Below is a
list of commonly asked questions, and the answer to each question.
If you do not find the answer to your question on this page, please
call our non-emergency numbers: (515)
239-5133 or (515) 239-5130.
What is
the location of the Ames Police Department?
The Ames Police Department is located in the Ames City Hall
Building at 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Our non-emergency
phone number is 515-239-5133.
We are open 24 hours-a-day, everyday.
Is the Ames Police Department currently hiring?
For information regarding personnel openings with the Ames
Police Department, or any other city department, please contact the
Human Resources Department, City of Ames, 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA
50010, phone (515) 239-5199
or visit
http://www.cityofames.org/hrweb/
I need to be fingerprinted for a job application, professional
license or other personal reason, will the Ames Police Department do
this?
Yes, please come to the Ames Police Department public lobby and
explain what you need. Hours for general public fingerprinting are
daily from 5:30 - 6:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - noon, and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
There is a small fee charged for this service and you will need to
bring all the fingerprint forms with you for your particular needs.
How
about fingerprinting children?
We also fingerprint children. The Community Resource Officer
offers free public fingerprinting sessions at locations throughout
Ames as part of their community service program. If you have an
immediate need for finger printing your child, you may come to the
police station at the times listed above.
Can you tell me the condition of the roads in Central Iowa?
The Iowa State Patrol offers a road report hot-line at
1-800-288-1047 or
511 on your cell phone or
http://www.iowaroadconditions.com.
This service is updated as often as
possible during periods of bad weather.
Does the city of Ames have a severe weather outdoor warning
system?
Yes, the emergency outdoor warning system is activated whenever
the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Ames.
Additionally, actual sightings of tornadoes by law enforcement
personnel or other reliable sources are grounds for activating the
warning system. Two important notes: the system is routinely tested
at 10:00 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, weather
permitting, and we do not issue an "all clear" siren. For additional
information, please refer to local radio and television stations -
please do not call the police department during severe weather
situations - unless you have an actual emergency. In the event of a
911 outage, the media and weather radios will be used to notify the
public.
Who can I call for assistance if my
electrical power goes out?
If you live within the city of Ames, call the City Line
Department, day or night, weekends or holidays at
239-5240.
Who do
I call for assistance with natural gas service?
The 24-hour customer service phone number for Alliant Energy is
1-800-255-4268 or to report an outages
1-877-740-5050. If you think you may
have a gas leak in your home, leave the residence and make the call
from a safe place.
I
received an obscene/harassing phone call. What should I do?
If you receive repeated prank phone calls, phone harassment or
other calls that might require follow-up with specialized phone
equipment, you are urged to contact the telephone company directly.
The US West Communications phone number is
1-800-582-0655.
What is
the phone number for ISU Department of Public Safety?
You can contact the Iowa State University Department of Public
Safety at
(515) 294-4428. They are open 24
hours-a-day, everyday.
What is the phone number for the Story
County Sheriff's Department?
You can contact the Story County Sheriff's Department at
(515)382-6566.
They are open 24 hours-a-day, everyday.
What is the phone number for the Iowa
State Patrol in Des Moines?
You can contact the Iowa State Patrol at
(515) 725-6090.
They are open 24 hours-a-day, everyday.
How can
I obtain a copy of an incident or accident report?
The Records Division of the Ames Police Department will provide
copies of reports for insurance companies, etc. for a nominal fee.
The office is located at the Police Department, and is open weekdays
from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. For additional information on these
services, please refer to the "Records" page.
Where
can I go to obtain an Iowa Driver's License?
The Iowa Department of Transportation offers applications and
testing for new and renewing driver's licenses at the IDOT office
located at 3708 W. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA, 50014. The phone number is
(515) 296-2393. Normal hours
of operation: Monday through Friday 8:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where
is the courtroom?
The Iowa Second Judicial District operates a courtroom in the
Ames City Hall Building at 515 Clark Avenue, Ames, IA 50010, and
also at the County Courthouse in Nevada, IA. Check with the Clerk of
Court if you are unsure of where to appear. Each court handles
specific types of cases. The courtroom and the Clerk of Court Office
in Ames are located on the second floor of the City Hall Building.
Call (515) 239-5140
for more information.
How can
I obtain a restraining order against someone?
There are several ways to obtain a restraining order against
someone. You may want to consult with a private attorney and have
them represent you. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney,
you may ask the Story County Legal Aid Services at (515)
382-2471 for assistance. Finally, in
cases of domestic abuse, a victim can go directly to the Clerk of
Court Office and get assistance with the paperwork.
Where
can I pay a city of Ames parking ticket?
There are several options for payment of city parking
violations. Drop off boxes are located in several locations within
the city. Those locations are listed on the ticket. You can also
mail the fine with the ticket to the address shown on the ticket,
but please don't send cash through the mail. You may pay the fine
in person at the City Finance Department at City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. Finally, you may pay tickets on-line at
www.amesparking.com. If
you have further questions regarding payment, or have lost your copy
of the ticket, please contact the Finance Department at
(515) 239-5283.
What if
I want to contest a ticket?
In the event you want to contest a parking ticket, you must first
contact the Chief of Police or his Secretary
(515) 239-5130.
If you are unable to reach an acceptable agreement there, you may
request a trial before the judge by contacting the City Attorney's
Office (515) 239-5146.
Generally a court appearance date is scheduled
on traffic citations. This is the time you may plead Not Guilty if
you choose, and a trial date will be set. However if you have any
questions about your appearance obligations you should contact the
Clerk of Court Office (515) 239-5140
having jurisdiction over your particular
situation.
Where can I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic tickets are handled through the Clerk of Court Office.
If you simply want to pay the ticket, and an appearance is not
required, then you can either mail or bring the appropriate copy of
the ticket, plus the fine, to the Clerk of Court Office, 515 Clark
Avenue, Ames, IA 50010. If the ticket was issued outside of the Ames
area, there should be a corresponding address for the local Clerk of
Court Office near the top of the citation. Send the ticket, plus the
fine, to that address.
Where
can I get information about the city's parking regulations?
You may call the City Attorney's office at
(515) 239-5146
for help in this matter. If you have a parking problem that needs
immediate attention, contact the Police Department at (515)
239-5133. Copies of the Municipal Code, Chapter 18, including
parking regulations, are available at the Ames Public Library, at
most City Hall offices, or see the Legal Department web page,
www.cityofames.org/attorneyweb/codeTOC.htm
What can I do if someone is parked in my
parking space?
If you have an unauthorized vehicle parked in your reserved
parking stall, leased parking stall, or simply have a vehicle parked
on your private property, commercial or residential, you may call
the Police Department (515) 239-5133
and request that a parking ticket be issued.
If the area is adequately signed, the officer will ask you to
co-sign the citation. Then you may choose to have the vehicle towed
by a private towing service.
How can I get my towed vehicle out of
the impound lot?
Vehicles are impounded for a variety of reasons, such as:
violation of the snow ordinance, various arrest procedures, as an
abandoned vehicle, or as a traffic hazard. Towing for the
impoundment is re-bid every two years by Ames merchants. Currently,
the contract for towing is with Elmquist/Deckers BP Inc: Phone
(515) 232-6670.
Fees for towing and storage are payable through Elmquist/Deckers BP. Depending
on the reason for the vehicle being towed, there may also be a
parking ticket that the vehicle owner is responsible for.
Was my
stray pet picked up by the Animal Control Officer?
All questions concerning animal control, both domestic and
native animals, should be directed to the Ames Animal Control
Shelter. The phone number is (515)
239-5530 or,
www.cityorames.org/shelterweb.
What is this
I hear about a nuisance party ordinance?
Yes, in Ames, if during a social gathering or party, by reason of
the conduct of those persons in attendance, it results in any one or
more of the following at the site of the party or social gathering,
or on neighboring public or private property, then the person(s) in
charge of the party or social event can be charged with a nuisance
party violation:
Where can I get information regarding
the city of Ames Noise Ordinance?
You may check out a copy of the Municipal Code at the Ames
Public Library, look at a copy at most City Hall offices, or see the
City Attorney's office web page. The noise ordinance is described in
Chapter 16 of the Code. Basically, the noise ordinance limits the
amount of noise allowed from any particular source within the city.
Motor vehicles as well as private residences are regulated for the
protection and peace and quiet of your neighbors. Legal noise
limits, measured in decibels, are set for various zoning
designations and times of day.
How can I get a noise permit?
If you anticipate having some activity which might generate a
violation of the noise ordinance, you should apply for a noise
permit. These permits are available from the Ames Police Department,
but you need to plan ahead in order to apply for one. If you apply,
you will be asked to complete an application form that describes the
site, the source of the expected noise, and the responsible person(s)
in control of the party. There is no fee for obtaining a noise
permit. In addition, we have information that might be helpful if
you are planning a large gathering - information that just might
help you avoid problems. If you are granted a noise permit, it will
specify just how loud your event may be and the time(s) you will be
allowed to exceed the normal limits. Applications need to be
submitted 24 hours before the event or by noon on Fridays for the
current weekend. Criteria for granting noise permits includes no
arrest for the applicant or at the planned address within the past
year, and no other permit already issued for the same date/time
within the same block.
What is the City Snow Ordinance and when does
it go into effect?
Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code details the provisions of the snow
ordinance. The purpose of this law is to ensure that main arterial
streets, Cy-Ride routes, etc. can be cleared of snow in an expedient
and efficient manner. All snow routes within the city are marked
with signs. When there is significant snowfall, and the city
administration deems it necessary, the snow ordinance will be
invoked. Local radio and television stations are notified of this
development. Cars left parked on designated snow routes are subject
to ticketing and towing in order to clear the street for the
snowplows. Once the snow stops falling and the street is
completely plowed, you may resume parking on the snow
route, as regulated under normal conditions. Any questions regarding
the snow ordinance or snow routes should be directed to the city
snow desk at (515) 239-5543.
I want to know if a friend of mine is in
jail at the Ames Police Department.
Persons taken into custody by the Ames Police Department are
transported to the Story County Jail in Nevada. If the person is an
adult, and we have them in custody, we will tell you that
information over the phone. We cannot discuss the details of
criminal cases over the telephone, or in person, unless it is with
the arrested person's legal counsel. We cannot discuss cases
involving juveniles with anyone except their legal guardian or legal
counsel. Questions - call (515)
239-5133.
I want to report a missing person. What
information do I need?
Technically, a missing person is defined as any individual, of any
age, who is missing and is under any proven physical or mental
disability, or who is missing under circumstances indicating that
his/her physical safety is in danger, or under circumstances
indicating the disappearance is not voluntary, or after a
catastrophe. In the case of minor children: abducted by a
non-custodial parent, or lost. Generally, In order to report a
missing person, you must appear in person at the police station,
complete a detailed description of the missing person, and indicate
why you believe the person should be considered missing in the
context of the above definition.
We want to have a party, but heard there is
a "Keg Ordinance" in Ames. What should we do?
Unless you obtain a permit from the Ames Police Department, you may
only tap one beer keg at a time during your party. To obtain a
permit you will have to go through a short briefing with the Police
Department's Alcohol Enforcement Team. The purpose of the briefing
is to provide you with information relating to your legal
obligations when making alcohol available to others, and to help you
plan for a successful, socially responsible party. There is no
charge for a permit.
See Chapter 17.27 of
the Ames Municipal Code.
I got a parking ticket that I didn't
deserve. Do I have to pay it?
You may appeal the parking ticket through the office of the Chief of
Police. The situation will be investigated using the Municipal Code
as a guide and/or discussing it with the issuing officer. If the
appeal is denied by the Chief, you may appeal it further by
requesting a trial through the City Attorney's office
(515) 239-5146.
Where do I get a license for my vehicle?
Motor vehicles are licensed through the county. You need to go to
the Story County Courthouse Treasurer's Department, Motor Vehicle
Division. Please contact them at (515)
382-7330 for further information.
I need to get a dog license. How much does
that cost and where do I go to do that?
Licenses for dogs or cats are not
required by the city of Ames. Current rabies tags are required.
Check with your veterinarian of choice, or call the Ames Animal
Shelter at (515) 239-5530.
Does my
bicycle need to be licensed with the city? If so where do I need to
go to get a license?
The City of Ames recommends bicycle owners in the community register
their bikes. To make this program as simple as possible, the City
has teamed with ISU to develop one University/City registration tag
that is free and non-expiring. Bicycle owners fill out a short form
either in person at the locations listed below or on-line. Your
information is recorded in our system and you receive a sticker with
a registration number to affix to your bike. It's that easy! You
will need to know the make, model, type of bike, serial number,
speeds, color, and style to complete the registration process. You
can register at the City Finance Department, City Hall, 515 Clark
Avenue; Iowa State University, Armory Bldg, Room 27 or Room 55; Cub
Food Store; Bike World; University Book Store; Skunk River Cycles;
the east Hy-Vee Food Store; Drug Town; or on-line at
http://www.cityofames.org/Police or
www.dps.iastate.edu/ and your sticker will be mailed to
you.
We're
going to have a parade for the 4th of July down Main Street. Do we
need a parade permit?
An actual permit is not granted; however, you need to contact the
City Traffic Engineer at (515) 239-5275
and inform him of the parade. He will assist
you in arranging barricades, police escorts, etc., to ensure the
safety of the marchers.
People
are knocking on my door selling magazines. They are very rude and
can't take no for an answer. Is it legal for them to sell
door-to-door?
The city of Ames requires transient merchants to be registered with
the City Clerk's Office. Call the Communications Center at
(515) 239-5133 to
ascertain if the group knocking on your door has done so. If they
are causing problems for you or harassing you, a visit by an Ames
police officer may be warranted.
An
officer stopped me for no reason and acted very rude to me. I want
to issue a complaint against that officer. What do I need to do?
Contact the Chief of Police at (515)
239-5130 to inform him of the
occurrence. He will assign an Internal Affairs Investigator to
investigate the incident.
I would
like to have an officer talk to my neighbors and me about crime
prevention. Is that possible?
The Ames Police Department has a Speakers Bureau available to make
presentations on a variety of topics to groups. Tours of the Police
Department may also be arranged. Call the Chief's Office at
(515) 239-5130 to
arrange for a speaker or tour.
How do
I apply for the Citizen Police Academy?
Applications may be picked up at the Police Department or contact
Community Resource Officer Harry Samms at
(515) 239-5432
or
hsamms@city.ames.ia.us for more information. The Citizen Police
Academy is an 8-week program starting in January and September of
each year. The course covers different areas of police department
operations including, police ethics, use of force, crime scene
investigations, narcotics, firearms training, to name a few.
Eligibility requirements are as follows: you must live or work in
Ames, be 19 years of age or older, have no felony convictions
anywhere and no misdemeanor arrests within the last three years.
There are no physical requirements although students are encouraged
to participate in the hands-on training.
If you have questions or comments that haven't been covered in this FAQ, please let us know. Call us at Administration (515) 239-5130 or the Police Desk (515) 239-5133. Or send us e-mail at:
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