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Police

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1. Where is the Police Department located and where do I park?

The Police Department is located at: 70 Maple St. Manistee, MI 49660 (NW corner of Maple St. and Water St.)

Citizens may park on Water Street, Maple Street or the city parking lot off of Water Street east of City Hall.

2. What are the Police Department's hours?

General business hours at the Police Department are Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm with the exception of holidays. Road patrol officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

3. I was a victim of a crime and the suspect was arrested. How do I learn if the suspect is still in the jail?

Crime victims have the right to know if the suspect has been released from jail. You will be notified when the suspect is being released. You may also inquire if the suspect is released by calling the Manistee County Jail at (231) 723-8435.

4. I think the people living next to me are selling drugs. Who can I call?

The best way to report a drug house in your neighborhood is to call the Manistee City Police at (231) 723-2533 or Manistee County Central Dispatch at (231) 723-6241 and report the information. In addition, you can report the information anonymously to SSCENT by calling (800) 994-8477. Please provide as much detail as possible.

5. How do I register a golf cart?

The owners or operator of the golf cart can bring proof of insurance to the Manistee City Police Department to obtain a registration sticker at no cost. For more rules and regulations governing the operation of golf carts in within the City of Manistee please visit here. 

6. Are side by sides and ORV/ATVs legal in the City of Manistee?

Generally, no. For a side by side or ORV/ATV to be legally operating within the City of Manistee, that vehicle must comply with of State of Michigan vehicle requirements to include displaying a valid State of Michigan registration.

7. How can I report blight?

Contact the Manistee City Police Department Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. After hours, information can be called in to the Manistee County Central Dispatch at (231) 723-6241.

8. How do I obtain a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

You must be at least 18 years old unless accompanied by someone of that age or older who will consent to be petitioner’s next of friend. You can petition for a PPO by going to the Manistee County Court House, located at 415 Third Street. A valid ID is required. The paperwork for a PPO is located at the County Clerk’s Office on the first floor.

9. I have some information on a crime that occurred several weeks ago that would probably help solve the case. Who do I call?

To provide information for a crime that has happened in the past, you can contact the Manistee City Police Department Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. After hours, information can be called in to the Manistee County Central Dispatch at (231) 723-6241.

10. How do I add information to my police report?

Additional property that was discovered missing after the initial report or recently discovered information can be added to a report by calling the officer that handled the investigation and report it to him/her.

11. Do individuals leave fingerprints on all items that are touched?

No. Many factors determine whether a print is deposited, including the condition of the individual’s fingers (oily, dirty, clean, dry, etc.), the type of surface touched (smooth, porous, dusty, etc.) and environmental elements (weather).

12. How long does it take for evidence to be analyzed?

Analysis time varies from a few hours to several months.

13. Why is there an orange sticker on my vehicle?

A fellow citizen, snow plow driver or police officer reported your vehicle as being in violation of the city ordinance. If your vehicle was parked on public property it must be moved or be in compliance of the ordinance within 48 hours from when it was tagged with the sticker or it will be towed at your expense. If your vehicle is on private property it must be moved or be in compliance of the ordinance within seven days from when it was tagged with the sticker or it will be towed at your expense.

14. Can I report an abandoned vehicle?

Yes. Have the location and vehicle information (including license plate information if possible) and call the Manistee City Police Department during business hours at (231) 723-2533. After hours call Manistee County Central Dispatch at (231) 723-6241.

15. What is the odd / even parking ordinance (Alternate Parking)?

Seasonal Parking Rules, October 15 to April 15: To avoid being ticketed, please abide by the following rules when parking on all city streets, except streets posted “No Parking 3:00 am – 7:00 am.”

• Park on the even-numbered side (north/west) of the street on even-numbered days.
• Park on the odd-numbered side (south/east) of the street on odd-numbered days.
• The change-over time is from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm; after 7:00 pm you need to be parked on the side of the street for the next day.
• Parking is permitted on both sides of the street in areas posted "No Parking 3:00 am – 7:00 am."

Ensure that you are parked on the appropriate side of the street when restrictions go into effect October 15 - before you go to bed, think ahead! If you have questions please call (231) 723-2533.

16. How do I get traffic enforcement in my neighborhood?

Contact the Manistee City Police, after which directed traffic enforcement and/or the use of the department speed trailer can be utilized.

17. Do I (or someone I know) have a warrant?

The Manistee City Police Department does not provide warrant information over the phone or on third parties. If you believe you have a warrant, either appear at the Police Department or the court you believe may have issued the warrant.

18. Where do I pay my traffic or parking ticket?

Contact the phone number listed on the face of the ticket.

19. Does my child need to be in a child seat?

Children under four years of age are required to be in an approved child restraint system (and in the rear seat if available). A child in a rear facing restraint system may be in the front seat only if the passenger side airbag has been deactivated. Children ages four to seven and under 4 feet 9 inches tall are required to be in an approved child restraint system (booster seat). Children ages eight to 16 must be buckled with the available seat belt regardless of where they are seated. This violation is a primary enforcement violation, which means you can be stopped and ticketed for this violation alone.

20. How do I register a handgun?

Gun permit applications are accepted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. You must be a resident of the City of Manistee, 18 years of age or older with a valid Michigan state ID which shows your current address. You will be required to complete the basic safety questionnaire as required by state law. The gun permit applications cost $5 (cash or check only) and may take several days to process. For further information call (231) 723-2533.

21. I inherited a handgun and wish to sell it. How do I proceed?

If you inherited a handgun and you are also the executor or personal representative of an estate, and wish to sell the handgun, you do not need to register it in your name. However, the person purchasing the handgun from you must have a license to purchase or a CPL (Pistol Sales Receipt) in order for you to sell the handgun to that individual. If you choose to keep the gun for a period of time, then you will need to register it in your name. How do I register a handgun?

22. How do I obtain a copy of an accident or incident report?

Police reports may be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by filling out the FOIA application paperwork located on the City’s website and submitting it to the Police Department. Depending on the content another circumstances, some of the report may be redacted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. FOIA request forms can be found here. 

23. Do I have to have to have a license on my dog?

Yes, any dog over the age of nine months old is required to be licensed and have its rabies shots.

24. Does the Manistee City Police Department handle cat complaints?

The current Manistee City ordinance states: 

“606.06 CATS A. Application of State Law. No person shall violate any law of the State pertaining to cats, or any rule or regulation pertaining to cats adopted by any state agency, which laws and the penalties therein provided are incorporated herein as laws of the City. (Ord. 19-06, amended 3-19-19) B. Running at Large. The owner or custodian of a cat which is not spayed or neutered shall not permit the cat to run at large in public places or on private property, other than the premises of the owner or person having custody of such cat.”

In addition, if you are bitten by a cat an officer will complete a report reflecting the animal bite.

25. If a complaint is made against an officer, are criminal charges dismissed?

No, making a complaint against an officer will not get criminal charges dismissed; your case will still need to go through the regular court process.

26. Charges were not filed against the suspect in my case. Does this mean the officer was not diligent in their duties?

No, the decision to file charges against a suspect ultimately lies with the county prosecutor or city attorney. Having charges denied does not necessarily mean the officer was not diligent in their work.

27. Doesn’t an officer have to read me my rights when they arrest me?

It depends on the circumstances, but the simple answer is no. Miranda warnings (“rights”) are usually read to a suspect who is in custody prior to being questioned as the suspect in an investigation. Many arrests do not involve questioning at the point of the arrest and therefore Miranda warnings are not needed.

28. Do I need to come down to the Police Department to make a complaint against an employee?

No, complainants are encouraged to be taken in person; however, complaints may also be received by telephone, fax, email, mail or through a third party. 

Complaint forms located inside the police lobby as well as inside every patrol vehicle.