FAQ's

Q - How do I file a police report?

A -  If the incident occurred in the City of Bend, you have several options.  You can come to the front office of the Bend Police Department and file a report.  The address is 555 NE 15th St, and the front office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  If the front office is closed, you can use the call box inside the front entrance to contact the dispatch center.  You can also call our non-emergency dispatch number, 541-693-6911, and talk to a call taker at Deschutes County 9-1-1.  They will take your initial information, such as where the crime occurred, who was involved, name, address and telephone number.  They will then pass along the information to a patrol officer and someone will make contact with you and compile the actual report.

If the report is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Q - Do you notarize documents for the public?

A - The police department does not notarize documents for the public.  You might try the Yellow Pages under Notaries Public.

Q - How do I find out if someone is in jail? 

A - The Bend Police Department does not operate a jail.  The Deschutes County Jail is located at 63333 Hwy 20 W, Bend, OR and can be reached by calling 541-388-6661.  Or, you can check out the current Deschutes County Jail Inmates List by going to http://www.deschutes.org/index.cfm?objectId=2A9AD54F-BDBD-57C1-9957882308A03E59.

A - If your vehicle was impounded, you may obtain a vehicle release Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 PM excluding holidays by presenting satisfactory proof of ownership or right to possess the vehicle, proof of insurance, proof that a person with valid driving privileges will be in operation of the vehicle, and cash payment of $100.00 fee to the Bend Police Department, 555 NE 15th Street, Bend, Oregon 97701.  Additional towing and storage fees will need to be paid directly to the appropriate towing company.

Q - How can I get a copy of a police report? 

A -   The department will disclose reports unless they are exempt from public disclosure under the Public Records Law, set forth in ORS Chapter 192.

The Bend Police Department will generally release copies of pending or suspended theft and burglary reports to victims and insurance companies.  Non-criminal motor vehicle crash reports will also be released to the involved parties or their insurance companies.

The police department will not release copies of reports that are part of an open and pending investigation.  Other reports that will not be released include sex offenses, incomplete death investigation reports, cases involving the custody of an allegedly mentally ill person, or arrest reports that have been referred to the District Attorney's Office or the Juvenile Department. 

For more information on this topic, please click here.

Q - Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

Q - Do you take pictures for passports?

A - No.  You might try the Yellow Pages under Passports. 

Q - People keep speeding up and down my street.  What can I do?

A - Traffic complaints are one of the most common calls received by the Bend Police Department.  With increased growth, more of these calls can be expected.  The Bend Police has six officers and a Sergeant that concentrate on traffic complaints and problems.  To better allocate this scarce resource and make it more convenient to report chronic problems, you may email your complaint by clicking here.  If your concern is a single vehicle, report it to non-emergency dispatch, 693-6911.

•         Please report areas of concern by noting:

1.  Street and cross streets

2.  Time of day

3.  Specific problems such as speeding, running stop signs, etc...

4.  Whether it is a chronic or occasional problem

5.  Your name and contact number

Q - I need to get my property back from the Police Department.  What do I need to do?

A - Property that was taken by the Bend Police Department can only be released by appointment.  Call 541-322-2960 to schedule an appointment.

Q - Do you provide tours of the Bend Police Department?

A - Yes.  Our Community Service Liaison conducts tours.  Please call 541-322-2976 to schedule a date and time.

Q - Can I do a ride-a-long with the Bend Police Department?

A - Yes.  If you would like to do a ride-a-long, click here for the waiver form.  Minors must have the approval of a parent or guardian and be at least 14 years of age.  A background check will be completed prior to scheduling a ride-a-long.  Participants must wear casual business attire (No jeans).

Q - Can I donate stuffed animals and/or toys to the department?

A - Yes!  Stuffed animals and toys are collected all year long.  They must be new or like new.  Bring them to the front office counter of the Bend Police Department at 555 NE 15th St, Bend, OR 97701.  If you have questions, please call 541-322-2960.