Crime Stoppers is a program that involves police, media and citizens in the fight against crime. It was started in 1984 by a group of retailers, regional law enforcement officials and the Retail Merchants Association. Its service area is the City of Richmond and Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, New Kent and Charles City counties.
Citizens who call Crime Stoppers do not have to give their name or testify in court. Rewards are paid up to $1,000 with money donated to this nonprofit organization, which is run by a citizen board. To leave a tip for Crime Stoppers, please call 780-1000.
Do you have Neighborhood Watch programs?
Yes. Contact Community, Youth, and Intervention Services or your Precinct.
Do you have a Ride-Along programs
Yes. Citizens who do not have a criminal record and are 18 years of age or older may ride with an officer twice a year. To print an application, visit our Ride-Along Program page or call (804)646-4395.
How do I become a Richmond Police officer?
The first step is to submit a City of Richmond job application. To be hired, you must meet minimum requirements, pass an admissions test and successfully complete a background investigation.
My property was seized. How do I get it back?
First, the property must be released by the court. The property may be picked up at 501 N. Ninth St., Room G-48, at the following times:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If the property hasn't been picked up in a reasonable amount of time, you will be notified by letter to pick it up. Property and Evidence can be reached at (804)646-6727.
How do I become a Richmond Police volunteer?
First, you must complete either the Citizen Police Academy or the Senior Citizen Police Academy.
"The Volunteers in Policing Program" is an extension of these two academies.
For more information on our Citizens' Academies, please contact the Community Care Unit.
How do I file a police report
To file a police report, please call the Richmond Police non-emergency number at 646-5100 or visit your local precinct.
How do I take out a warrant?
You should go to the Magistrate's Office located in Police Headquarters at 200 W. Grace St.
You will be asked to provide basic information about the individual, such as
- full name
- address
- date of birth
- police report number
Your photo ID is required.
When the warrant is served, the person will be arrested.
The phone number to the Magistrate's Office is (804)646-6689.
I have received calls soliciting funds for various groups, such as the Fraternal Order of Police and the Police Protection Fund. Are these legitimate?
The Richmond Police Department is not associated with any organization soliciting funds. It is at your discretion whether or not to make donations. To inquire about organizations soliciting funds, contact
- Virginia State Police Association at (800)342-6059
- Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs at (800)552-9963
My car was towed. How do I get it back?
Contact the officer in charge of the tow lot at (804)646-8372 or (804)646-8379 or Seibert’s Towing at 233-5757.
How can I get a copy of an police report?
You will need to go to the Richmond Police Information Desk at Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220. The fee is $5. The telephone number is (804)646-0400.
I need to get a background check done. What do I do?
The Richmond Police Department only conducts local background checks.
You will need to go to the Police Information Desk at Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220. You will need to bring two forms of identification with you, one of which must include a photo. The cost is $5.
If you require a statewide criminal history, you will need to contact the Virginia State Police at (804)674-2000.
I need to be fingerprinted? What do I do?
You will need to visit the Richmond Police Department Information Desk at Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220. The cost is $5.
How do I get crime statistics for a neighborhood?
There are two types of information available.
The first is Incident Based Reports (reports taken by the officer) that can be accessed via the web at www.richmond.va.us. Under Services click Police and then under Information click Crime Incident Info. There is a disclaimer; if you agree to these conditions, click agree and a request screen will appear.
The other form of information available is Calls For Service (all calls received that are 911 or non-emergency). This information can be obtained by contacting the Public Affairs Unit at (804)646-6842.
How do I report a crime or suspicious incident?
If it is an emergency, call 911 if the incident is in progress. If it is a non-emergency, call (804)646-5100.
How do I invite a representative from the Police Department to attend our community meeting?
Officers are available to speak to groups at community meetings and schoolchildren for educational events. Please note that we require two weeks notice prior to your event.
Contact one of the following to schedule a speaker:
I got a parking ticket. What do I do?
See the City of Richmond's Parking Information
