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1. When I call police, what information should I have ready to provide?

The information needed will vary based on what is being reported. The following is a list of questions that could be asked when you call for police service. Not all questions would be applicable to every call. The dispatcher will want to know:

What is occurring or has occurred?
The location of occurrence
Your name and phone number (anonymous calls are accepted)
Your location, if different from location of occurrence
The time of occurrence
Are there any injuries?
Is anyone intoxicated?
Are there weapons involved?
How many people are involved?
What is the description of the people involved? (gender, race, hair color, eye color, height, weight, scars/tattoos, clothing)
What is the description of the vehicles involved? (license plate, color, make, model, year)
What was the direction of travel for any persons or vehicle leaving the scene?
Are there any witnesses? Are they still at the scene?
Are there any animals at the house? Inside or outside?

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report/vehicular accident report?

Call the City's Records Clerk at 314.963.8691 to request a copy of the report. Reports will be processed when they become available. Processing the report typically takes 5-10 business days from the incident date. Please call ahead to ensure the report is available. Reports are $6 for non-Brentwood residents. Payment by cash, check (payable to City of Brentwood) or credit card is due upon receipt of report.

3. What is curfew for juveniles?

A person under the age of 17 is considered a juvenile. Curfew is 11 pm Sunday-Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday. Curfew extends until sunrise. This is in effect 365 days a year.

4. Will police respond if I lock my keys in the car?

Unless there is immediate danger to public safety (a child is locked inside), you will be asked to contact a towing company or locksmith. Brentwood police officers will respond if an animal is locked in a car that is not ventilated and could constitute animal cruelty.

5. What should I do if a police officer stops me while I’m driving?

You should decrease your speed and use your signal to indicate which way you intend to pull over (always pull to the right if at all possible). You should try to pull out of the way of traffic and leave enough room so that the police vehicle behind you is also able to get out of traffic. If you are pulled over at night, try to pull over in a well-lit area. Turn on your dome light and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Do not begin to search for your driver's license before being told to do so and do not exit your vehicle unless asked by the officer. Stay calm and provide the information requested by the officer. Answer questions without embellishment or storytelling. Please do not reach under the seat, in the glove box, etc., without telling the officer what you are doing. Remember, the officer does not know you or your intentions.

6. Where do I go to pay a traffic citation or a parking ticket?

Payment is made at the Court Clerk Office, located at Brentwood City Hall, 2348 South Brentwood Blvd. You can contact the Court Clerk at 314.963.8623.

7. What should I do if involved in a traffic crash?

When you are involved in a traffic crash, you should stop and remain at the scene. If possible, move your vehicle off the roadway. Call the police dispatch at 314.644.7100 or dial 911 if there are injuries. Wait for the police to arrive. Do not get into an argument with other drivers involved.

8. What should I do if I witness a traffic crash?

If you witness a crash, if possible, stop on the side of the road and stay until the police arrive. If you are not able to remain, you should call police dispatch at 314.644.7100 or 911 if there are injuries, and advise that you have witnessed the crash. The dispatcher will forward your name and contact information to the investigating officer.

9. I observe a reckless driver. Can I report him?

We encourage you to report reckless drivers. To aid police in locating the violator, provide as much information as possible, such as a description of the vehicle (and driver, if possible), a license plate number, direction of travel, and time lapse. If you are calling on a cell phone while following this errant driver, try to stay on the line. This will allow dispatchers to update responding units to the violator’s location and directions of travel. Never compromise your own safety or violate the laws and rules of driving that apply to you as well as everyone else on the road.

10. What should I do if I witness criminal activity or I am a victim of a crime in Brentwood?

First, make sure you are safe, and then contact the police. If possible, make written notes of what you have seen, including descriptions, times and locations, while your memory is still fresh. If the situation is an emergency, call 911. If it is not an emergency, call Brentwood Police dispatch at 314.644.7100. Follow the directions and answer the questions being asked. Remain calm. It may be necessary for the police officer to speak with you directly; be prepared to meet the officer or provide a contact number.

11. What can I do to crime-proof my home or business?

It is impossible to completely “crime-proof” your home or business; however, it is possible to take steps that can make your property less vulnerable to burglary, such as using the proper locks, doors and windows, alarms, etc. Contact the Brentwood Police Department for information on home and business security or to request a security check, 314.644.7100.

12. Who is the Brentwood Police Chief and how many officers does Brentwood have?

Our Police Chief is Joseph Spiess. We are authorized to staff 27 officers .

13. What is the difference between a police officer and a detective?

A detective is a plain-clothes police officer responsible for the follow-up investigation of crimes and incidents. A uniformed patrol officer responds to and handles the initial investigation of calls for police service. The detective continues the investigation started by the patrol officer but may also initiate specialized investigations directly assigned to the detective rank.

14. When should I call 911?

Dial 911 in any emergency when police, fire, or ambulance is needed, such as: fire, crime in progress, life-threatening situations, when someone needs an ambulance, when a personal injury has occurred or may occur.

15. How does 911 work?

A 911 call made in Brentwood is received at the East Central Dispatch Center. The call taker ascertains if the caller needs police, fire, ambulance or all of the above. If so, then the appropriate units are dispatched. When you call 911, the address and phone number of the phone you are calling from is displayed on a screen in the Communications Center.