Are the police allowed to open my car if I have locked my keys inside?
If a child is locked inside the vehicle, a patrol supervisor will be dispatched and will attempt to unlock the vehicle with a Slim Jim. Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the Police Department does not open locked vehicles under any other circumstances. A locksmith is your best alternative.
Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?
No, you can make a report whenever you realize someone is missing.
When may I get fingerprinted?
If you live or work in the City of Denison, you may get fingerprinted at the Denison Police Department 108 W. Main St. Fingerprints are performed on Tuesdays from 9:00am to 11:00am and on Wednesdays from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.
Someone has abandoned a junk vehicle in my parking lot or on my property. Will the police tow it away for me?
The police may only tow away vehicles abandoned on public property. Call a wrecker service and the vehicle will be towed away at no cost to you. The wrecker service will then contact the Police Department once they have the vehicle to determine ownership.
I do not have any transportation and I have to get somewhere. Will the police give me a ride?
Police officers are not allowed to give rides.
I need to get a message to someone that does not have a telephone. Will the Police Department go to the person’s home and deliver a message?
The Police Department may only deliver emergency, life or death, messages.
My family and I are going on vacation. Will the police keep watch of our home while we are gone?
You may come to the police station at 108 W. Main St and complete a “Vacation Check Form”. The form will then be routed to the patrol officer that patrols your neighborhood. The officer will make a residential check of your home every other day.
What can I do about stray dogs, cats, and other animals?
Animal Control is dispatched through the Police Department and is responsible for calls involving animals. The telephone number is (903) 465-2422. All animals that are apprehended are transported to the Morton Street Animal Shelter, 2500 W. Morton St. (903) 465-4714.
How do I apply for a position with the Police Department?
Call the Human Resource Department at City Hall at (903) 465-2720.
Does your city have a Crime Stoppers Program?
The Police Department does have a Crime Stoppers Program. You may call and leave your tip at (903) 463-7773. You may remain anonymous.
Is there a teen curfew in Denison?
Persons 16 and younger are prohibited from public places without adult supervision between the hours of 11:00pm to 6:00am Sunday through Thursdays and between the hours of 12:00am to 6:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. Certain exceptions for work and school activities may apply.
How may II compliment or complain about police service or an officer?
Compliments or complaints may be reported to the Office of Professional Standards at (903) 464-4484 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, or to any police supervisor.
May I post a Garage Sale sign on a utility pole?
The City Ordinance of the City of Denison prohibits any type of sign to be posted on a utility pole or street sign.
How may I get a copy of an accident report?
Copies of accident reports are available. Copies may be obtained at the Police Department 108 W. Main St. between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. There is no charge for accident reports.
When is Municipal Court held?
Municipal Court is held every Monday and Thursday starting at 9:00am.
How may I get a copy of a Criminal Offense report?
Requests for Criminal Offense reports should be made in writing at the Police Department, 108 W. Main St. between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. Copies of these reports will be made available according to the guidelines of the State of Texas Public Information Act. There is no charge for reports.
Frequently Asked Question Concering the Citizen Complaint Process
The Denison Police Department is dedicated to providing the best police service possible to all citizens. Police officers and employees are carefully selected and given the best training possible in order to provide this service. You as a citizen may have occasion to lodge a complaint about the actions of a member of the Denison Police Department. In order to be responsible to you, we are providing the following information about how complaints are made, how they are investigated, and their results. Complaints dealing with Racial Profiling are process in the same manner.
How are complaints made?
When a citizen lodges a complaint against a member of the Denison Police Department, the complaint is forwarded to that member’s division commander. The commander either solves the problem at that level or refers it to the Office of Professional Standards for an internal affairs investigation. That office is open Monday through Friday, at 108 W. Main St., Denison, Texas. from 8 A.M. until 5 P.M. or can be reached during these hours at (903) 465–2422. A specially trained officer is assigned to investigate all misconduct allegations.
You may lodge a complaint with any supervisory officer of the Denison Police Department.
Complaints must be made within 30 days of the alleged incident except in special cases (such as criminal misconduct or when good cause can be shown by the person complaining).
Complaints must be made by the person aggrieved, unless the aggrieved is a juvenile, and then a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. Other persons may give statements as witnesses.
False Complaints
Sometimes people make false complaints against police department employees. Citizens should be aware that this is a violation of the Texas Penal Code. Section 37.02 provides punishment for an individual adjudged guilty of committing an offense if, with intent to deceive and with knowledge of the statement’s meaning:
“He makes a false statement under oath or swears to the truth of a false statement previously made;
and, the statement is required or authorized by law to be made under oath.”
A person convicted under this section can be punished by a fine up to $4,000.00, confinement in jail up to one year or by both fine and imprisonment.
What happens if the complaint is not true?
Police department members must be accorded certain rights, the same as with all citizens, and complaints must be supported by sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the complaint, the member is notified and continues on duty. The complainant is also notified of the investigation’s results.
What happens when a complaint is found to be true?
When the investigation of a complaint reveals that the charges are true and should be sustained against the member, the Chief of Police notifies the member and will take the appropriate action depending on the nature of the violation.
Members can appeal the decision.
Just as a citizen charged with a criminal offense can appeal a court’s decision, a police department member can appeal the action taken against them. The City of Denison has established procedures for members to follow in their appeals, just as the Denison Police Department has established procedures for insuring that complaints by citizens against members are thoroughly and honestly investigated.
What if your not satisfied with the decision?
If you are not satisfied with the results of the investigation, you may appeal to:
The office of, J. Lovell, Chief of Police, located at 108 W. Main St., Denison, Texas. Telephone (903) 465-2422.
The Denison Police Department is vitally interested in the welfare of all citizens and in taking action where its employees have proven derelict in their duties or are guilty of wrongdoing. If it becomes necessary for you to make a complaint, you can be assured that it will be given an impartial and thorough investigation.
Your Denison Police Department officers and employees are individuals who are dedicated to serving you and your community. If you have occasion to see a police officer or an employee doing outstanding work, please tell them or us about it.
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