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

The River Falls Police Department operates under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. Copies are $0.25 per page for 8 1/2 x 11 and $0.35 per page for 11 x 17. The review process usually takes 5-10 working days to complete. For further information click here.

Obtain an open records request form. Click here to email staff with any questions you may have.

2. Does the Police Department do fingerprinting and when can I have my fingerprints done?

Yes, fingerprinting is done Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. There is a $35.00 fee for this service. You must bring your fingerprint card with you, have it filled out in black ink, and have a valid picture ID. Please call the Police Department at (715) 425-0909 to check the availability of personnel to do fingerprinting. We cannot fingerprint for Wisconsin teaching licenses. Please go to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for fingerprinting information.

3. I'm hosting a party, is there anything I should do?

Yes, there are several guidelines you should know about. Click here for Safer Partying Guide . Click here for House Party Success .

4. Why did it take so long for the Police to come when I called them?

All requests for Police services are assigned to priority based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies.

5. Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police?

Dispatchers are trained to try to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. On emergency calls, the Dispatcher may have already given the information to Officer while continuing to ask additional questions.

6. Can the Police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

No, the Police Department does not unlock car doors. There are several local businesses that provide this service for a nominal fee. They are:

•Bowen's 715-425-2626 (during business hours)
•Jensen Automotive 715-425-9702 (8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
•Jerry's Inc. 715-425-2706 (24 hours a day)
•Swede's Service 715-425-5377 (day); 715-425-6445 (day or evening)

** In case of emergency, i.e. child locked inside, officers will assist.

7. Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the Police tow it away for me?

The Police Department has an abandoned / junked vehicle ordinance prohibiting such vehicles from being left for an extended period of time on public or private property. If you think that a vehicle may have been abandoned or junked, please call the Police Department. Generally, a vehicle parked on private property without consent of the property owner may be ticketed by the Police, but removal is the property owner's responsibility. A vehicle parked on private property, (in violation of the ordinance), with the property owner's consent may be ticketed and ultimately removed by order of the Municipal Court.

8. How can I find out if someone is in jail, when someone in jail can be visited and any other information about persons in jail?

The River Falls Police Department does not have a jail. Please contact the Pierce County Jail directly at 715-273-5051 or the St. Croix County Jail at 715-386-4752 to inquire about someone.

Another resource is Wisconsin VINE (WI-VINE). WI-VINE is an online resource where crime victims and the public can access information about offenders who are in the custody of the County Sheriff and also receive automated notification if the status of the offender changes. This service is provided by your County Sheriff and the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in order to keep crime victims and the public informed regarding individuals placed into the county jail.

Victims and other citizens can register for VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) by calling the toll-free number 1-888-944-8463 or visiting the website. You will be able to register to receive automated telephone notification and/or email notification when there is a change in the offender's custody status. The Wisconsin VINE service is anonymous and confidential.

9. Where do I go to pay my Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation or Parking Ticket?

Traffic/City Ordinance Violation Citations are processed through the River Falls Municipal Court, located at 222 Lewis Street. If you have any questions about paying for a Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation or you would like to set a hearing date, please contact the Municipal Court directly at 715-426-3429.

Parking tickets can be paid by mail or in person at the Police Department, at the Public Safety Building Entrance - 125 East Elm Street (this is a silver box on the wall).

Parking Tickets may also now be paid online. Pay your parking ticket online.

10. Can I make a Police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?

The Police Department will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests for police assistance. Normal business hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. The Police Department entrance is open 24 hours a day with a direct phone line to the dispatcher.

11. How do I request City assistance with a special event?

If you are requesting road closures, barricades or assistance from the Police Department or Department of Public Works, please complete the City of River Falls Special Event application and submit.  Please submit your request with enough time for City staff to review and coordinate.  The document can be found here.

12. Can I make a Police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house?

Generally, all reports must be made in person. Contact the Police Department at 715-425-0909. An Officer will be dispatched to your home or business to meet with you. If you find it more convenient you may come to the Police Department at 125 East Elm Street to meet with an Officer.

13. What is a restraining order and how do I get one?

A restraining order is a court order that orders someone not to hurt you, to stay away from you, move out of the house, have no contact with you or stop harassing you. Information about restraining orders can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Justice website.

14. We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can we do about it?

Call the Police Department at 715-425-0909 or notify us. We have two speed trailers that can be used to collect data in your area that we can then evaluate the speeds and consider assigning directed patrol for speed enforcement.  

15. I have a question regarding the rights and responsibilities of landlord's and tenants. Where can I get information on this topic?

The River Falls Police Department generally does not get involved in investigating or giving advice relating to this topic as they are usually civil issues and not criminal. One of the best resources for information on this topic is a booklet entitled "Landlord's and Tenants, The Wisconsin Way," published by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The booklet can be accessed by accessing this link: A Guide for Landlords and Tenants.

16. Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

Yes! The importance of citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity cannot be overemphasized. Crime prevention and the solution to crimes or violations already committed depend greatly on information provided by citizens. The dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for a description of the people involved. Information such as a vehicle's license plate number, color, make or a persons clothing, hair, build, etc... are important. You may be asked if an officer may contact you in person for further information / clarification. You can also leave us a tip on the Crime Stoppers web site.