F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

Communication between a Police Department and the citizens it serves is essential. Listed below are questions most frequently asked of a police department and it's officers. They are presented here to improve that essential line of communication.

Q. I am going on vacation. Will the police department check on my house while I'm gone?

A. Yes, the Nanticoke Police Department has an active house check program. Prior to going on vacation either call or come into the police department and fill out a house check form. Be prepared to list the license numbers of vehicles left at the house and the names and phone numbers of those persons who will be responsible for your property while you are gone. We will endeavor to check your house on a daily basis. We have information available to help you make your home more secure while you are away.

Q. I sometimes see things that I feel are unusual or out of place in my neighborhood, however I don't know if I should call the police.

A. There are always officers on duty. You know your neighborhood the best. Please feel free to call the police department at any time to check out any activity that you are uncomfortable with. We respond to every call for service, though obviously, when we have multiple calls at one time, we must prioritize the calls and it may take some time to get to your neighborhood and address your concern.

Q. Should I install a burglar alarm in my home?

A. The installation of an alarm system is a matter of personal choice. Some feel that an alarm system gives them added security while others consider an alarm to be a deterrent to would-be thieves. Alarm systems vary in cost, depending on what type of detection system is installed. The City of Nanticoke, as well as many other communities, has an alarm ordinance which calls for a yearly fee payable to the city. The fee is necessary to regulate the operation and use of these alarms. False alarms waste police resources.

Q. Why do two officers respond to alarm calls?

A. All alarm calls are considered to be real. The possibility of one or more persons committing a burglary is a high risk call and requires two or more police officers to protect the officers, secure the premises, and safeguard the occupants if any. Police officers at the scene may request additional help if the circumstances warrant it.

Q. If I have been involved in a collision, and want a copy of the police report, what can I do?

A. If you have an interest in the collision, either as the vehicle owner, property owner, or driver, you may obtain a copy of the report at the Police Department a few days after the incident. There is a charge for a copy of the report, however you may look at the report for free. Usually, your insurance company will request and pay for a copy of your accident report for their file.

Q. Why do I sometimes see two officers at a traffic stop when someone is getting a ticket?

A. On a "normal" traffic stop there are several things that happen. A citation is written and the driver's license and vehicle registration are normally checked through the PennDOT computer. This all takes time and sometimes two officers involved assists in getting the driver on his or her way as quickly as possible. Also, a "routine" traffic stop may have evolved into a more serious law enforcement situation which requires more than one police officer to handle the incident.

Q. What can I do about vehicles parked in front of my house or business?

A. Unless prohibited by a law, any vehicle properly registered and displaying a current inspection sticker may park any place upon a street. If you are concerned about a vehicle which has been parked on a street for over 72 hours or a vehicle which is otherwise suspicious to you, call the police department and an officer will be dispatched to conduct an investigation. Sometimes a vehicle is left in one spot in excess of 72 hours because the owner is ill or away on vacation. Vehicle owners in such a situation are asked to notify the police department so that the vehicle is not ticketed or tagged as Abandoned.

Q. Why do I occasionally see police officers from several municipalities at one incident?

A. The law enforcement agencies which serve Luzerne County have an excellent working relationship with each other. When one agency calls for assistance due to a significant incident which requires additional personnel, the other agencies respond without hesitation. These types of responses are also dictated and governed by departmental policies and local mutual aid and assistance agreements.

Q. I have had several phone calls from people representing themselves as police officers calling and asking for donations for this and that. Are the callers really police officers? I would like to help but I'm not sure it's legitimate.

A. Local police departments generally do not solicit for donations over the telephone, however, some private organizations such as various levels of the Fraternal Order of Police or the Police Athletic League use professional fund-raising organizations who do call. Most of the F.O.P. Lodges and P.A.L.'s will publish a notice in the paper of an ongoing fund raising effort. If you have any questions about solicitations, call the police department prior to committing to any donations. Those solicitations that are legitimate support worthwhile community projects.

Q. I have to be fingerprinted for a job application I'm submitting. Where can I have this done?

A. The Nanticoke Police department will fingerprint Nanticoke residents upon request. You should call ahead to insure that an officer will be available and at the time you appear you should have with you all the necessary papers and at least one photo I.D. At the Nanticoke Police Department, there is no fee for this service. Local police departments cannot fingerprint for immigration purposes. Contact I.N.S. for the closest I.N.S. certified fingerprinting center.

Q. Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

A. Due to the risk of damage to the vehicle and the threat of injury to the officer is the vehicle is equipped with side air bags, this department does not attempt to unlock vehicles. If other circumstances exist, such as a young child locked in a vehicle, an Officer will be sent to assist in any way possible. Contacting a locksmith is your best alternative in most cases.

  Although this column is written from the perspective of the Nanticoke City Police Department, most of the procedures described here are universally accepted police practice. However, you should check with your local police department to determine which procedures are in effect in your community.

NPD