Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Police Department?

What is the Police Department's non-emergency phone number?

Does the Lake Oswego Police Department offer fingerprinting services?

When and how do I use 9-1-1?

Should I call the Police Department about suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

What are the rules regarding dogs and cats?

What is the curfew in Lake Oswego?

I am interested in starting a neighborhood watch group in my area. Whom do I call?

What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?

Do I have to report a traffic crash in which I am involved?

How can I get my vehicle released if it was towed as a result of a DUII arrest or a city ordinance violation?

Where do I go to take care of a traffic fine?

Where is the Lake Oswego Municipal Court located?

How do I get a copy of a police report?

What are the hours of the Police Department Records office?

Where can I learn whether I have an arrest warrant pending?

How can I find out if a particular arrest is still on my record?

How do I get a concealed weapons permit?

How do I apply for a position with the Police Department?

What is the procedure for obtaining a special events permit?

What are the hours construction is allowed in Lake Oswego?

What are the guidelines for false alarms?

How do I find out about stolen, lost or found property?

WHERE IS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

The Lake Oswego Police Department is located on the second floor of City Hall, at 380 A Avenue, on the corner of Fourth Street and A Avenue.

[Back to List]

DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFER FINGERPRINTING SERVICES?

The Lake Oswego Police Department does not offer fingerprinting services at this time. Please contact the following local agencies to find out about available fingerprinting services. Call ahead to verify days, times, and costs.

@ a moments notice (By appointment only. Mobile service available.)

  • 1033 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 205; Portland - 503-481-5847
  • 134 NE 125 Avenue, Portland - 503-257-3054

City of Beaverton (503-526-2260 Press 0)

  • 4755 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton
    Monday-Thursday 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office (By appointment only - 503-794-8072)

  • Public Safety Training Center, 12700 SE 82 Avenue, Clackamas.
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm; Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
    All days closed between 11:00-noon.
    Cash only, no checks. Must have a valid DMV-issued photo ID.

Fingerprinting Services of Portland (Call for appointment. 503-228-4311)

  • 319 SW Washington Street, Room 508, Portland

Molalla Police Department (503-829-8817)

  • Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Please call 15 minutes ahead.

Washington County Sheriff's Office (503-846-5900)

  • 215 SW Adams Avenue, Hillsboro; Monday- Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  No appointment necessary

[Back to List]

WHEN AND HOW DO I USE 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is the emergency telephone number  to connect callers to emergency service (police, fire, or medical) anywhere in the United States. If you live in Lake Oswego, your call goes to the dispatch center, LOCOM, on the second floor of City Hall.

An emergency is any situation where the safety of people or property is at risk. If it is not clear whether the situation is an emergency, it is always best to call 9-1-1.

Examples of a non-emergency situation include: when a crime has been committed but the suspect has left the scene, and ordinance violations such as abandoned autos, parking offenses, animal problems, etc. In these situations, the 24-hour dispatch number at 503-635-0238 should be called.

[Back to List]

WHAT IS THE POLICE NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER?

The 24-hour dispatch number for non-emergency situations is 503-635-0238.

[Back to List]

SHOULD I CALL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?

Many crimes have been halted and people arrested while committing crimes as a result of a citizen call about suspicious activities or persons. If the situation resembles an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately, otherwise call the non-emergency reporting line at 503-635-0238 and be prepared to give detailed information about the incident or individuals involved.

[Back to List]

WHAT ARE THE RULES REGARDING DOGS AND CATS?

Dogs:

Licenses:
All dog owners who live within city limits are required to register their dogs. Dog licenses may be obtained at the Finance Department on the first floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue.

Leash rules: Lake Oswego Code also requires that all dogs be physically restrained at all times. Even if you just take your pooch out for a stroll or let him or her out in the yard for a little exercise, don't forget the leash!

Waste Rules: The Code requires owners to pick up any dog excrement promptly in any area not designated to receive such wastes, including but not limited to public areas such as streets, sidewalks, public parks, parking areas, and any other place not owned by the dogms owner.

If you have any questions about this law (Ord. 2122), please refer to the Lake Oswego Code 31.02.120 at the Library or read this code at
http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/CITYATTY/City_of_Lake_Oswego_Code/Chapter_31/02/120.html .

Please call 503-635-0250 for more information.

Cats:

The City of Lake Oswego does not have any existing ordinances or rules regarding cats within city limits. Therefore the Police Department does not assist with cat control issues, lost cats, cat excrement, or any issues related to cat ownership.

[Back to List]

WHAT IS THE CURFEW IN LAKE OSWEGO?

Section §34.06.159 Curfew.

  1. It shall be unlawful and a civil violation for any child under the age of eighteen years to be in or remain in or upon any street, alley, park or other public place between the hours specified herein.
  2. It shall be unlawful and a civil violation for any parent, guardian or person having the care or custody of a child under the age of eighteen years to knowingly permit, or by insufficient control allow, a child to violate subsection (1) of this section.
  3. It is a defense to prosecution under subsections (1) or (2) of this section that the child was:
    1. accompanied by, or on an errand at the direction of, a parent, guardian or other person of the age of eighteen years or more authorized by a parent or guardian to have the care and custody of the child on the occasion in question;
    2. in a motor vehicle involved in interstate travel;
    3. engaged in an employment activity, or going to or returning home from an employment activity;
    4. involved in an emergency consisting of an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action, including, but not limited to, a fire, natural disaster, an automobile accident or any situation requiring immediate action to prevent serious bodily injury or loss of life;
    5. on the public right of way abutting the child's residence;
    6. attending an official school, religious, or other recreational activity supervised by adults and sponsored by the City of Lake Oswego, a civic organization or another similar entity that takes responsibility for the child;
    7. exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution; or
    8. emancipated pursuant to ORS §109.550 to §109.565.
  4. For the purpose of this section the applicable hours shall be: As to children under fourteen years of age who have not begun high school, between 10:15 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following morning; as to children fourteen years of age or over or who have begun high school, between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. of the following morning.
  5. Before taking any enforcement action under this section, a police officer shall ask the apparent offender's age and reason for being in the public place during curfew hours. The officer shall not issue a citation or take the child into custody under this section unless the officer reasonably believes that an offense has occurred and that, based on any responses or other circumstances, no defense under subsection (3) of this section is present or applicable.

(Ord. No. 1856, Sec. 1; 12-28-82. Ord. No. 2153, Amended, 07/15/97)

(Ord. 2492, Amended, 09/06/2007, Prior Text; Ord. 2231, Amended, 03/21/2000, Prior Text)

For more information, call the Lake Oswego Police Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 503-635-0250.

[Back to List]

I AM INTERESTED IN STARTING A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP IN MY AREA. WHOM DO I CALL?

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly answers to crime. Organize a meeting for neighbors from your street, block or apartment house to discuss the crime problem in your area. Select a meeting place. Publicize your meeting with door to door fliers and follow up with phone calls the day before. To organize a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood contact a Community Service Officer during business hours at 503-635-0250. Brochures will be sent to you.

The Police Department offers free of charge commercial and residential security surveys. An assessment is made of the property pointing out possible weak points that could make you vulnerable to a break-in. Call Crime Prevention at 503-635-0245 for an appointment.

[Back to List]

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT SPEEDING VEHICLES ON MY STREET?

If you suspect a speeding problem on your street, you may call the Traffic Unit during regular business hours at 503-635-0240 to ask for extra patrols. If resources are available, the department can also place a trailer on your street that displays driver speeds.

Contact the Engineering Department at 503-697-7419 for information on installation of speed bumps.

Another program available to Lake Oswego residents is the Speed Watch program, run by the Engineering and Police departments. Citizens receive training and instruction and are loaned a radar gun to monitor speeds on their street.

[Back to List]

DO I HAVE TO REPORT A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN WHICH I AM INVOLVED?

Traffic accidents involving an injury and/or more than $1,500 in damages to either vehicle require both drivers to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 72 hours of the event (excluding weekends and holidays). The police should also be called to the accident scene to take a report. These forms may be obtained at any Police Department or DMV office.

In the past, persons involved in traffic crashes could submit Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) crash reports to the Lake Oswego Police Department, which would forward the report to the DMV. By law, this practice will no longer be permitted.

Effective January 1, 2006, an amendment to state law mandates that all Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Reports be submitted directly to the DMV. Completed reports can be mailed to DMV Headquarters or dropped off at any DMV field office. The Lake Oswego DMV office is located at 3 SW Monroe Parkway, #V.

[Back to List]

HOW CAN I GET MY VEHICLE RELEASED IF IT WAS TOWED AS A RESULT OF A DUII ARREST OR A CITY ORDINANCE VIOLATION?

The Police Department Records Division, located on the second floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue, will release the vehicle to the registered owner. The registered owner must have proof of insurance, identification, and the $350.00 processing fee (credit card or cash) before the vehicle can be released. The tow lot will have additional charges. If you have questions, please call the Records Division at 503-635-0250 before you arrive at the Police Department.

[Back to List]

WHERE DO I GO TO TAKE CARE OF A TRAFFIC FINE?

The Lake Oswego Municipal Court, located on the first floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue, processes traffic fines. Please note that the bail indicated on an infraction or violation ticket is not the fine.

If a person who receives a ticket believes there are mitigating circumstances the court should consider before imposing a fine, he or she may:

  1. Explain them to the judge at the court appearance, or
  2. Send a check or money order for the full amount of bail, along with a letter explaining the circumstances, to the court. The judge will review the letter and may return some or all of the bail if that appears appropriate.

[Back to List]

WHERE IS THE LAKE OSWEGO MUNICIPAL COURT LOCATED?

The Municipal Court is located on the first floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue, next to the City Council chamber. The court office is next to it.

[Back to List]

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF A POLICE REPORT?

To obtain a copy of a police report, contact the records department on the second floor of City Hall, 380 A Avenue. There is a $15.00 charge for a report up to ten (10) pages. Each additional page is 25 cents.

[Back to List]

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECORD OFFICE?

The records office is open during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays.

[Back to List]

WHERE CAN I LEARN WHETHER I HAVE AN ARREST WARRANT PENDING?

To find out if you are wanted, you must come to the Police Department in person with identification. You may not obtain this information over the phone.

[Back to List]

HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF A PARTICULAR ARREST IS STILL ON MY RECORD?

The Oregon State Police Identification Services Section can provide criminal history information. For a copy of a record, an applicant needs to submit name, date of birth, and a set of fingerprints. For more information and current fees for this service, contact:

Oregon State Police
Identification Services Section
Unit 11
P.O. Box 4395
Portland, Oregon 97208-4395
(503) 378-3070

The process can also be found on the Oregon State Police website by clicking here: http://egov.oregon.gov/OSP/ID/docs/copy_own_or_record.pdf.

[Back to List]

HOW DO I GET A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT?

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office issues concealed handgun licenses. Call 503-655-8277 to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and background check. To obtain a permit, a person must be able to demonstrate competency through an approved training course and be a resident of Clackamas County.

[Back to List]

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A POSITION WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

The Human Resources Department processes employment for the Police Department. You can visit their web page and learn more about police officer recruitment at http://www.ci.oswego.or.us/hum-res/current-openings.htm. Or call the Human Resources department at 503-625-0220.

[Back to List]

HOW DO I GET A SPECIAL EVENTS PERMIT?

An Application for a Special Events Permit within Public Right of Way must be completed by the applicant and submitted to the Police Department during business hours.

The application must be completed and submitted to the Police Department forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the event.

Failure to submit the form in a timely manner could result in the City's denial of the event.

[Back to List]

CONSTRUCTION HOURS

In other than residential areas, the erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building or structure, other than between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., is prohibited, except by special permit granted by the City Manager.

Within residential areas these same standards will apply Monday through Friday. Such work will not commence within residential areas before 8 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday.

[Back to List]

FALSE ALARMS

It is unlawful for any person to own, operate, control, maintain, lease, rent, or use an alarm system which generates more than three false alarms in any year. Each false alarm after the third alarm is a separate violation of this section.

[Back to List]

How do I find out about stolen, lost or found property?

INFORMATION FOR RETURN OF PROPERTY

FOUND PROPERTY/FINDERS CLAIM INFORMATION

If you are the finder of property you may be eligible to file a finder’s claim. (ORS 98.005).   The claim must be filed with the County Clerk within the county that the money or goods were found within 10 days of the finding.  You may contact this office for more information.

If you turn property over to the Lake Oswego Police Department for the period of notice and holding (3 months) pursuant to ORS 98.005(2), and if you do not reclaim the property within 3 months, you will be deemed to have abandoned the found property, and the Police Department will thereafter proceed to dispose of the property in the manner required by ORS 98.245. 

HOW TO CLAIM PROPERTY IN CUSTODY OF POLICE DEPARTMENT

  • Releases are made by appointment only. Contact the Lake Oswego Police Property/Evidence Division: 380 “A” Avenue, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034.  Hours Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Telephone: (503) 635-0250; email us.
  • The Owner or Finder must present photo identification and comply with one of the following:
    • Property in Custody form, listing the claimant as owner or finder of the property.
    • Sufficient description of the property to establish with reasonable certainty that the person claiming the property is the owner.

If the claimant does not claim to be the owner or finder at the time the property was placed in Police Department possession, but claims to be the transferee of the property from the owner or finder, in addition to producing a photo identification and either (A) or (B) above, the claimant must either produce a notarized statement from the owner or finder of the property granting authority to receive the property, or the owner or finder must provide sufficient verbal or adequate written authorization that, in the opinion of the Police Department, constitutes evidence of a valid transfer from the owner or finder to the claimant. 

  • WEAPONS: To have a weapon (s) returned, in addition to complying with Paragraph (2) above, the claimant must complete the “Gun Release Form”; and a background check will be performed to ascertain the eligibility of the claimant to possess the weapon.  If the ownership of the weapon was transferred to the claimant in accordance with subsection 2 above, the claimant must also execute an affidavit assuring that any subsequent transfer will be performed in accordance with state law.
  • EVIDENCE AND STOLEN PROPERTY: all property taken in by the Lake Oswego Police Department as evidence or as stolen property will be held until either:
  1. Order of the trial court for release of the evidence (see ORS 133.633 - 133.663), OR
  2. More than 60 days following conclusion of all criminal actions or investigations (if no criminal case is filed) related to seizure of the evidence or receipt of the stolen property and the property remains unclaimed.
  • ABANDONED PROPERTY AND FOUND PROPERTY: Abandoned property, including property initially held for the owner or finder but unclaimed by the date stated for recovery of the property by the owner or finder, i.e., prisoner property and found property, will be held for a period of 60 days from the date the property was deemed abandoned (including abandonment of found property be a finder). If the property is not retrieved within this 60-day period, it will be disposed of according to ORS 98.245.
Release of Weapons and/or Ammunition taken at Request of or Consented to by Owner/Community Caretaking. It is the policy of the Police Department that such weapons will be held for 30 days and that the ammunition will not be released on the same day as the weapon.
Emergency Calls: Dial 911 / Non-Emergency Calls: Dial 503-635-0238

© 2009 Lake Oswego Police Department   |   Disclaimer