| FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |

The following is a list of questions which officers are often asked. We hope these answers will address a few of your concerns. However, If you still have questions please call (419)485-3121 or complete the "Submit A Question" form on the left side.

1. How do I know if I should dial 911 or the regular police non-emergency number? If the situation is life threatening or there is a crime in progress call 911. If you want to report a crime that has already occurred, report suspicious activity, have a non-emergency situation, or have a question, call (419) 485-3121.

2. Do I have to file a report if I was in a car accident? In general, yes. Most insurance companies will NOT accept a claim if you haven't filed a Police report. In all situations where you are the only driver and there is damage to private property, you will need to notify the owner of the property. Also, if the accident is a hit/run, it is considered a Failure to Report situation. If you have damaged someone's property and flee without notifying them, you may be charged with failing to report and/or leaving the scene of an accident.

3. How do I get a copy of a Police report? You will need to request a report in writing. There is no fee, however it may take up to 14 days to obtain the report. You will need to have the names and dates of person's involved, and a report number would be helpful. Remember, some information is protected under the Privacy Act. To locate the correct form simply click on the “FORMS” link.

4. Where do I pay bonds/fines for traffic tickets? You may pay your ticket online at www.bryanmunicipalcourt.com, mail your fee in, or appear in person at Bryan Municipal Court (1399 E. High St. Bryan, OH 43506), appear at the Bryan Police Department (when Bryan Municipal Court is closed). Please ensure that you call each department ahead of time to check on the proper procedure.

5. I parked my vehicle in the 300 Blk. of W. Main St. overnight and received a parking ticket, why is this? Per Montpelier Village Ordinance 351.20, parking between the hours of 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM is not allowed on certain downtown streets. The following streets are designated as no parking zones between the above listed hours: Main Street, from Broad Street to Monroe Street; Broad Street, from Main to Washington Street; Empire Street, from Main Street to Jefferson Street; Jonesville Street, from Madison Street to Washington Street; and Madison Street, from Opdycke Street to Jonesville Street. If you have any questions please contact the Montpelier Police Department at (419)485-3121.

6. How do I pay a fine for a parking ticket that was issued to me? Parking tickets are to be returned directly back to the Montpelier Police Department (221 Empire Street). Please make sure you have retained the yellow envelope as that is the only way we can assure you are credited with paying the fee. You may mail the envelope in, or drop it in the yellow fine box outside the front door of the Police Department.

7. What do I do if someone has written a bad check to me? You should mail this person a notice of the returned check (via Certified Mail) and request that person to "make good" on the check within 10 days. The Montpelier Police Department can send out bad check notices for a $4.00 fee. After the 10 days you should take the bad check, along with the notice sent, to the Bryan Municipal Prosecutors Office and you can file a report. In certain cases, the Montpelier Police will take the report.

8. I want to drop the charges on a complaint I filed? The Montpelier Police Department does not have the authority to dismiss charges. Only the judge can dismiss charges and it must be petitioned through the Prosecutor's Office. Remember that dismissing charges can create other problems and you can be held criminally liable for changing your initial statement(s) to have the charges dismissed.

9. How can I complete a ride along with the Montpelier Police Department? You will have to apply for permission, pass a background check and complete a waiver form. Keep in mind, not everyone can ride and we have Reserve Officers who ride for training purposes. To find out more information please contact Chief Dan McGee @ 419-485-3121 or email: dan.mcgee@montpelieroh.org.

10. How do I apply for a position on the Reserves? You will need to complete an application and authorization for release of information. You will have to go through a background check and application process. Applicants are selected based upon need, etc. Not all applicants who pass a background check will be eligible for a position. To locate the required paperwork simply click on the “FORMS” link.

11. What should I do if I’m going out of town and would like my house checked periodically? The Montpelier Police Department has a house check program. You must fill out a “Residential Security Check Form” and submit it to the Police Department. To locate the required form click on the "FORMS" link.

12. I own a business and when an officer did a check they found an open door, however they did not call me, what should I do? As the owner of a business, it is very important to have a “Business Security Information Form” completed. This form provides us with accurate information on who to call in the event an open door is located or there is an emergency. To locate the required form click on the “FORMS” link.

13. I have a question about a civil issue (e.g. divorces, child custody, certain property disputes, etc.) and want to speak with an officer? In general, we do not have the authority to settle civil issues. It is always recommended that you speak with an attorney for civil issues. You can still call the Police, however we may not be able to remedy the situation, or we will refer you to an attorney. The Police cannot give out legal advice. You must consult with an attorney for legal advice.

14. Do the Police need to have parking lights on, while stationary on a traffic detail? No. There is no law that requires officers to be "visible" or have any lights on while running traffic. We do encourage our officers to make smart choices. If parking the vehicle close enough to the road that it could be a potential hazard, it is usually a good choice to have lights on for traffic to see.

15. I have problems with stray cats or other small animals, can the police department remove them for me? We do not remove stray cats or small animals. We do lend out live traps for private citizen use, but it is the citizen's responsibility to humanely remove the animal. You may need to contact a nuisance trapper or the Williams County Humane Society at 419-636-2200. Frequently asked questions will be updated periodically, when new and routine questions are in need of being addressed.

16. Do I need a permit to hold an activity which closes a street (i.e.parade, or other gathering)? The short answer is yes. With the exception of a funeral procession, you need to apply for a parade permit with the office of the Chief of Police, per codified ordinance 311.02.