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Police

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1. My car was towed by the Arlington Police Department and now the tow company wants hundreds of dollars for me to get it back. I want you to do something about it.

Do you know why the police had it towed? Your next course of action depends upon your answer. If the complaint is about the cost of the towing and impound, we have no control over what fees you are charged because this is a private company.

2. My neighbors are running a business out of their house in the middle of the night.

Under AMC (5.28.050) a business license is required for any person to conduct, operate, engage in, or practice any business in the city. There are some limited exceptions listed in AMC (5.28.060) such as farmers, garage sales, persons under age of 18, etc. Any violations should be reported to the Code Enforcement Officer at the Permit Center at: 

18204 59th Avenue NE

Arlington, WA 98223

Phone: 360-403-3551

3. I called 911 the other night. An officer never responded.

Please contact the Police Department at 360-403-3400 so we may determine what happened and why.

4. My dog was picked up by Arlington Police and taken to the Humane Society of Skagit Valley. I don't like their rules and procedures.

We have little control over another agencies' rules and procedures but we would like to know your concerns for our future consideration.

To further address your concerns, contact the shelter at 360-757-0445 or visit the Human Society of Skagit Valley Website.

5. Does my child still need a car seat?

On June 1, 2007 all children under a certain age must be in a child restraint system. Find additional information about changes in the law on the Washington State Patrol Website. 

6. I have seen a number of people taking pictures of my house and neighborhood. Is that legal?

We can attempt contact and identification with the photographer, but generally anyone can photograph areas that are visible to the general public. If this is a repeating issue with the same subject, other laws may apply and an officer should be consulted. Also, note that realtors and appraisers take pictures of homes for a variety of reasons.

7. I loaned my family member money and they have not paid me back per our agreement. Can the police charge them with theft?

Violations of agreements between persons whether verbal or written are civil, rather than criminal issues. We do not have the legal authority to resolve these issues. Instead, if the loss is less than $1,500 the Civil section of Cascade District Court may be contacted for further information:

415 E Burke Avenue
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone: 360-435-7708 

Losses that are more than that require action in Superior Court and you should consult with an attorney.

8. I was issued a ticket for no insurance. Here is the new proof of insurance. Why can't the ticket be dismissed so I don't have to go to court?

State law prohibits the Police Department from voiding a ticket that has already been issued; only the court can dismiss the ticket. The court must verify that proof of insurance shows the person was insured at the time of the violation, prior to dismissing the charge. If an Arlington Police officer issued the ticket, the case will be sent to municipal court that is located with the Marysville Municipal Court, 360-363-8050.

9. Can I report an accident that occurred in the past?

Yes, we have citizen collision report forms in the lobby at the Police Station. If the accident occurred in the city and either injury or significant damage occurred, an officer should be consulted to determine if a police report is appropriate.

10. Where do I get a permit to have a block party?

The city of Arlington has a permit process for Special Events. This permit application can be obtained from Sarah Higgins at 360-403-3448, or check the Recreation page on our website to download. This permit is required for all such block parties.

11. I want to file a claim for damages against the Police Department for what the officers did.

Please contact the Police Department by calling 360-403-3400. Please ask to speak to a supervisor.

12. How can I complain about a ticket that I received?

If your complaint is that you are disagreeing with the officer's enforcement decision in issuing the ticket, then you should contest the ticket in court. The Police Department does not change the enforcement decision made by the Police Officer.

13. How do I complain about what a Police Officer did?

If you have a complaint about how an officer conducted themselves, then we are interested in hearing more about that. Please contact the Police Department by calling 360-403-3400 and ask to have a supervisor contact you. Many complaints are about what we call "normal safety procedures" like the officer shined a spotlight or flashlight into the car or in the eyes, or ordered that hands be removed from pockets. These are not handled as formal complaints because of what officers have to do to be safe.

14. Why do we have to use Marysville Court, we pay our taxes and live in Arlington?

The City operates a Municipal Court under contract wit the City of Marysville because it is more cost effective to operate one court with the two cities and it provides a higher level of service to everyone. Government is always challenged to provide services at a lower cost to the taxpayer.

15. I had an event that recently occurred that I feel needs to be investigated by a detective immediately. Who do I contact?

The City's detectives are continually handling a number of cases and are often out of the office. They do interviews and meetings on an appointment basis. If you do not have an appointment, you can leave a message for the detective and they will return your call. If your issue is not on their caseload, then please arrange to meet with a uniformed officer. Officers will also investigate cases.

16. I live outside the city. What can I do about animal problems?

The Police Department handles only those problems that occur in the city. For problems in the county, please contact the county auditor's office Animal Hotline, 425-388-3440.

Other Agencies

Everett Shelter

Phone: 425-257-6000
2732 36th Street
Everett

Noah

Phone: 360-629-7055
31300 Brandstromn Road
Stanwood

17. My neighbor's dog barks all night/day long. How can I solve this?

While we encourage neighbors to resolve neighborhood issues whenever feasible, our process for nuisance dog violations begins with education and warnings and continues with growing fines for multiple violations. When considering appropriate enforcement, we also bear in mind not to penalize owners whose dogs alert them to a potential threat.

18. I believe there are raccoons living under my house. Is there anything the Police Department can do to help me?

Unfortunately, neither the government nor the police have the authority to handle these issues that are occurring on private property unless they directly are rabid or physically attacking people thus causing a public health hazard. This problem is best handled by calling a private exterminator service listed in the phone book. The Washington State Fish & Game Department at 425-775-1311 may be able to provide you with some technical advice.

19. There is a car in our parking lot that has been here for 2 weeks. What can the police do about that?

The Arlington Police Department does not have authority to tow or impound vehicles that are in privately owned parking lots. The only way to have it removed is for the property owner to call a private tow company and have the vehicle impounded.

20. I allowed a friend to stay with me for a few months. I would like him to leave. Can the Police Department help?

If the person has been residing at your residence then there is an implied residency that he can claim. You will need to contact either the Civil Department of the Snohomish County Sheriff's office and start the eviction process to have him evicted. You can also contact a civil attorney to assist you in your own eviction process that is required by civil law. By law, the Police Department cannot become involved in the eviction process.

21. My neighbor's back yard is full of garbage and it's attracting rats. What can I do about it?

This violation is covered under AMC 11.01.120 (6) Property Maintenance. This is a code violation and failure to comply may require the city attorney to file a judicial action (abatement). This violation needs to be reported to the Code Enforcement Officer at City Hall 360-403-3457.

22. We have this car parked on my street for 2 weeks with no movement. What can be done to get the vehicle removed?

Under AMC (10.54.030), No vehicle shall be parked continuously on a street or alley for more than 72 hours. Violators can be reported to the Arlington Police who will go out and tag the vehicle. After 72 hours of failing to be moved, the vehicle is subject to a parking infraction. If it continues to be in violation, the vehicle may be subject to impoundment.

23. There is a dead animal in my yard and it's not mine. Can the Police Department remove the animal?

Unfortunately, neither the government nor the police have the authority to handle these issues that are occurring on private property. This is best handled by the property owner where the dead animal is. This problem may be handled by contacting a private exterminator service listed in the phone book. If the animal is in on a city street, then please call the Street Department at 360-403-3459.

24. My wife took the money out of our checking account and changed the locks on the doors. Can I report the theft and have her arrested?

If both parties are legally married or living together in a relationship, then this incident becomes a civil dispute between two parties and settlement will have to be worked out either in Civil Court or amongst the two parties. This is not a criminal act that the Police can take action on. If there has been a divorce and parties are not residing together and these monies are not in dispute by both parties then the police can review the facts to determine if this can be criminally prosecuted.

25. I let my friend borrow my car and he has not returned it. Can I report my car stolen?

Several things such as length of time the car is missing, type of permission given, your relationship with friend, any claim of ownership by friend, would need to be asked by police to determine if this incident of theft can be prosecuted criminally. Prosecutors have strict guidelines on whether a stolen vehicle can be reported if it must be resolved through the civil process. RCW 9A.56 discusses these various thefts and taking a motor vehicle without owner's permission. They can be found online.

26. I have ammunition that I do not need, what can I do with it?

If you are a City of Arlington resident, we will dispose of it for you. Outside the city contact your local law enforcement jurisdiction.

27. I was written a ticket. We just got it in the mail and payment is due within 2 days. What can I do?

Your choices are listed on the back of the ticket. If it is an infraction (a green colored copy), you can make payment at the City Finance Department. If it is a criminal citation (a golden rod color copy), you must follow the directions on the back of the ticket. If an Arlington Police Officer issued the ticket, the case will be sent to our municipal court that is located with the Marysville Municipal Court, 360-363-8050.

28. What if I haven't heard anything further about my accident / case?

You can contact the Police Department. We can check the case file and let you know the status of the case, or have the investigating officer contact you.

29. My license got suspended and I paid my ticket, why was my license still suspended?

The Police Department does not have the ability to remove a suspension on a license. You will need to contact the court where the fine was paid. There are several different court jurisdictions, therefore, you will need to determine which court was handling your ticket. If an Arlington Police Officer issued the ticket, the case was likely sent to our municipal court that is located with the Marysville Municipal Court, 360-363-8050.

30. How can I get a copy of a collision report?

If an Arlington Police Office investigated your collision, the case report can be requested through a Public Records Request. Please include as much information about your collision, such as date, time, location, and a case number (if available).

31. I was the victim of a property crime and don't have time to wait for an officer to respond. Can I file a police report online?

Yes, for some types of property crimes, you can file an online report with the Arlington Police Department. Effective May 21, 2018, the Arlington Police Department joined several other law enforcement agencies in the county by offering this new tool.

If you are reporting a property crime that less than $5,000 in value and you do not know who the suspect is, you can visit www.mycrimereport.us to file your report with a minimal amount of typing and mouse clicks. The online crime reporting tool, which can also be accessed via mobile device, may be especially useful for victims who need a police report number for insurance purposes, but either cannot or do not want to wait for an officer to respond.

The minimum requirements for filing a report online are that the reporting party has an e-mail address and that they know the location where the incident occurred.

Examples of crimes that can be reported online include:

• Vandalism - Graffiti on a fence to a home or business.
• Theft - A stolen cell phone.
• Theft - A bike stolen from school.
• Vehicle damage, prowl - A "smash and grab" of a GPS device from a vehicle.

The online tool will generate a police report number and will send that number to the victim's e-mail, typically within 72 business hours. All reports are reviewed by law enforcement personnel. Anyone with questions about a crime and how to report it should still call 911.

32. How do I get a copy of my case?

If an Arlington Police Office investigated your case, the case report can be requested through a Public Records Request. Please include as much information about your case, such as date, time, location, and a case number (if available).

33. Can you tell me if I have any warrants?

Arrest warrants are issued through the court system and served by police agencies. You will need to contact the courts for that information.

34. How can I get a criminal background check done on someone?

The Police Department is not authorized to provide criminal history information to the public. This can be done through the Washington State Patrol Watch System. To contact them by phone dial 360-705-5360.

35. What is the non-emergency phone number for the Police Department?

The phone number is 360-403-3400. This is answered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

36. Can I carry an unloaded rifle in my truck?

Under RCW 77.15.460 the rifle must not contain any shells or cartridges in the magazine or chamber, or it is not a muzzle-loading firearm that is loaded or capped or primed. A firearm shall not be considered loaded if the detachable clip or magazine is not inserted in or attached to the firearm. Other rules for carrying firearms in motor vehicles are listed under RCW 9.41.050 with exceptions listed under RCW 9.41.060