q. How can I keep trespassers off my property when I'm not there to do it myself?

A. Come to the Police Department (1515 W. Cypress Creek Rd.) and fill out a No Trespass Affidavit.  Once you have filled out the sworn statement, you will be given a warning sign to post on your property.