Police Department Frequently Asked Questions
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General Questions
Q. How many calls did the Teaneck Police Department receive in 2008?
Q. When I call 911, where does my call go to?
Q. My neighbor parks his car in front of my house all the time. Can I make him move it?
Q. What exactly does “parked” mean?
Q. Can my neighbor’s landscaper operate his power equipment any time he wants to?
Q. Why are there always two police officers on every call?
Q. Does the Teaneck Police Department perform criminal history checks?
Traffic Related Questions
Q. How does the graduated driver’s license work?
Q. Can I have a handicapped parking space placed in front of my house?
Q. What should I do if cars park illegally on my street?
Q. Can I have parking on my street restricted?
Q. Can I have parking on my street restricted to residents only?
Q. What should I do if I receive a motor vehicle summons that I don’t believe is justified?
Q. Can I have a speed hump placed on my street?
Q. How long does my child have to use a car seat?
Q. Does the Police Department install infant/child car seats?
Q. How do I have “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25” signs posted on my street?
Q. How do I get a “Child At Play” sign posted on my street?
Q. Do stop signs and traffic signals always make intersections safer?
Q. Can I get a stop sign posted at my intersection?
Q. How do I get a 4-way Stop intersection?
Q. How do I get “in-street” pedestrian crossing signs placed in a roadway?
Q. How many calls did the Teaneck Police Department receive in 2008?
A. In 2008, we logged 62,195 calls for service. So far in 2009 we are on record pace having responded to 35,002 calls and counting. Officers covered approx. 530,000 miles patrolling Township streets on 2008.
Q. When I call 911, where does my call go to?
A. If you care calling from a home or a “hard” line, your call is received at the Teaneck Police Department’s 911 dispatch center which is staffed 24/7. If you are calling from a cell phone, the call could be received by the Teaneck Police, the Bergen County Police or the NJ State Police. It all depends on the cellular system’s ability to track the position of the original call. Either way, the calls are quickly transferred to the appropriate jurisdiction for response.
Q. I saw something suspicious in my neighborhood but I did not call because I felt “funny” about calling the police. Should I have called?
A. The answer is a definite, YES. If you see something that is suspicious or just doesn’t look right, please call the police. You can call us any time, day or night, and we will investigate all calls. A large amount of serious incidents are solved because a concerned resident called and reported it. If you want to remain anonymous, that is ok, but we would rather you identify yourself so we can update you on what we found out.
Q. I read the Suburbanite “police blotter” all the time. Is that all the crime in Teaneck?
A. Mostly. The Suburbanite reporter comes in to the police station and is given a complete list of all police calls for the previous week. He decides what incidents he wants further information or not. In some instances, we cannot release information (i.e.: domestic violence, juveniles, and incidents under investigation). This is to insure the privacy of victims and as not to compromise any sensitive on-going investigations. All these procedures are in accordance with the N.J. Executive Order #69, regarding information releases to the press.
Q. Cars are speeding down my street and people are always driving while on a cell phone. What can be done?
A. Call or e-mail the Teaneck Police Department Traffic or Community Policing Bureau and report the problem. For the speeding, we will put the radar trailer on the street, (for about a week) which monitors the speed of vehicles and instantly educates drivers by flashing the current speed. Usually this works well and no further action is needed. If necessary we would follow this up with speed enforcement details (officers operating radar and issuing summons when appropriate). You can also check the Township web site for more information. As for cell phones usage in vehicles: we are vigorously enforcing this law. If you use a cell phone while driving, you must use a hands free device. There were approx. 1,500 reportable accidents in Teaneck last year and driver inattention, because of unlawful cell phone usage, was a large contributing factor.
Q. My neighbor parks his car in front of my house all the time. Can I make him move it?
A. No. The streets of Teaneck are a public right of way and thus anyone can park on any street unless there are restrictions posted. Although it might not be considerate for your neighbor to park in front of your house all the time, it is not necessarily illegal. Although, there is a local ordinance that requires no car can be parked for more than 48 hours in one spot without being moved.
A. The New Jersey Statutes for motor vehicles state, “ Parking means the standing or waiting on a street, road, or highway of a vehicle not actually engaged in receiving or discharging of passengers or merchandise, unless in obedience to traffic regulations or traffic signs or signals”. It does not matter if you are in the car or not.
Q. Can my neighbor’s landscaper operate his power equipment any time he wants to?
A. No. The Township code (sec 21-15), places time restrictions on noise made by power tools (leaf blowers, lawn mowers, etc...) and construction equipment. Operation is prohibited between the hours of 6:30am and after 8pm on weekdays and before 7:30 and after 8pm on weekends and legal holidays. If there is a problem, call the police desk or the Community Policing Bureau and we will see if we can work out a solution.
Q. Why are there always two police officers on every call?
A. There are two officers assigned to most calls for safety reasons. (both for you and the officers). It is not because we think YOU are dangerous, it is just standard protocol to have two officers respond to calls, just in case.
Q. Does the Teaneck Police Department perform criminal history checks?
A. Please be advised that the Township of Teaneck may not conduct criminal history checks for a noncriminal justice purpose. You would be referred to the State Bureau of Identification within the New Jersey State Police. New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.) 13:59-1 ET SEQ. authorizes the dissemination of New Jersey criminal history record information (CHRI) by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), Identification & Information Technology Section (I&ITS), State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for noncriminal justice purposes.
FAQ’s (TRAFFIC RELATED)
** All signs and traffic control devices must conform to the current Federal Highway Administration Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Q. How does the graduated driver’s license work?
A. Pleasee see the
Q. Can I have a handicapped parking space placed in front of my house?
A. A restricted parking zone may be established in front of a residence occupied by a handicapped person if a windshield placard or wheelchair symbol license plates have been issued for a vehicle owned by the handicapped person, or by another occupant of the residence who is a member of the immediate family of the handicapped person, provided parking is not otherwise prohibited.
Factors that may be considered include the following:
2. Availability of on-street parking within close proximity to the residence.
3. Traffic conditions.
Q. What should I do if cars park illegally on my street?
A. When given the opportunity, residents frequently express their concerns about illegally parked vehicles. However, most residents either never report the violation or they report it after the vehicle has left the area. If a violation is observed, contact the police department immediately to ensure that corrective action is taken.
Q. Can I have parking on my street restricted?
A. A restricted parking zone may be established after a traffic study has been conducted and determines that a need exists for such a restriction. Included in the request for a parking restriction should be a petition of support signed by the residents/businesses affected by the restriction.
Q. Can I have parking on my street restricted to residents only?
The Township does not have a program in place which grants residents who live on the street exclusive rights to park on-street. The Township Attorney has advised that such a restriction raises a number of Constitutional issues since general taxpayer dollars are spent to maintain all streets in Teaneck.
Q. What should I do if I receive a motor vehicle summons that I don’t believe is justified?
A. If you believe you were undeserving of a summons, contact the Municipal Court at (201) 837-4850 and enter a plea of “Not Guilty.” You will be given a date to appear before the judge to explain you position.
Q. Can I have a speed hump placed on my street?
A. New Jersey Law restricts speed humps from being used on any roadway having direct
Q. How long does my child have to use a car seat?
A. Children under the age of 8 years and who weigh less than 80 pounds must be secured in a child passenger restraint system in the rear of the vehicle.
Q. Does the Police Department install infant/child car seats?
A. INFANT/CHILD CAR SEATS INSPECTIONS
The Police Department will examine your car seat, free of charge, for proper installation and make any adjustments necessary. Parents are responsible to read the owner’s manual and attempt to install the car seat prior to inspection. To schedule an appointment, contact the Traffic Bureau at (201)837-2600.
Q. How do I have “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25” signs posted on my street?
A. “The “Keep Kids Alive – Drive 25” signs are used only in the vicinity of parks and/or schools OR where other roadway characteristics exist
The posting of 25 MPH signs on residential streets is not required and will not be considered unless a traffic study indicates such action is warranted. Factors that may be considered include the following:
1. Road characteristics
2. Roadside development and environment (ie. Parks, Schools, etc.);
3. Parking practices and pedestrian activity; and
4. Reported crash experience for at least a 12 month period.
Q. How do I get a “Child At Play” sign posted on my street?
A. The Township does not use “Child At Play” signs. They are not permitted pursuant to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, promulgated by the Federal Highway Administration and is the standard manual for all traffic signs in the State of New Jersey
Q. Do stop signs and traffic signals always make intersections safer?
A. STOP SIGNS AND SIGNALS
Myth Versus Reality
Myth 1: Having a stop sign is always better than no stop sign, OR, more stops signs are always safer than fewer stop signs.
Reality: Unwarranted stop signs create problems at both the intersection and along the roadway by:
1. Encouraging motorists to drive faster between intersections in order to save time. Placing stop signs on every low-volume local street promotes speeding as drivers view the additional delay caused by unwarranted stop signs as “lost time” to be made up by driving at higher speeds between stop signs;
2. Encouraging violations of traffic laws. As the number of stop signs increase so that nearly every intersection has one, the rate of stop sign violations tends to increase;
3. Encouraging the use of alternate routes. Placing too many stop signs in some areas often causes traffic to use other neighborhood routes to avoid a sequence of intersections that may be controlled by stop signs; and
Myth 2: Installing stop signs on all approaches (four-way stop) to an intersection will always result in fewer accidents.
Reality: Four-way stop signs do not necessarily improve pedestrian or vehicle safety. In fact, pedestrians in stop sign-congested neighborhoods often have a false sense of security about crossing local streets with four-way stop signs, but in reality may actually increase safety risk.
Myth 3: Installing signals always makes intersections safer.
Reality: The installation of unwarranted signals, or signals that operate improperly, can create situations where overall intersection congestion is increased, which in turn can create aggressive driving behavior. Both drivers and pedestrians tend to become impatient and violate red lights or drivers are tempted to cut through neighborhood streets. This subjects local residents to a greater risk of collisions, worse congestion and more air and noise pollution.
Q. Can I get a stop sign posted at my intersection?
A. Stop signs may be installed at intersections where the normal right-of-way rule would not be apparent. Stop signs are not used to control speed, nor are they posted on the “major street” unless justified by a traffic engineering study.
Q. How do I get a 4-way Stop intersection?
A. MULTIWAY STOP (4-way)
Multiway stop control is used where the volume of traffic on the intersecting roads are approximately equal. The following criteria will be considered when evaluating the need for a multiway STOP intersection.
B. Minimum volumes:
1. The vehicular volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and
2. The combined vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle volume entering the intersection from the minor street approaches (total of both approaches) averages at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hours, with an average delay to minor-street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour.
Q. How do I get “in-street” pedestrian crossing signs placed in a roadway?
A. The following requirements must be satisfied prior to considering the placement of an In-Street Pedestrian crossing sign:
1. In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs shall not be used at signalized intersections.
2. Signs shall only be installed in central business areas or other areas with significant pedestrian activity.
3. Posted speeds along the roadway shall not exceed 35 MPH.
4. There shall be a minimum clear roadway width of 24 feet (e.g. 40’ roadway with 8’ wide parallel parking lanes on either side).
5. In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs shall only be used at marked crosswalks.
6. The signs shall only be installed on sections of roadway, which have a no passing zone, approaching the sign location from each direction of travel.
7. The signs shall not be installed on one-way roadways, divided roadways, or roadways with two-way left turns.
8. The signs shall not be located where it will adversely affect the turning radius of motor vehicles.
9. In-Street Pedestrian Crossing signs should be placed at a minimum distance of 50 feet from a crosswalk.
“I WANT TO… “
…file for a Firearms ID Card / Permit to Purchase a Handgun
This is handled by the Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau. You must respond to Police Headquarters (ID Bureau) on Thursdays between the hours of 11am and 1pm to pick up an application packet and additional information. Enclosed in this Packet are the following Forms: Information Sheet, State of New Jersey Application for Firearms Purchaser Identification Card and Application to Purchase a Handgun (In duplicate), State of New Jersey Consent for Mental Health Records Search Form , and Applicant Reference Forms. Two references must be provided (No Family Members). Please note that the required State Police forms can be located, completed and printed on the internet at www.njsp.org/info/forms.htm .
…apply for a Liquor ID Card
This is handled by the Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau. You must respond to Police Headquarters (ID Bureau) on Tuesdays between the hours of 11am and 1pm to complete an application packet and be fingerprinted. All new applicants must respond with identification (such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate) and a money order in the amount of $60.25 made out to the “Division of State Police/SBI” (fingerprint processing fee). This is required every two years. The ID card itself must be renewed yearly at a cost of $50 (cash or check made out to the Township of Teaneck).
…be Fingerprinted
In some job related and other situations the Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau handles fingerprinting for township residents. This is done on Wednesdays between the hours of 11am and 1pm. The Township of Teaneck charges a fee of $25 per card (payable via cash or check). You must provide your own cards. Proper identification is required (such as driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate). Certain jobs require that fingerprinting be performed by SAGEM MORPHO (877-503-5981, www.bioapplicant.com/nj ). To learn more or determine if you are eligible to be fingerprinted by the Teaneck Police Department, please call 201-837-2573.
…turn in a Firearm that I have located inside my home
The Teaneck Police Department’s Identification Bureau handles firearms. In many instances, a township resident will locate a firearm (handgun, rifle) that they no longer wish to maintain or store. A request can be made to have it destroyed. The resident should call the ID Bureau at 201-837-2573 to arrange for a pick up. A signed letter must also be provided requesting the destruction.
…pick up a Police Report
This is handled by the Teaneck Police Department’s Record’s Bureau. The Records Bureau is located on the right side of the front lobby of Police Headquarters. It is staffed between 830 am and 430 pm Monday-Friday and is closed on holidays. Reports can be picked up at the window. The first page to tenth page costs 75 cents per page, 11th to 20th costs 50 cents per page, and all pages over twenty cost 25 cents per page. Please note that a report, such as an accident report, generally takes at least three days before it is available. Please call 201-837-2551 if you have any questions.
…register my Alarm System
Ordinance #1770 provides for the registration of all burglar alarms within the Township of Teaneck. Fees are established for various types of alarm systems, and service fees are provided for false alarms in excess of three (3) per calendar year; or failure to register an alarm system. Violations may result in disconnection and/or a summons being issued. Residents must respond to the Teaneck Police Department’s Record’s Bureau to pick up an initial application. The initial registration fee is $25 (cash or check to the Township of Teaneck). Renewal information will be sent by mail yearly. The renewal registration fee is $10. False alarm service fee is $50 (4th through 15th false alarm per year) and $100 for all additional false alarms per year.
…apply for a Temporary Handicapped Placard
Applications are available to residents in the Teaneck Police Department’s Record’s Bureau. Hours, as stated above, are generally Monday-Friday between 830 am and 430 pm (closed weekends and holidays). Please be advised that the following materials must be submitted to the Teaneck Police Department for issuance of a Temporary Handicapped Placard:
-Application- must be completed and executed by you and certified by your physician that your disability is temporary.
-Certificate of Disability (doctor’s note)-should be provided to you by your doctor. The certificate must be from the same physician who certified your Application for a Temporary Placard. In addition, please be advised that your doctor’s note should specifically state that your disability is temporary, not permanent and, what the disability is and the length of the disability.
-CHECK in the amount of $4.00 made payable to The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC).
Once submitted, the temporary placard will be issued. It is good for a six month period. It can be renewed if need, with another doctor’s note, for an additional six month period.
…apply for a Permanent Placard and/or Vehicle License Plates
Please be advised that if you already have submitted an application for a Permanent Placard and/or Vehicle License Plates to the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, an application for a Temporary Handicapped Placard cannot be accepted. Applications are available in the Record’s Bureau. You must mail it out once completed and certified by a physician.
Please call 201-837-2551 between business hours if you have any questions.
…obtain a “Letter of Good Conduct”