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1. What are the procedures for filing charges?

When an offense occurs (a crime is committed) it should be reported by the complainant (victim) to the police department. An officer will meet with you or respond to the scene and write an offense report. The offense report will be forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) where it will be assigned to an investigator.

Complainant must report to CID and sign an affidavit of non-consent and possibly give statements. Complainant may be accompanied by an officer or investigator to go before the judge and sign a complaint if probable cause exists. This takes place after an investigation. A warrant of arrest or a summons is then issued for the suspect by the judge. If there are no suspects then an ongoing investigation will be conducted. If further information, witnesses or leads become known by the complainant, it should be passed on to investigators immediately.

Once the suspect or actor is arrested on the warrant then he or she will be taken before the judge and advised of their rights and a bond set. Class (C) Misdemeanor the judge will set a bond or fine on suspect depending on the plea. On Class A-B Misdemeanor the judge will set a bond on suspect. Upon posting bail they are to be released. On Felony offenses a bond will be set.

If defendant / suspect is unable to post bail he or she will be transferred to the county jail. Hopefully, these procedures will help you to understand how this portion of the criminal justice system works. Feel free to contact the Cleveland Police Department if you need any further assistance at 281-592-2621.

2. When should I call 9-1-1?

You should call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, to report a crime or suspicious activity. The Cleveland Police Department has its own 9-1-1 dispatching center at the police station. Your 9-1-1 call is received by a professionally trained dispatch operator. The caller's information comes up on a screen and includes the caller's phone number, address, and the name of the resident. Dispatchers will need to confirm the information because it is not always accurate. If you call from a cellular phone, you may need to provide your location and telephone number because that information may not be available. The dispatcher will then enter the information into a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and will then send the appropriate emergency units.

Remember: Stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up! Especially when you're calling from a cell phone! Too many times people hang up the phone before the dispatcher has all the information, and valuable time is wasted when they have to call the person back!

3. How do I use 9-1-1?

At a business or other location you may need to dial an outside line before dialing 9-1-1. At a pay telephone, dialing 9-1-1 does not require a coin. When using a cellular phone, you must specify that you are using such and be prepared to give your location, including the city and town. To access TTY or TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf), press the space bar until a response is received.

4. Where can I get fingerprinted?

The Cleveland Police Department provides fingerprinting services for most applicants with the exception of juveniles and Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) applicants. Fingerprinting is available by appointment on Mondays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Call 281-592-2621.

5. How do I apply for a license to carry a concealed weapon?

To be eligible to apply for a Texas Concealed Handgun License (CHL), you must be a U.S. citizen at least 21 years of age (18 years of age if you qualify as a honorably discharged veteran or active member of the United States armed forces including a member or veteran of the reserves or national guard), and have the following:

• Your Social Security Number
• Your Texas Drivers License or Texas Identification Card
• Valid Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express)

To apply, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety, Regulatory Licensing Service website. Or call the Texas DPS office at 800-224-5744.

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

The Cleveland Police Department provides involved parties copies of police reports and traffic accident reports for incidents that occurred within the city limits of Cleveland. Accident reports can be picked up between 5 to 10 days after the report has been filed. You may request a copy of a report by coming by the police department in person.

Rates updated by Ordinance 1181 on December 18, 2018. Below are our new fees:

TYPE OF REQUEST	FEE
Requests for accident reports prepared by the Cleveland Police Department	$6.00
Requests for records and reports prepared by or in the custody of the Cleveland Police Department other than accident reports	$6.00
Requests for clearance letters	$10.00

Attorneys, insurance companies, or other agencies representing an involved party in a Cleveland Police case, can mail requests to: Cleveland Police Department, Records Division 226 Peach St. Cleveland, TX 77327

Please place your request on your business letterhead, and include as much information pertaining to the date and time, nature of the case, and involved parties as you may have. Please include a statement that states your interest in the case. You may call the Cleveland Police Department to find out the fee associated with your request at 281-592-2621.

Texas State Law regulates who may receive copies of cases. In some instances, your copy may be edited to withhold certain information pending disposition of the case or for other reasons.

7. What can I do about speeding in my neighborhood?

Contact the Cleveland Police Department 281-592-2621, during business hours.

8. I am going on vacation. How can I protect my house?

• Don't publicize your trip until after you return.
• Don't leave large amounts of cash or jewelry in your home. Consider a safe deposit box, if appropriate.
• Contact the Cleveland Police Department's House Watch program. They will check your house daily to assist you in keeping your property safe while you're gone (apartments / condos excluded). Call 281-592-2621 for more information.
• Consider using a trusted friend or relative as a house sitter while you're gone.
• Check and lock all doors and windows.
• Make arrangements for someone to pick up your newspaper and mail daily; change the position of the drapes and pick up debris in the yard at least every other day; watch your house (preferably a close neighbor) and have them park their car in your driveway; and mow the lawn on your regular schedule

9. I want to have my child's car seat checked to make sure it fits properly in my car. Who do I contact?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a website that lists all inspection sites in the state.

10. Who should I call and complain to about a code violation?

You should contact code enforcement for the following violations:

• Garbage, trash, and accumulated debris
• Noxious weeds
• Abandoned vehicles (on private property)
• Unlicensed and inoperative vehicles stored on private property
• Commercial vehicles parked in a residential zone
• Structures built within setbacks
Signs placed in the right of way
• Illegal signs on private and public property
• Fences over 6 feet in residential zones
• Fences over 4 feet in residential front yards
• Fences in disrepair
• Tree branches hanging low over sidewalks or streets, vegetation growing onto or over sidewalks
• Construction or grading without the proper permit
• Vacant buildings open to unauthorized entry
• Basketball hoops on the sidewalk or street
• Illegal operation of business in a residential zone
• Businesses operating without a business license or proper permits
• Activities not in compliance with current zoning regulations

You can file a complaint by phone at 281-592-2621. You do not contact the Police Department or dial 9-1-1 for the above-listed complaints.