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1. When should I call 9-1-1?

It is appropriate to call 9-1-1 for circumstances such as the following:

A serious crime in progress or just occurred, such as:

- robbery
- burglary
- shooting
- assault
- domestic violence
- vehicle theft

A fire, medical or mental health emergency; or a traffic accident that has just occurred.

Please do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency calls such as:

- a loud party or music
- parking violations
- barking dogs
- road information
- minor injuries
- time-delayed crime reports
- general questions

NOTE: Calls to 9-1-1 for non-emergencies require the dispatcher to divert his or her attention away from real emergencies and may create a delay in responding officers to the scene of a serious crime.

2. Which number should I call for non-emergency situations?

For non-emergency situations and after hours call 619.667.1400.

3. What number do I call to request graffiti removal?

To request removal of graffiti on public property, please call the La Mesa Police Department's Graffiti Hotline at 619.667.7560.

4. I am looking for someone who was arrested. Who do I call for more information?

Contact the San Diego County Jail at 619.615.2700 for male prisoners or Las Colinas Detention Center at 619.258.3176 for female prisoners. You may also look up information on the Sheriff's Department website:

San Diego Sheriff's Department

5. How do I get a copy of a police report?

You must fill out a request form at La Mesa Police headquarters, 8085 University Avenue. It will take 7-10 days to process your request and the report will be mailed to you. The cost for report copies is 10 cents per page.

Police Department Report Copy Request

6. My car has been impounded, how do I get it back?

Call the Police Department with the license plate or VIN and they will be able to tell you why the car was impounded and what tow company has the vehicle. When a vehicle has been impounded, a release from the Police Department is required before you will be able to get the vehicle back from the tow company. If there was a registration problem, we will need some paperwork from the DMV showing the issue has been corrected. The vehicle owner will need to come to the Police Department with proper ID and the DMV paperwork. Be sure you or someone with you has a valid driver’s license. You will have to pay an impound fee at the Police Department for the release, present it to the tow company, and pay their charges as well.

7. How long can vehicles be parked on the street and what can I do if one has been in the same place for a long time?

La Mesa’s Municipal Code says vehicles may not be parked in the same place for more than 72 hours without being moved. The Police Department’s RSVP Unit handles such complaints. Call the Police Department at 619.667.1400 and provide the location and description of the vehicle. An RSVP unit will begin by marking the vehicle. If the vehicle has not been moved by the time they return at least 72 hours later, a parking citation will be issued and the vehicle may be towed.

8. How can I register a barking dog complaint?

You can register a complaint with the San Diego Humane Society by filling out a Barking/Noise Complaint Form. This form can be completed online.

9. How do I check my criminal record?

To receive a copy of a criminal history record, individuals must submit Live Scan or Manual fingerprints and a $25 fee to the California Department of Justice.

The La Mesa Police Department can provide individuals with information on their local criminal history, but this would only include records of incidents which occurred in the City of La Mesa. Individuals wishing to review their entire criminal history record from any jurisdiction in California should contact the Department of Justice or visit the Attorney General's website at http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/security.php regarding fingerprinting.

The La Mesa Police Department is a Department of Justice authorized Live Scan site and can assist in obtaining the fingerprints required for a criminal records check.

10. What are the juvenile curfew hours in La Mesa?

The curfew hours in La Mesa begin at 10 PM and end at 5 AM. These hours apply all year long and include Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday through Thursday. Other cities or unincorporated areas may vary, so you should check with the appropriate jurisdiction for where your child will be.

11. Who do the curfew hours apply to?

Anyone under the age of 18, unless they are a lawfully emancipated minor.

12. Are there any exceptions to the curfew restriction?

Yes. Exceptions include when juveniles are with a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, in an emergency, or when attending an organized activity, such as for school. A complete list of the exceptions can be found in Section 10.20.050 of La Mesa's Municipal Code, available on our website.

13. Who should I call if I have any questions about the curfew in La Mesa?

You can contact the La Mesa Police Department, at 619.667.1400.