City of Elk Grove, Police Department

 

 

 


Emergency No:
9-1-1 or (916) 714-5111

Non Emergency No:
(916) 714-5115

EGPD Frequently Asked Questions

Crime Related

 

What is a hate crime?

The FBI defines a hate crime (aka bias crime) to be "a criminal offense committed against a person, property or society which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin." Thus:

  • If a thug beats up a randomly selected victim, the assault would not be considered a hate crime.
  • If juveniles run through a neighborhood, randomly spray painting symbols or words, (no matter how vulgar they may seem) this is not a hate crime, it is vandalism.
  • If a person assaults a friend or acquaintance out of anger, the assault would not be a hate crime.
  • If a thug beats up a victim who is a stranger and was selected because of their race, it would be a hate crime.
  • If someone spray paints swastikas on a Jewish synagogue or 'KKK' on a known African-American church, this is a hate crime.
  • If a person delivers a hate speech denigrating all Jews, or African-Americans, or gays, then this would not be considered a hate crime anywhere in the United States, because no criminal act has occurred. Hate speech is protected under the First Amendment.

However, existing federal legislation does not recognize as hate crimes those criminal acts which specifically target women, the disabled and homosexuals.

The Elk Grove Police Department takes all crime seriously and will investigate them completely. If you feel you were the victim of a hate crime please contact us.

How do I get a restraining order?

Restraining orders are issued by a judge. View the types of restraining orders and how to complete the process.

An emergency protective order is issued by a judge at the request of a law enforcement officer where there is a danger of domestic violence, child abuse, abduction or elder abuse. Usually the law enforcement officer has been called out to a person's residence for a disturbance. If the officer feels an emergency protective order is necessary, then the officer will contact the court to speak to a judicial officer.

If you are issued an emergency protective order, this protective order is only temporary and you must come to the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse at 3341 Power Inn Road, Room 100, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to file for an application for a permanent restraining order

How do I get sex offender information?

View sex offender information. Through the State of California Megan's Law page you can access the most current records and query under several different criteria.

Why is it a burglary and not a robbery?

When someone has their home broken into, they often say, "I've been robbed!". When you call our Communications Center may tell you, "No, you've been burglarized."

Per California Penal Code 459: Every person who enters any house, room, apartment, tenement,shop, warehouse, store, mill, barn, stable, outhouse or other building, tent, vessel, floating home, railroad car, locked or sealed cargo container, whether or not mounted on a vehicle, trailer coach, any house car, inhabited camper, vehicle when the doors are locked, aircraft or mine or any underground portion thereof, with intent to commit grand or petit larceny or any felony is guilty of burglary.

Per California Penal Code 211: Robbery is the felonious taking of personal property in the
possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and
against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.

In a nutshell, a robbery happens to a person. For example, a gun is pulled, pointed at you and money is demanded. Burglary happens to your house or car. Someone breaks a window, enters your home and takes your stereo, as an example.

We are separating. Why won't you send an officer to decide who gets the "stuff"?

Officers will come out to mediate any disturbance, but Peace officers cannot function as judges. Officers can enforce a court order once it's issued by the judge, but they are not going to be the ones that decide who gets to take the TV or the stereo.

The same is true for custody issues. If the child is taken by either legal parent and there is no court order stating who is to have the child, the officer, in the absence of any other problem, will not take a child from the parent they are currently with.

You need to go to court, get a court order that clearly spells out the terms, dates, times and drop off locations, if necessary. If you are to have the child every other weekend, for example, make sure it states on what date it is to begin.

Remember, it is a crime to violate a court order. If you are party to a court order, make sure you follow it. If there are issues, go back to court to have them ironed out.

View Family Court information at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Court.
View Visitation Violation information through the District Attorney's office

My house was broken into. Why did it take so long to get an officer?

We apologize for any delay but our officers must respond to calls based on a priority system. Calls in which the crime is "in progress" (happening now) are always responded to first. The first available officer will be sent, but since we cannot "plan" our day, we never know what the next phone call may bring.

We do not want you to feel afraid in your home. If your home is unsecured due to a broken window or door, take a picture or two of the door or window if you have a camera. Then do what you must to make your home safe and sound. It is far more important to protect yourself and your family then for us to get get a fingerprint or a picture.

While securing the access point is important, please, do not clean up inside your home. Officers need to examine areas that the "bad guy" may have touched and assess them for evidence.

Why can't I report all crimes over the phone or internet?

Most reports require you to speak with an officer in person. All violence related offenses, such as assault, sexual assault, robbery and domestic violence require an in-person report.

Some crimes can only be reported over the phone or in person at our Community Service. Some of those include vehicle burglary, vandalism, lost property or identity theft. Most of these crimes do not have suspect information, are "cold" reports (meaning it happened some time ago) or are merely for insurance purposes.

If you are unsure as to whether an officer needs to respond, contact the Elk Grove Police Department's non-emergency number (916) 714-5115 and explain the scenario to the dispatcher. They will advise you as to your options.

Do you have crime prevention information?

Yes, we do.  We have many topics to choose from, including information for kids, tips about your vehicle and how to secure your home and business. View our main Crime Prevention page.

If you would like more, please contact our Crime Prevention Unit at (916) 478-8117.

I called to find out what was going on at a house on my street but they wouldn't give out any information. Why not?

It is a privacy issue. Let's assume for a moment that something bad was happening at your home. Would you want officers telling all your neighbors the details? If something tragic happened, would you want your family to hear about it from a neighbor or be contacted by law enforcement who could explain the whole story and answer their questions? Both victims and suspects have the right to privacy.

General information on a major incident may be released to the media to alert a larger segment of the community. Sometimes it is better to return to your home and click on the news.

How do I get a copy of a crime report?

Beginning 6/25/06, reports will be handled through the Police Department.  You may come into our office at 8400 Laguna Palms Way and request a copy of your report.  Please remember, you must have the "right" to receive a copy.  For example: you are the victim.  If you are named as a suspect, you must have a subpoena to receive a copy.

For more information, please contact our Records Division at (916) 478-8170 during regular business hours.

How do I find out if a Detective is working on my case?

You may call our Detective Bureau at (916) 478-8060.  Our detective secretary can advise you of the status and put in touch with the detective.  Please make sure you have the report number available.  Be advised, we will only release information to the victim listed on the report.

If you have other questions that you would like us to post here, please email the webmaster.


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Elk Grove Police Department . 8400 Laguna Palms Way . Elk Grove, California 95758 . 916.478.8000