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Police

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1. I can't make my scheduled court date, now what?

Court dates are set by the Town Court. If you were scheduled in court and can't make it, contact the court at (716) 876-5536.

2. What is Cafeteria Court?

Cafeteria Court is the window in the court office where you can plead guilty to a ticket without appearing in court.

3. Are all equipment violations dismissed?

No. Sound, brakes and no headlight violations are not dismissible.

4. Where is the Town Court located?

Town Court is located on the second floor of the Police Building at 1835 Sheridan Drive. Entrance to the Town Court is located on the extreme west end (door closest to Delaware Road) of the Police Building. Do not enter the doors in the center of the building for court as you will only be told to exit the building and go to the next set of doors.

5. What is the town prosecutor?

The town prosecutor is a member of the Office of the Town Attorney who prosecutes traffic violations and non-criminal offenses.

6. What is the ordinance for barking dogs?

The ordinance for barking dogs is Section 71-5, Paragraph D, subsection 2 of the Town of Tonawanda town ordinances as listed below.

D. It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog in the town to permit or allow a dog to: (2) Engage in habitual loud howling, barking, crying or whining or conduct itself in such a manner so as to unreasonably disturb the comfort or repose of any person.

7. I have a dog, what do I need to know and do?

• It is unlawful for a dog to be unleashed off of the owner's premises in the Town of Tonawanda and Village of Kenmore. This includes all parks and recreation areas. The fine for this offense ranges from $25 to $250.
• All dogs four months or older are required to be licensed. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $25. Persons harboring an unlicensed dog will be subject to arrest and fine upon conviction.
• It shall be the duty of every dog owner or person having possession, custody or control of a dog to remove any feces left by said dog on any public property owned by the Town of Tonawanda and deposit it in a container lawfully used for the disposal of refuse.
• Dog licenses can be obtained at the Town of Tonawanda Office of the Town Clerk, which is located at 2919 Delaware Avenue. For further information, please call (716) 877-8800 ext. 810.

8. How do I become a police officer in the town?

Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and must reside in the Town of Tonawanda for at least four months prior to taking the Civil Service exam.

Selections are made from a Civil Service list based upon exam scores. For each selection the person must be in the top three places on the list. Exams are given every two years by the Erie County Personnel office.

For additional information connect to the Erie County Civil Service Commission. Erie County Civil Service Commission

9. How do I get fingerprints taken ?

Fingerprints are taken by the department Monday through Friday between 8:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. We do not take fingerprints for a pistol permits, you must contact the Erie County Pistol Permit Bureau for additional information (716-858-6600). For other fingerprinting requests you must make an appointment with the Detective Bureau by calling (716-879-6633).

The fee for fingerprint cards is $10 per card for Town of Tonawanda residents and $50 per card for non-residents. You must bring exact change, no personal checks are accepted. You must also have proper identification.

10. When can garbage be put out for pick-up?

Garbage can be placed out no earlier than 7:00 am the day before the designated collection day.

11. When do garbage cans have to be removed from the curb?

Garbage cans must be removed from the curb no later than 7:00 pm on the designated collection date.

12. How do I dispose of an old refrigerator?

Remove the doors and/or locking mechanism and place it out on collection day. For more information, see Waste Disposal Information from the Tonawanda Highway Department. Waste Disposal Information

13. How can I obtain a handicap parking permit?

Applications are available 24 hours a day at the front desk of the Police Station. Once the application is completed, it may be returned to the Police Department Records Bureau for processing.

If the application is personally returned during the hours of operation (Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm), the permit will be issued immediately. There are no fees for handicap parking permits.

Permits are issued to Town of Tonawanda residents only.

14. What are the ages for a junior operators license in New York?

In New York, junior operators licenses are for 16- and 17-year-olds

15. Can a person with a junior operators license drive after 9:00 pm with a friend who has a full license?

Different counties have different rules. In Erie County, the supervising driver must be at least 18 years of age with a license of the same class. This person must also be in a position of "Loco Parentis," meaning a guardian or relative (technically not a friend).

16. What is the rule for school functions regarding junior operators licenses?

Those with junior operators licenses are allowed to drive to and from school for instruction, education or training.

17. Is a school club a valid reason to drive after 9:00 pm with a junior operators license?

No a school club is not a valid reason to drive after 9:00 pm with a junior operators license.

18. Who must be riding with a driver that possesses a learners permit?

A person at least 18 years of age with a license in the same class as the vehicle being operated must ride along with a driver possessing a learners permit.

19. How is a motorcycle operator that possesses a motorcycle learners permit supervised by a licensed operator?

The licensed operator can either supervise as a passenger on the motorcycle or in another vehicle.

20. Does the learning motorcycle driver have to remain in view of the supervisor?

Yes, the learning motorcycle driver must remain in view of the supervisor.

21. What do you mean by moped class?

A moped is placed in a class based on its maximum attainable speed.

22. Can I drive a moped without a helmet or insurance?

You can drive a moped without a helmet or insurance only if it is a class "C."

23. How do I obtain an Order of Protection?

To obtain an Order of Protection in the Town of Tonawanda Justice Court, you must sign a complaint charging another party with a crime. When you sign the complaint in the Detective Bureau you should make your request known to the detective so the family protection registry form (TTP168) can be filled out ahead of time, and accompany your complaint to court.

Once your complaint reaches court the judge will preview the complaint you signed, a criminal summons will be served on the defendant and the judge will then issue a temporary order of protection, until further action in court.

For an Order of Protection through Erie County Family Court, please call (716) 858-8234 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

24. Can I park a trailer, house trailer or boat in the street?

The answer is yes, but it is very limited based on the over all length of the combined trailer and vehicle together. The combination of both vehicles together must not exceed 21' 10". This is the exact Town Code pertaining to this topic: Due to safety reasons involving obstructed vision pertaining to pedestrians, children, emergency vehicles and other motorists, no vehicle or transport device longer than 21 feet 10 inches, inclusive of load and bumper (even if not attached), nor wider than seven feet 10 inches, as measured by the body, nor higher than seven feet two inches, as measured from the underside of the tire to the top of the vehicle, shall park upon any street within any residential district in the Town of Tonawanda. This provision is applicable, but not limited to, boats and/or jet skis with trailers, recreational campers, vehicle transport carriers or trailers.

25. Can I put a dumpster in the street?

No, dumpsters can not be placed in the street in the Town of Tonawanda.

26. Can I park my car on the lawn?

No, cars can not be parked on your lawn in the Town of Tonawanda.

27. Can I park in front of my own driveway?

No, you can not park in front of your own driveway.

28. How do I obtain a peddlers permit?

Peddlers permits are only valid for the named individuals, not multiple parties or companies. Applications are available at the front desk of the Police Department. Once completed and submitted with the proper fee and two proofs of ID (one being with a picture), they are processed and either approved or disapproved.

Permits must be picked up in person and are issued at that time. Each permit is good for a period of 30 days from date of issuance.

29. Can I get criminal records on the internet?

No. Criminal records are not available through the internet, nor are they a matter of public record. Very stringent rules are in effect even for police officers and investigators pursuing this type of information in regard to ongoing investigations.

30. How do I get an arrest record check or a summary of a police report?

Request forms are available at the front desk of the Police Department. Forms need to be completed and submitted with the proper fee and two proofs of ID, one being a picture ID. The record check or summary will be processed within five business days and mailed to the requesting party, unless otherwise requested.

You may download the form now and have it ready for the desk officer when you arrive at the police station.

31. What are the fees for a specific report?

• Summary of police report - $5


• Arrest records check - $7


• Peddlers and hawkers permit - $10


• Accident reports MV-104a - $0.25 cents per page


• Accident investigations - $4


• Accident sketches - $15


• Accident photos - $20


• Blood alcohol content statements for driving while intoxicated school - $3


• Fire incident report - $0.25


• Paramedic medical report - $0.75

32. If my child is under four years old but over 40 pounds does he/she still have to be in a safety seat?

Yes. The law only refers to age.

33. I got a ticket, now what do I do?

If you wish to plead guilty to a traffic violation by mail, date and sign Part A of your summons and remit it to the Court before the court date which is printed on the front of your summons. Upon receipt, the Court will notify you in writing of the fine due.

For most minor traffic infractions, you may pay a set fine by appearing in person at the cafeteria court window during regularly scheduled hours. Be sure you have your conviction stub with you. It may be helpful to call the Court to verify that there is a set fine for your particular infraction. Please note that the Town of Tonawanda Court will only accept cash, money orders or certified checks.

If you wish to plead not guilty by mail, you must date and sign Part B of the summons. Upon receipt of your not guilty plea, the Court will notify you in writing of your court date for arraignment.

If you do not want to enter a plea by mail, you should appear in Court on the date listed on the bottom of your summons. Upon arrival in the Court there are lists posted in the hallway. Locate your name on the list and follow the directions on the top of the sheet. If you have any questions go to the cafeteria court window, where a clerk will assist you.

34. How do I get my defect inspected and verified for court?

The inspection and completion of a defect correction form must be done by a police officer or an authorized inspection station. A statement of correction may be completed by an automobile repair shop and the statement must be on the letterhead of the shop.

35. Is an inspection violation a moving violation?

No, an inspection violation is not a moving violation.

36. How many points will I get for a speeding ticket?

The amount of mph below is the amount over the posted speed limit:

• 1-10 mph: three points


• 11-20 mph: four points


• 21-30 mph: six points


• 31-40 mph: eight points


• Over 40 mph: 11 points

37. How much will the fine be?

The fine will be between $30 and $400 plus a surcharge of $25.

38. Are studded snow tires legal in New York State?

Studded snow tires are only legal between October 16 and April 30.

39. Where can I get studded snow tires?

Studded snow tires can be purchased at a tire dealership.

40. Can I tow a car with a rope?

A car can be towed with a rope only if the towed vehicle is occupied by a licensed driver to control steering.

41. If I buy a car, how do I get it home without plates?

You must tow the car home until you get plates.

42. How do I get my trailer to a weigh station (for the registration application) if it isn't registered?

The law allows you to tow a trailer to and from a weigh station only for the purpose of determining weight for registration.

43. When does the winter parking ban go into effect?

The standing or parking of vehicles is hereby prohibited on all streets and highways within the Town of Tonawanda between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am, beginning November 1 of each year and ending April 1 of the next succeeding year.