Police Department FAQs

General Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I pay a ticket?
The Central Point Police Department no longer has a municipal court. For traffic tickets, the Central Point Police Department contracts with the Jackson County Justice Court located at 4173 Hamrick Road in Central Point. To reach the Jackson County Justice Court, call (541) 774-1286 or visit their website here.

What is the non emergency phone number for the police department?
Our office number is (541) 664-5578 and the non-emergency dispatch phone number is (541) 776-7206.

How can I get information on Central Point Municipal Codes?
Our Municipal Codes are located here, if you have questions you can contact our Community Service Officers by calling us or visiting the information on our CSOs here.

How do I follow up on an active case/investigation?
Our officers take many cases throughout the day and some cases take precedence over others. If you have pertinent information for the officer, please feel free and call as soon as possible and our staff will make sure the officer is given the information. Otherwise our officers will contact you with any information or status updates on your case when it becomes available. 

How do I schedule a police ride-along?
Our police department permits ride-alongs as our officers' schedules allow. In order to be considered for our ride-along program, please complete the ride-along form and turn it in at least two weeks prior to your requested ride-along date. After the application has been processed you will receive a phone call for confirmation of the date and time of the ride-along. The ride-along form and instructions can be found here.

I'm going out of town; is there someone who can check on my house?
Yes! Our volunteers are more than happy to check on your residence while you're on vacation. All of the information for the program can be found here.

How do I retrieve my property?
Our Property and Evidence personnel are happy to assist the public with retrieving property. Proper identification is required for property to be returned and it is encouraged for anyone attempting to retrieve property to call ahead and make an appointment. For more information on Property and Evidence, please view our page here.

Code Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the “quiet time” in the City of Central Point?
There is no designated quiet time in the City. Central Point Municipal Code (CPMC) 8.04.080 discusses various ways a person could cause unnecessary noise at any hour of the day or night.

Does a barking dog fall under the ordinance regarding unnecessary noise?
Yes, barking dogs are included in CPMC 8.04.080.B.1 and also under CPMC 6.08.010.D.4.

Can dogs be off leash in the City of Central Point?
No, in City limits dogs must be on leash at all times in public places per CPMC 6.08.010.A.

What do I do if I find a dog off leash in the City with no owners nearby?
If the dog is not aggressive and is willing to ride in your vehicle, you have the option of dropping dogs off at Jackson County Animal Services (541-774-6654) located in Phoenix at 5595 S. Pacific Hwy. If you find a critically injured animal you can take it to the 24 Hour Southern Oregon Emergency Veterinary Specialty Center (541-282-7711) at 4901 Biddle Rd. Otherwise you can call Jackson County Animal Control (JCAC) at 541-774-6655 or call us at 541-664-5578 if it is afterhours for JCAC.

What do I do if I see a dog in a hot car that appears to be in distress?
If in a store parking lot, have someone contact the store to intercom the owner and contact us at 541-664-5578. Some signs of distress include a dog being on the floorboard trying to find a cool spot, being unresponsive, panting excessively (please note: normal panting is not a sign of heat distress), vomiting or diarrhea, appearing drowsy, collapsing, appearing weak.

I see a property in the City limits that has an overgrown yard or weeds and I think it’s a fire risk. What can I do about that?
Call the Community Service Officers at 541-664-5578 ext. 322 with the address for abatement.

I see a property in the City limits that has an accumulation of junk and I think it’s going to attract vermin. What can I do about that?
Call the Community Service Officers at 541-664-5578 ext. 322 with the address for abatement.

Can I fly a drone in the City of Central Point?
No, you may not fly a drone on most City properties. Drones are considered “model aircrafts” and CPMC 8.06.010 prohibits the use of model aircrafts in areas smaller than 1.5 acres in size (where permission from the owner is also required). Another resource for review if flying drones is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which has specific rules and regulations regarding drone use. Visit https://www.faa.gov/uas for more information.

What’s the difference between private and public property in regards to ordinance violations?
Certain ordinances are only enforceable if they are on public property (owned by the City or other government entity) and may not be enforced on private property (owned by a person or business entity).

What can I do if there’s an abandoned vehicle on public property?
If the vehicle is on public property such as along the curb in a subdivision, a Community Service Officer or Police Officer can come tag the vehicle as abandoned and start the removal process. CPMC Chapter 10 discusses abandoned vehicles in detail, including the full removal process.

What can I do if there’s an abandoned vehicle on my private property?
As it is on your private property, you are responsible for coordinating what is to be done in regards to its removal. You could contact a tow company and have it removed at the owner’s expense.

Where can I keep my stand-alone basketball hoop?
If your basketball hoop is obstructing the sidewalk or street you must move it to prevent violation of CPMC 9.64.040. It’s considered an obstruction if it prevents, interrupts, or obstructs “the travel of free passage of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.” Sidewalks and streets are technically public property so if needing to move a hoop, please ensure it is not on a sidewalk or the street.

Can I be a beekeeper in the City limits?
Per CPMC 6.05, bee keeping is allowed within the City limits as long as the following guidelines are adhered to:
Registration of the bee hive through the City. For questions or to register, call the Community Development Department at 541-664-3321 and enter extension 292.
Ensuring correct number of hives is maintained. Maximum of three hives on lots less than one acre, maximum of six hives on lots greater than one acre. If owning five or more hives, the beekeeper must register them with the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Hives shall have removable frames.
Hives must not be in yard setback areas.
Flyaway barriers of at least six feet in height are required for a minimum of 10 feet in either direction from the hive if the hive is kept less than 25 feet from a property line.
A constant supply of fresh water must be provided within 15 feet of each hive.
The beekeeper must ensure no wax comb or other material is left upon the grounds of the property.
Sale of surplus honey or beeswax is permitted under applicable business licenses and/or home occupation regulations. Outdoor sales are prohibited.
African bees or any hybrid thereof are prohibited. Only docile common honey bees are permitted.
Hives exhibiting aggressive characteristics require a beekeeper to replace the queen immediately.

Are chickens and roosters allowed to be kept in the City limits?
Chickens are allowed in the City of Central Point but CPMC 6.06.010 states roosters are prohibited animals. Other prohibited animals include horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, llama, or other animal raised for commercial purposes.

Please note: some neighborhoods and subdivisions are subject to Homeowners Associations and CC&Rs which the Community Service Officers cannot enforce unless there is a corresponding City of Central Point Municipal Code.

If you have any further questions regarding Code Enforcement, contact the Community Services Division at 541-664-5578.