| Traffic Signs
Our neighborhood has a lot of children playing in the streets. How can I have a “SLOW Children Playing” sign placed in our neighborhood?
The sign you are referring to is not an accepted sign by the Uniform Manual for Traffic Control Devices. Our city council, a few years back, made a decision not to honor these requests. However, we do have a sign that says “Slow - Think Child Safety.” It is blue and white in color, large, reflective and diamond shaped. This sign can be placed but we ask that residents pay for the sign. The city installs the post and sign. Call us for details.
Firearms Purchase
How old do I have to be to own a firearm?
21 years of age.
I am 21 and want to purchase a firearm. Do I need something from the police department to buy one?
Yes, you must first obtain a purchase permit from the department where you reside. You must take a written test and undergo a complete criminal history background. Upon successfully completing these procedures, we will issue a purchase permit and direct you on how to complete it. Otherwise, federal law prohibits sale by a gun dealer to anyone under 21. Shotguns and rifles are not required to be registered.
Vehicle Registration Plates
I just bought a car and must obtain my registration plates. I need to get to the Secretary of State to get them. Can I drive it without obtaining license plates?
No. A motor vehicle of any sort cannot be driven on a public street without first obtaining the registration, insurance and license plates. Failure to do so will result in possibly having the vehicle towed and a citation issued.
Police Misconduct
I feel I was mistreated by an officer. Can I report it to someone?
Yes. Our department encourages citizens to file a complaint against an officer for misconduct or any other violation of department policy. Simply go to “Forms” on this site and download the “Citizen Complaint Form”, complete it and return it to our department or contact our office us for the form. Upon receiving the form, a command officer will be assigned to the case. We want to be sure we are providing quality service to all we encounter and work for.
Code Enforcement
My neighbor has had trash, old furniture, and an unregistered abandoned vehicle in their yard for over 3 months. What can I do?
In our forms section of this site, click on Citizen Complaint form and complete the form. Simply mail or drop it off to the police department to the attention of the Code Enforcement officer. The officer will investigate your complaint and notify you of the findings.
Go-Peds and Mopeds
My daughter is 12 years old. I want to buy her a motorized scooter known as a “Go-Ped.” Are motorized scooters and “go-peds illegal?
(MCLA-257.32b) A Go-Ped fits within the definition of a moped, therefore, all laws pertaining to mopeds also pertain to Go-Peds.
For Go-Peds to be operated legally on public streets, the operator “shall other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle” (MCLA 257.658(a). Most Go-Peds are not equipped with seats and cannot be legally driven on a public street.
Michigan law also requires that a Go-Ped have “at least one and not more than two head lamps” located not more than 54 inches nor less than 24 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and one rear stop light (MCLA-257.685 (b) and 257-697). Most Go-Peds do not have lights.
To operate a Go-Ped, the driver must either have a valid driver's license or be 15 years old and have a special restricted license to operate a moped (MCLA-257.312(2).
Requests for Police Reports
How do I receive a copy of a police or accident report even though I was not involved in either incident?
Under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you must request in writing what information you are seeking. Come into our office and request a Freedom of Information form or download one from our Forms section of the website. Remember not all documents are subject to release under the act.
Child Seat Inspections
I understand that your department does child restraint inspections and assist in providing the proper fit for the child. How do I make an appointment?
Contact our office between the hours of 8a-5p and make an appointment with one of the secretaries. The officer will call you and set an appointment. You must bring the child in with the seat and vehicle that the child will be riding in. The inspection takes no more than 15-20 minutes to complete.
Department Patches/Memorabilia
I am an avid collector of police memorabilia. I would like one of your arm patches. How can I receive one?
Because of Homeland Security issues, we are sorry but our department no longer provides any type of police memorabilia to individuals. We only provide them to other law enforcement agencies when the request is on official letterhead.
Juvenile Emancipation
My daughter is 15 years of age. She wants to leave home and live on her own or with a friend. Am I legally responsible for her and can she leave without my permission?
You cannot leave home unless the court “emancipates” you. That means the court has granted you the ability to leave on your own if you can support yourself. If you are solely dependent on your parents for support, the court will not emancipate you. Once you are 18, you are free to leave, otherwise, you must file a petition with Family Division, Probate Court.
Youthful Tobacco Act of Michigan
My sixteen year old son smokes cigarettes. Is there a law against children smoking?
Yes. The Youthful Tobacco Act of Michigan makes it illegal for minors under age 18 to possess, purchase, sell or use tobacco products. It is a criminal violation of law to do so.
City Curfew Hours
What is the curfew law in St. Clair?
Children under the age of 12 – 10:00 p.m.
Children under the age of 18 – 11:00 p.m.
Unattended Children in a Vehicle
My friend told me that in St. Clair you cannot leave your child in a car unattended. My daughter is 12 and my son is 8. Can I leave them in the car alone?
City Ordinance does not allow children under the age of 11 to be left alone in a vehicle. In your situation your daughter is old enough to be left alone and can watch any child under 11 in the vehicle unattended. The ordinance allows for those situations.
Noise Ordinance
Is there a noise ordinance in the city?
Yes. It covers construction, workers, businesses and private residents. Additionally, the ordinance addresses loud music being emitted from a moving or standing vehicle or home. Refer to our website link to our city ordinances on our Links page for more information.
Citizen Arrests/Signing Complaints
What does it mean to make a “citizens arrest?” What does “signing a complaint” mean exactly?
In Michigan, a private citizen may make an arrest when they witness a felony committed in their presence. This is often called a “citizen's arrest.” Under Michigan law, a police officer may not arrest an individual who commits a misdemeanor unless he or she witnessed the criminal act.
Under the law, an officer may arrest on a misdemeanor without a warrant. In order to arrest and prosecute a person who committed a misdemeanor, an individual must witness the act and be willing to “sign the complaint (citation).”
Monetary Donations to the Police Department
I have often wanted to provide a monetary donation to the police department for a kind deed, excellent job, a program or just as a gesture of kindness. Can I do that legally?
Most certainly! Your donation will be earmarked for exactly what you specify it for. The monies are placed in the police department's budget under Police Donations and can only be spent by the police for how it was intended by the donor. Donations are always welcome, appreciated and very useful to help purchase non-budgeted items.
Police Service
What type of police service do you provide?
We are a full operating police department on duty, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Our department has many specialists and officers to handle almost any given situation. We are dispatched through the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department around the clock. Our administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone Contact
How do I contact your department after closing hours?
If an emergency arises anytime, dial 9-1-1. If you have a non-emergency or wish to speak to an officer regarding a non-serious complaint after 5 p.m. or on the weekend, you may call either 329-3000 or 985-8115. If you witness an unusual or a situation that you feel does not warrant dialing 9-1-1, feel free to call 329-3000 or 985-8115 for immediate assistance.
Volunteer Programs
Do you have a volunteer program that I might be able to join?
Our department is a member of VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service), a nationally recognized volunteer program indicating we use citizen volunteers to assist us in many non-emergency situations such as parades, special events, or assistance in any other manner necessary.
If you would like to become a VIPS, please contact our department and request an application. You must be 18 years of age to apply, have a very good driving record, pass a background test, a good work ethic, and be morally sound. For more information you may go to www.policevolunteers.org.
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