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Home  FAQ Menu  Howell Police

 

 

 

Police and Fire FAQ's

  • How do I get to the Police Department?

    Howell Police Dept./City Hall is located at 611 E. Grand River, four blocks east of  Michigan Ave. on the south side of the street.

     

    From I-96: Exit 137, north on Michigan Ave. east on Grand River Ave, on the south  side of Grand River Ave.

     

    From M-59 (Highland Road): South on Michigan Ave., east on Grand River Ave, on the  south side of Grand River Ave.

     

  • How do I request a Police Officer?

    If you require a police response, please dial 9-1-1. For general questions you may call the Howell Police business line at (517) 546-1330 between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. After hours, there is a call box in the lobby of City Hall. This will connect you to Central Dispatch and they will dispatch an officer back to the Police Department to speak with you.

     

  • When should I call 9-1-1?

    9-1-1 is the primary number to call for all police, fire and EMS responses in Livingston County.  Call 9-1-1 for ALL EMERGENCIES and any time you require a police response. This includes crimes in progress, to report a crime, a domestic dispute, identity theft, traffic accidents and much more.

  • How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

    You may request a copy of a police report by calling our business office (517) 546-1330 or coming into the office during normal business hours. There is a $3.00 fee for each report and you will be asked to fill out a Freedom of Information Act request form.

     

    For copies of traffic crash reports, you may obtain them online at www.tracview.com. There is a small fee to obtain these reports. Most reports are ready within 72 hours of the incident.

  • How do I pay parking and traffic tickets?

    Parking tickets may be paid at the Finance Department, located on the second floor of City Hall at 611 E. Grand River, between the hours of 8:00am -5:00pm, Monday-Friday. A drop box is located in the lobby of City Hall for after-hours payments. Fines will increase after 48 hours, so prompt payment is important! Parking tickets that go unpaid will be sent to court.

     

    Traffic citations and appearance tickets are paid at the 53rd District Court at 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. You can reach the court by phone at (517) 548-1000 for information on the amount of fines or to request a court date.

  • Where do I go to apply for a Personal Protection Order (PPO)?

    You may obtain the necessary paperwork at the 44th Circuit Court Clerk at 204 S. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843, or telephone them at (517) 546-9616.

     

  • What is the curfew in Howell?

    City ordinance states that minors under the age of 16 years shall not loiter, idle or congregate in or on any public street, highway, alley or park located within the City between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am, unless accompanied by a parent or an adult delegated by the parent.

  • Can I get my child fingerprinted?

    The Howell Police Department will provide kid’s identification cards free of charge at the annual Howell Home Show.  The kit includes a photo, physical description and thumb prints.  Organized groups can also receive this service with special arrangements.

  • What do I do if I’m involved in an auto accident?

    Michigan Vehicle Code requires in section 257.622: “The driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident at the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient police officer.” You may dial 9-1-1 for a police response to the scene of the accident.

  • What is the Zip – Zero – Zilch Law?

    In 1996 the state legislature passed a law which provided a zero tolerance of under-aged drinking and driving (under age 21).  Be safe and don’t drink and drive.

     

    If you’re tested for alcohol and it shows a positive result, penalties may include:

    • Loss of your drivers license for 30-90 days
    • A fine of up to $250, and/or
    • Performance of up to 45 days of community service
    • Four points added to your driving record
    • Payment of up to $2,000 in attorney fees
    • Insurance premium increase

  • What is the law regarding seat belts?

    The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning and the U.S. Department of Transportation say, “Safety belts save lives!” They cite the following statistics:

    • On average, nearly four Michigan motorists are killed every day in traffic crashes, and 400 more are injured.
    • In Michigan, a traffic crash is reported once every one minute, 26 seconds.
    • Crashes cost Michigan citizens more than $3 billion per year!
    • Approximately 54% of all crashes occur in urban areas, but 63% of all traffic deaths occur in rural areas.
    • In Michigan, it is estimated that more than $750 million is spent each year on medical costs due to the non-use of safety belts.
    • Nearly $1.5 billion of income is lost each year in Michigan due to the non-use of safety belts.

     Safety Belt / Child Restraint Law:

     

    Occupant Age                           Restraint

    Birth - 3 years of age             Child must be in child restraint

                                                 system*

    4 - 15 years of age                 Belts required in all seating

                                                positions within the vehicle*

    16+ years of age                    Belts required in front seat only**

     

    *          Driver receives a citation for violations

    **        Each violator receives a citation

  • Can I make an anonymous tip about drugs?

    Yes. You can call (810) 227-7897 and your message will be relayed to the appropriate agency to follow up on your tip.

  • Will the police department check my house while I’m out of town?

    Yes.  The Howell Police Department will periodically check your property while you’re on vacation. Please contact the business office at (517) 546-1330 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM with your name, address, departure and return dates along with an emergency contact while you’re out of town.

  • I locked my keys in my car – Can you help?

    Yes, just dial 9-1-1 and they will dispatch an officer to unlock your vehicle for no charge, provided it is within the city limits.

  • What does the school resource officer do?

    Our schools are very active and all the officers have a responsibility to the school, students and staff. The School Resource Officer offers crime prevention and intervention programs, classroom lectures, counseling, and conferences with students and parents.

  • What is community policing?

    Community policing is, in essence, a collaboration between the police and the public that mutually identifies and works together to solve community concerns. With this partnership, all members of the community become allies and active participants in the effort to enhance the safety and the quality of life in and around our community and our neighborhoods.

     

    The Howell Police Department has embraced the operational philosophy of Community Oriented Policing.  Foot patrols, bicycle patrols and initial programs to develop this philosophy and to foster community partnerships have already been put in place.  The Howell Police Department is currently seeking to organize neighborhood and business associations to further expand the Community Oriented Policing concept. 

     

    If you are interested or would like further information, please contact either Chief George Basar or Captain John Kowalski at (517) 546-1330.

  • Where should I install my smoke detectors?

    It is important to install a smoke detector on every floor of your residence. It is also a good idea to place a detector in every bedroom.  Remember that smoke travels up and out -- so place detectors where the smoke will go first.

     

    Test every detector once a month. A good rule of thumb for changing the detector’s batteries is to change them when you change your clocks in the spring and fall. New smoke detectors now come with ten-year batteries. The typical life of a smoke detector is about ten years, so replace any detector that is over ten years old.

  • I can’t afford a smoke detector. Is there an agency that will supply one for free?

    Please call the Howell Fire Department at (517) 546-0560 for more information.

  •  Do I really need a CO detector? 

    Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. CO can be produced by a number of things including: an automobile, a faulty furnace, or a faulty water heater. CO attaches itself to the red blood cells while displacing the oxygen that is normally carried by these cells. This depletes the amount of oxygen being delivered to the body’s vital organs. CO builds in the body cumulatively over time. Therefore, a small dose over a long period of time can be just as dangerous as a large dose over a short period of time.

     

    A Carbon Monoxide detector can alert you and your family to this otherwise undetectable lethal gas. Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, and drowsiness. These are all the same type of signs and symptoms of a typical cold. You may go to bed to relieve this “cold” not realizing that you have been poisoned by CO. A CO detector could save your life.

  • What do I do if my CO detector starts going off?

    If your Carbon Monoxide detector emits an alarm, do not panic. Complete a check of yourself and your family to make sure everyone is fine. Find out if anyone is feeling ill (dizzy, lightheaded, headache, fatigue, etc.). If someone is not feeling normal evacuate the house and call 9-1-1. The Howell Area Fire Department and Livinstron County Ambulance will be dispatched with medical equipment to treat your symptons and CO monitoring devices to survey your residence. If everyone is normal and there are no complaints of sickness, investiage the matter further. Start with the detector, make sure it is operating properly and check the battery. Next check anything the produces heat. Make sure these items are in proper working order, vented properly and clean. You should call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy or a licensed contractor to detect and fix the problem.

  • How do I get a copy of a fire report?

    Contact the Howell Fire Department at (517) 546-0560 to make arrangements.

  • Does the Fire Department have station tours?

    Yes. We do station tours when a pre-arranged time and date have been set up. Please call (517) 546-0560 for more infornation, Monday through Friday 7 am to 4 pm.

  • Do you provide CPR and first aid training?

    Yes. The Fire Department does have CPR and First Aid Instructors. Please call (517) 546-0560 for more information.

  • Does the Fire Department refill fire extinguishers?

    No. There are several companies listed in the yellow pages that fill fire extinguishers.

  • Will the Fire Department send staff to groups to do fire safety classes?

    Yes. We will send staff to your location to do fire safety classes. To make arrangements call (517) 546-0560, Monday through Friday 7 am to 4 pm.

  • When is the next Fire Department open house?

    The open house for our department is held annually during "Fire Prevention Week" in October.  To obtain information about the Fire Department and the services it offers please call (517) 546-0560 or visit their website at www.howellfire.net.

  • Is it OK to burn my garden waste and leaves?

    No, that is considered "open burning" which is against local ordinance.

  • What is Outdoor Burning and/or Open Burning?

    Outdoor Burning and/or Open burning means kindling or maintaining a fire where the products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney.  This includes burning in a barrel." (local ordinance #816)

  • Is “Open Burning” allowable?

    No. Open burning of leaves, wood, trash, and construction materials are banned. These items constitute a “nuisance” which also violates City Ordinance.

  • Can I have a campfire in my yard?

    No. “Campfire” means an outdoor fire that is on or in the ground intended for recreation or cooking. (local ordinance #816)

  • May I have a small open fire for a party I am having?

    Yes.  As long as you use a "Patio wood-burning unit". See below for definition of a Patio wood-burning unit.

  • What is a Patio wood-burning unit?

    Patio wood-burning unit" means a chimenea, patio warmer, or other portable wood-burning device that sits off the ground, measuring thirty-six inches (36") in diameter or less or thirty-six inches by thirty-six inches (36"X 36")and which is used for outdoor recreation and/or heating. (local ordinance #816)

     

  • What type of burning is permissible?

    Using a "Patio wood-burning unit" is permissible using fire wood only, and as long as they do not create excessive amounts of smoke. If these types of fires become a nuisance, and a complaint is filed with the Police or Fire Department, you will be asked to extinguish these fires.

  • Still have questions about "open burning"?

    Please call the Fire Department at (517) 546-0560.

 

          

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