1. What can I do about barking dogs in my neighborhood?

Although pets can provide much companionship and love, they can also become a nuisance to an entire neighborhood if not cared for properly. All barking dogs or other nuisance complaints are handled by the Ridgefield Police Department.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

2. What are the regulations regarding construction-related noise?

The rules as to hours of operation of construction equipment or general noise differ between commercially and residentially zoned area's of town. Further, the hours of operation differ between weekend and midweek use. The full explanation is available in section 275 of the Borough of Ridgefield Ordinance Book. For suspected violations of the noise ordinance contact the Ridgefield Police Department at 201-943-5210. For suspected violations of building codes contact the Ridgefield Building Department at 201-943-5546.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

3. If I'm involved in a traffic accident, what should I do?

With increased traffic congestion and the likelihood of traffic accidents, should you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are certain steps you should follow for your safety as well as to assist you through the entire process. - Regardless of the severity of the damage, always call the police department to respond and make a report. NEVER leave the scene of an accident without first reporting the accident to a police officer. - If your vehicle is still in the roadway, there are NO injuries reported as a result of the collision and your vehicle is safe to do so, carefully move your vehicle to a safe location (i.e. shoulder of roadway or parking lot) - If you are unable to move your vehicle safely to another location, remain in your vehicle until assistance arrives. Unless your vehicle is in a hazardous location, then exit your vehicle and go to a safe location. - Refrain from arguing with any other persons involved in the collision. - Retrieve your driver's license, registration and insurance card. Be prepared to produce these documents to the officer who responds to investigate your collision. - When an officer asks you questions pertaining to the collision, attempt to give a clear and concise account of the accident. Do not feel that any piece of information is too minor to report – You may obtain a copy of your accident report after 2 working days at the Ridgefield Police Records Bureau

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

4. How can I get a copy of a police report?

Traffic Accident reports can be picked up at the Police Records Bureau, 604 Broad Avenue, Ridgefield, Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm. The fee is $0.75 per page for the 1st to 10th page; $0.50 for the 11th to 20th page; all pages over 20 $0.25 per page. When a request for an accident report is not made in person, an additional fee of $5.00 for the first 3 pages and $1.00 for each additional page will be charged. Accident reports are generally 1 to 3 pages in length, depending upon the severity of the accident. Police Incident reports may also be picked at the Record's Bureau, however, some restrictions may apply. Contact Police Records for further information at 201-943-5210 ext. 367.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

5. What can I do about suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

Contact the police department at 201-943-5210.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

6. What can I do about traffic concerns in my neighborhood?

If you have a concern with traffic in your neighborhood such as speeding vehicles, you should contact the Traffic Safety Bureau in writing or by phone. A Traffic Safety Officer will respond to your neighborhood to survey the traffic. Officers may remain posted on your street during busy traffic times to issue summonses, or may post a RADAR trailer on your street to advice the motoring public of their speed and the posted speed limit. Calls may be placed to the traffic bureau at 201-943-5210 ext. 344. Or at ishaw@ridgefieldpolice.com

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

7. How can I contest traffic or parking citations?

A person who receives a traffic or parking citation may contest it by contacting the Ridgefield Court. A court clerk will assign a court date. On the specified date, the person will be able to plead his/her case before a judge. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Ridgefield Municipal court direct at 201-943-7155.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

8. I lost my traffic citation - What do I do?

If you lost your traffic citation, you need to contact Ridgefield Municipal Court at 201-943-7155 for information on how to proceed to contest the summonses or enter a guilty plea.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

9. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Tips:

To speed up your visit to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Police Department recommends the following helpful tips: A growing national problem is identity theft and document fraud. To combat these problems the MVC introduced a new 6 point ID verification Program in September 2003. It sounds complicated, but if you re prepared when you arrive at the agency, it is a very easy process. There are four steps to follow and each step is required by the MVC. Each document is assigned a POINT VALUE by the MVC. When a customer presents his or her documents the point value must total 6 points or more to obtain a driver's license. (Note: you can use two primary documents, but you still must show a secondary document even though the value of the two primary documents exceeds 6 points.) After the point requirement is met the customers must show proof of their current address. Then the customer must provide their social security number. When all four steps required have been met, only then may the customer obtain a new driver's license. (Note : All documents presented must be ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPIES and must have the required State and/or Municipal seals. Photocopies and faxes WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Birth and marriage certificates issued by private entities such as hospitals or churches WILL NOT ACCEPTED.) Have as much of the paperwork prepared as possible prior to your arrival at the MVC. The MVC Staff is extremely helpful and can assist you with your needs, but the more prepared you are the better they can serve you and the faster your visit will be. The four steps are as follows: STEP 1 “C Primary Documents “C You must show at least ONE of these. U.S. Citizens 4-POINT DOCUMENTS A civil birth certificate* or certified copy from one of the 50 states, District of Columbia or a US territory. Photocopies or certificates from hospitals or religious entities are not accepted. *If your current legal name is different from the name on your birth certificate (for example, if your married name is Betty Smith but the name on your birth certificate is Betty Jones), then you must show proof of the name change. Such proof may include a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order. The proof must link your current name to the name on your birth certificate. US passport, current or expired less than 3 years Active US military photo ID card, US Department of State birth certificate (form FS-545, FS-240 or DS-1350) US adoption papers, Certificate of naturalization (form N-550, N-570 or N-578) Certificate of citizenship (form N-560, N-561 or N-645) Non-Citizens 4 POINT DOCUMENTS: Foreign passport with INS or BCIS verification, and valid record or arrival/departure (form 1-194) Foreign passport with INS or BCIS verification, and valid for 1-551 stamp, Current alien registration card (new form 1-551) with expiration date and verification for INS or BCIS, Refugee travel document (form 1-571) US re-entry stamped, Refugee, Parolee, Asylee, or Notice of Action, (form I-797 approved petition) by INS or BCIS, Valid I-94 with attached photo stamped, Processed for I-551 by INS or BCIS 3-POINT DOCUMENTS: Current photo employment authorization card (form 1-688B or I-766). Must be presented with valid Social Security card. 2-POINT DOCUMENTS: Current alien registration card (old form I-551) without expiration date, and INS or BCIS verification, Photo temporary resident card (form I-688) STEP 2 “C Secondary Documents “C You must show at least ONE of these 3-POINT DOCUMENTS: Civil marriage certificate issued by the municipality in which you were married. Please note: Photocopies are not accepted. Marriage certificates issued by religious entities are not accepted. Divorce decree, Court order for a legal name change, signed by a judge or court clerk, Current US military dependent card, US military dependent card, US military photo retiree card, NJ firearm purchaser card 2-POINT DOCUMENTS: US school photo ID card with transcript or school records, US college photo ID card with transcript, Valid federal, state or local government employee driver license, Valid federal, state, or local government employee photo ID card, US military discharge papers (DD214), FAA pilot license 1-POINT DOCUMENTS: You cannot use more than TWO of these Current NJ photo license, Current photo driver license from any other state or the District of Columbia, Social Security card, Bank statement or record, ATM card with preprinted name and applicant's signature. (Please note: An ATM card and bank statement cannot be submitted together) Current health insurance card, prescription card or employee ID card with printed pay stub, State professional license, NJ public assistance card with photo (also known as a NJ Social Services ID card) High school diploma, GED or college diploma, Property tax statement, bill or receipt issued by a New Jersey municipality, For NJ high school students: a waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver's test, Veterans Affairs universal access photo ID card STEP 3 “C Proof of Address You must also present proof of address, which may be, but is not limited to, ONE of these Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days that shows your name at your current address, Checking or savings account statement from bank or credit union, issued in the past 60 days, High school or college report card or transcript containing your address, issued within the past two years, Original lease or rental agreement showing your name as the lessee or renter, Property tax bill, statement or receipt from the past year, Any letter or correspondence (including tax bills) received from the IRS or state tax office in the last year. First-class mail received from any federal, state or local government agency in the past six months. If you are under 18 and do not otherwise have proof of address, then we will accept a Parent or Guardian Certification that verifies your living with a parent or guardian STEP 4 “C Social Security Number As a final step, we will access the Social Security Administration and verify that your name and date of birth match your Social Security Number.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

10. What can I do about my noisy neighbors?

A noisy neighbor may create a disturbance by having a loud television, stereo, or radio. These types of complaints are best handled by the police department because the loud noise is intermittent, occasional, or spontaneous. A loud party is also best resolved by the police department. A Community Policing Officer(s) may also be referred by the responding officers to meet with the parties involved in an attempt to mediate the situation without court procedures at a later date

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

11. What can I do about juvenile delinquency problems with my children or in my neighborhood?

The Ridgefield Police Juvenile Unit addresses youths who become involved in delinquent acts. Officers encourage diversion of juveniles involved in minor offenses by means of early intervention and mediation. Many first time offenders of minor offenses will be better served by having the matter adjudicated at the lowest appropriate level, although the Juvenile Unit will aggressively investigate and prosecute those serious, habitual offenders that jeopardize the welfare of our community. The Ridgefield Police Department and Ridgefield School District also recognize the need for intervention during school hours. Juvenile infractions occurring within the school district are handled by School Resource Officers assigned solely to the School District. This Office also provides a great deal of prevention through educational presentations and mediation of juvenile problems. Please call for juvenile matters in your neighborhood or juvenile matters within the High School District.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

12. I was a victim of a crime and reported it. What happens next?

Follow-up investigations are conducted by the Detective Bureau. Cases are assigned on a priority basis by the Bureau Supervisor. To obtain information about an assigned investigation, victims may call the Detective Bureau at 201-941-1070 and inquire.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

13. How can I report narcotics activity in my neighborhood?

Contact the Ridgefield Police Department Detective Bureau at 201-941-1070.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

14. How can I report a hate crime?

Hate crimes are very serious and traumatic incidents. It is important for citizens to remember that when these crimes are occurring, they should be reported to the police immediately by telephoning 911. When a citizen finds that he or she has been a victim of a hate crime and it is not an immediate life-threatening emergency he or she should phone the police department at 201-943-5210 and report the crime.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

15. How can I obtain a restraining order?

A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) may be requested whether or not an arrest has been made or the police have been called to a scene. There is no monetary fee. Emergency Temporary Restraining orders are available through the police department on a 24 hour basis. If the situation is non-emergent you can request a Temporary Restraining Order by appearing at the Bergen County Superior Court during normal business hours. The Bergen County Domestic Violence Office is located in room 102A at the Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. The phone number is 201-527-2350. If there is an emergent situation or act of Domestic Violence call 9-1-1. If it is after hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday the Ridgefield Police Department will assist you in obtaining an order of protection if you want one. Certain legal criteria exist. To obtain an order of protection you and your attacker must reside together, or have lived together in the past. You could be married, divorced, separated or had a dating relationship in the past or had a child in common. Domestic Violence extends to adult family members who reside together or previously resided together. Juveniles do not qualify. This is a partial explanation of New Jersey's Domestic Violence Laws; further information can be found at the Bergen County Domestic Violence Office listed above, or thru Alternatives to Domestic Violence at 201-487-8484; or the Ridgefield Police Department at 201-943-5210.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

16. How do I report threatening or alarming anonymous phone calls?

Contact the Ridgefield Police Department immediately. A police report will be generated. Depending on the frequency and severity of the content; detectives may follow up and ask you to participate in the *57 program which can flag incoming calls and may assist police in finding the caller. Police are restricted to use subpoena's and court orders for phone records. Legal criteria applies. Any resident receiving annoying unwanted sales calls should register with the National Federal Trade Commission “Do Not Call Registry,” on the web: www.fcc.gov/cgb/donotcall

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

17. How do I report a Missing Person?

You may initiate a Missing Persons Report by contacting the police department at 201-943-5210. Contrary to popular belief, law enforcement agencies in New Jersey do not require a person to wait a specific period of time before reporting a missing person. Once you suspect that a person is missing, the police should be notified immediately. Please have a description of the person and photo available for police.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top

18. What can I do about "identity theft"?

Contact the Ridgefield Police Department at 201-943-5210 or stop in at the police department located at 604 Broad Avenue and generate a police report. File a written statement on your loss and provide the police department with any documentation you have received of bogus bank accounts, credit cards on store purchases made in your name. After notifying the police department, provide your credit card company, or bank with a copy of the police report. Check you credit with Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union to see if there were further items established in your name fraudulently. Each can be contacted on the web or credit report can be ordered by phone at 1-800-685-1111, 1-800-851-2674, and 1-888-397-3742.

- Last Update: February 3, 2008 which is 99 days ago. - Top