Frequently Asked Questions

Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called them?

Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police?

Somerset Auto Salvage 715-247-5753

Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the police tow it away for me?

How can I find out if someone is in jail, when someone in jail can be visited and any other information about person(s) in jail?

How do I get a copy of a police report?

Where do I go to pay my Parking Ticket or Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation?

Can I make a police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?

Can I make a police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house?

What is a restraining order and how do I get one?

Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

YES.....The importance of citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity cannot be over emphasized. Crime prevention and the solution to crimes or violations already committed depend greatly on information provided by citizens. The dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for a description of the people involved. Information such as a vehicle's license plate number, color, make or a persons clothing, hair, build, etc... are important. You may be asked if an officer may contact you in person for further information / clarification. The Police Department participates in the St. Croix County Crime Stoppers Program. Information can be communicated by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-303-8477. You may remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward.


Frequently Asked Questions Does the Police Department do fingerprinting and when can I have my fingerprints done? Yes, fingerprinting is free of charge. Please phone the Police Department to set up a time to have your fingerprints taken at 715-247-3319. Why did it take so long for the police to come when I called them? All requests for police services are assigned to priority based on the seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies. Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police? Dispatchers are trained to try to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. On emergency calls, the dispatcher may have already given the information to the officer while continuing to ask additional questions.
Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside? No... the police department does not unlock car doors. There are several local businesses that provide this service for a nominal fee. *They are:* Somerset Auto Salvage 715-247-5753 Jerry's Towing 715-247-4869 Autotech Body & Towing 715-246-4042 GTK Service 715-246-3434 Pager 1-888-264-7044 Day & Night Towing 715-684-3359 Kirk's Towing 715-248-3265 Somerset Collision 715-247-2233 ** In case of emergency, i.e. child locked inside, officers will assist Someone has abandoned a junk car in my parking lot or on my property. Can the police tow it away for me? The Police Department has an abandoned / junked vehicle ordinance prohibiting such vehicles from being left for an extended period of time on public or private property. If you feel that a vehicle may be abandoned or junked, please call the Police Department. Generally, a vehicle parked on private property without consent of the property owner may be ticketed by the Police, but removal is the property owner's responsibility. A vehicle parked on private property, (in violation of the ordinance), with the property owner's consent may be ticketed and ultimately removed by order of the Municipal Court. How can I find out if someone is in jail, when someone in jail can be visited and any other information about person(s) in jail? The Somerset Police Department does not have a jail. Please contact the St. Croix County Jail at 715-386-4752 directly or the Pierce County Jail at 715-273-5051. How do I get a copy of a police report? The Somerset Police Department operates under Wisconsin's Open Records Law. Copies of reports are $10.00. The review process usually takes 5 to 10 working days to complete. If you cannot come into the police department, reports can be mailed if you send a self addressed stamped envelope along with the case number and the processing fee. Where do I go to pay my Parking Ticket or Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation? Parking tickets can be paid by mail or in person at the Police Department. Traffic/City Ordinance Violation Citations are processed through the Somerset Municipal Court, located at 110 Spring Street. If you have any questions about paying for a Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation or you would like to set a hearing date, please contact the Municipal Court directly at 715-247-3319. You may choose to mail in a Traffic/City Ordinance Violation citation, if so, please read and complete the back of the citation and envelope, place a stamp on the envelope and mail it in. Can I make a police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment? The Police Department will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests for police assistance. Normal business hours are 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday - Friday. If you would like to speak to an officer after hours AND this is not an emergency please call the St. Croix County Emergency Communications Center at 1-800-281-3478 (Non-emergency line) Can I make a police report over the telephone or does a police officer have to come to my house? Generally, all reports must be made in person. Contact the Police Department at 715-247-3319(P.D.) or 1-800-281-3478(St. Croix ECC). An Officer will be dispatched to your home or business to meet with you. If you find it more convenient you may come to the Police Department at 110 Spring Street, Somerset to meet with an Officer. What is a restraining order and how do I get one? A restraining order is a court order that prohibits one person from having contact with another. Restraining orders are generally used when one person wants protection from another. Click here for more information on restraining orders and how to get one. I have a question regarding the rights and responsibilities of landord's and tenants. Where can I get information on this topic? The Somerset Police Department generally does not get involved in investigating or giving advice relating to this topic as they are usually civil issues and not criminal. One of the best resources for information on this topic is a booklet entitled "Landlord's and Tenants, The Wisconsin Way," published by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The booklet can be accessed by contacting one of the following regional offices of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Eau Claire (715) 839-3848 Green Bay (414) 448-5110 Madison (608) 224-4960 Milwaukee (414) 266-1231 Toll-Free consumer hotline 1-800-422-7128 Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood? YES.....The importance of citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity cannot be over emphasized. Crime prevention and the solution to crimes or violations already committed depend greatly on information provided by citizens. The dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine its nature and ask for a description of the people involved. Information such as a vehicle's license plate number, color, make or a persons clothing, hair, build, etc... are important. You may be asked if an officer may contact you in person for further information / clarification. The Police Department participates in the St. Croix County Crime Stoppers Program. Information can be communicated by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-303-8477. You may remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward.
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