911 is the number you call if you have an emergency and need the assistance of the police or fire department. The phone number and address that you are calling from will appear on the Dispatcher's screen. The Dispatcher will ask you for your name, the phone number and address that you are calling from, and the reason you are calling. Don't hang up until the Dispatcher tells you to. The Dispatcher will know who to send to assist you after you answer all of their questions. If the caller hangs up, it is likely that a police officer will be sent to the address that appeared on the screen when the call came. This is to ensure that assistance is not needed.

Young children should be taught to dial 9-1-1 for help only when there is an emergency.

Citizens wishing to file a complaint regarding a vehicle in violation of the 72 hour law please call our dispatch center 24 hours a day 7 days a week (562-806-7601). You will need the following information:

• License Plate Number
• Color
• Make/ Model
• Vehicle location (address)

If a Parking Enforcement responds and marks the vehicle, you will have to wait 72 hours prior to it being removed (impounded / stored).

In Bell Gardens, all subscribers and/ or owners of a security alarm system are required to have a valid permit issues by the City. False alarms are a majority of our response calls and a service charge will be assessed against the business owner / Alarm Permit Licensee based on the number of responses.

More than four (4) false alarms during any calendar year will constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of a security alarm permit.

The alarm business or owner of any audible alarm shall be responsible for deactivating any alarm within one (1) hour after notification. Ringing in excess of one (1) hour is declared to be public nuisance and is subject to a misdemeanor prosecution.

All alarm information (emergency contact, alarm company info, etc.) is the responsibility of the alarm permit holder.

UPDATE - November 1, 2015

All alarm permits, renewals, registration, fees, bill paying, etc. will be handled online and paper registration will no longer be accepted at the Police Department.  Online registration, renewals, and fees by the user will provide for more accurate information and create a better tracking system for the Police Department and alarm permit holder.

There are 3 ways to apply for a new permit, renew, or pay bills, etc:

1. Via web: www.famspermit.com/bellgardens (credit cards accepted)
2. Via check or money order to:
   City of Bell Gardens Alarm Program
   P.O Box 142828
   Irving, TX 75014
3. Via Phone: 888-448-8875 (Monday through Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm CST)

Fee Schedule

• Bell Gardens Alarm Fee Schedule

You may register your bicycle at the Bell Gardens Police Department or it can be purchased from the National Bike Registry online at www.nationalbikeregistry.com.

Bicycle license fee: $1.00 per year

“Graffiti” refers to writing, drawing scribbled, scratched, sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place without the authority or consent of the owner of such property or of a person authorized by the owner of such property to give consent. To request for removal or to report on public property, contact the Bell Gardens Public Works Department at (562) 806-7770.

All Persons wishing to visit inmates at the Bell Gardens Police Department City Jail must present proof of valid Identification prior to the visitation. Only a valid Passport, Driver’s License, or State Identification are acceptable. Check cashing cards, immigration cards, college I.D cards, library cards, birth certificates and marriage certificates are not acceptable. Visitors must be 18 years of age or older. However, minors may accompany an adult or guardian. At no time may more than one adult visit an inmate at a given time and only one child is allowed to visit at a time.

• For security purposes, all visitors and their belongings will be searched prior to their visit.
• No purses, suitcases, food, cell phones, backpacks or cameras will be allowed in the visiting area.
• Visits may be subject to cancellation at anytime by the on-duty jailer or Watch Commander.
• All visitors are encouraged to call the on-duty jailers prior to arrival (562) 806-7640

All jail visitors are required to fill out the INMATE VISITOR RECORD form.

Visiting attorneys will have the same procedures to follow. Attorneys must bring their State Bar Associating card.

Public Visiting Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 1:00pm
• Saturday - Sunday: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Attorney Visiting Hours:

• 24 Hours a Day

The Bell Gardens Police Department does not offer Live scan to the public. For a list of places that offer Live scan services, please go to http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php.

We do not provide individuals with criminal history checks. If you would like to obtain a copy of your California Criminal History, please contact the Department of Justice at (916) 227-3849.

Under the California Penal Code (PC) and the City of Bell Gardens Municipal Code (BGMC), a nuisance is described as:

415 PC - Anyone who knowingly provokes fights or disturbs other parties, or who uses lewd language that others may find to be offensive is guilty of violating Penal Code 415.

16.24… BGMC - prohibits unnecessary, excessive and annoying noises from all sources subject to its police power. At certain levels, noises are detrimental to the health and welfare of the citizens and, in the public interest, shall be systematically proscribed.

There is no specific time in this section. You may report a nuisance at any time during the day or night if you feel your peace is being disturbed. Please contact the Bell Gardens Police Department at (562) 806-7601 to file a complaint. A police officer hearing loud music cannot enforce penal code 415 without a citizen reporting such nuisance and signing a citizen arrest. If you do not wish to identify yourself, you may remain anonymous but you will still be asked for your name, address and phone number for our reference only.

Under BGMC 16.25.10, you may receive a “first response” notice as a warning. If the Bell Gardens Police have to respond a second time for the same type of call, the property owner or occupant may be assessed civil penalties for the cost of responding to such calls. The fee for this “second response” is $75.00 and an additional $75.00 for each additional response thereafter.

Sex/ Arson Offender Registration takes place by appointment only. Please bring the appropriate paperwork and identification. To make an appointment, please call (562) 806-7618. 

For Information on registered sex offenders in California visit the Megan's Law Website.

Parking cites may be paid by mail (Check / Money Order) or online (Credit Card), or by phone (Credit Card). Payments are not accepted at the Police Department.

By Mail:

Parking Citation Service Center
c/o City of Bell Gardens
PO Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1923

Make sure to include your citation or write the citation number in the memo section of your check or money order.

On-line:

www.paymycite.com

By Phone:

1-888-238-3188 (Payments can be made)

How do I contest a Bell Gardens Parking Citation?

Parking violations issued in the City of Bell Gardens can only be contested via an “Initial Review of Parking Violation” form (see below). Once you download the form, please fill it out and print it. You can then mail it to the Police Department or bring it into the Records Lobby. However, this must take place within 21 days of the date the citation was issued or within 14 days of mailing of a notice of delinquent parking violation. If you do not request an Initial Review within the time frames stated above, then you lose the opportunity to contest the citation(s) and all parking fees must be paid.

Once received, your reason will be reviewed by a supervisor and a determination will be given as to the findings. No matter what the decision, you will be notified by mail or phone.

If the parking cite is not dismissed, you will be given the opportunity to appeal the decision and make an appointment for an Administrative Review. This review will be with another supervisor and no matter what the decision, there are no more appeals. Please remember that per California Vehicle Code Section 40215, you must pay the parking penalty prior to the Administrative Hearing and this must be done within 21 days of the findings from the “Initial Review.” If the supervisor decides in your favor, you money for the parking cite will be refunded to you.

For telephone inquiries regarding parking ticket status, you may call (888) 238-3188, Monday – Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Mail request and payment to:

Bell Gardens Police Department
Parking Enforcement Unit
7100 Garfield Ave
Bell Gardens, CA 90201

Remember, failure to pay outstanding parking fines and penalties will result in withholding of vehicle registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles. This can cause you vehicle to be cited and even impounded. In addition, you may be subject to a civil judgment that could lead to garnishment of wages and seizure of property.

Initial Review of Parking Violation Form

Information coming soon.

ALPR - Automated License Plate Recognition

The Property & Evidence bureau has the sole responsibility of receiving, storing, and maintaining found, safekeeping and all evidence items. Maintaining the chain of evidence is crucial in all criminal cases and evidence must be accounted at all times. The only way to get Evidence released to you is via a court order. However, safekeeping and stored property such as bicycles may be released to the legal owner.

Release hours:

• Monday – Thursday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Please call (562) 806-7627 to make an appointment.

Public Records Request Form    (Click to Download Form)

Hours of Operation and Phone Numbers

Reports may be obtained at the Records Department at the Bell Gardens Police Department from Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm. Please call (562) 806-7611 or (562) 806-7610. Not all reports are releasable. Please contact us to verify you can obtain a copy.

Report Fee Schedules:

• Crime and Incident Reports: $25.00 (only available at the Police Department)
• Traffic Collisions: $25.00

Other Fees:

• Copy of Traffic Citation: $10.00
• Repossession State fee: $15.00
• Verification / Clearance Letter: $15.00

A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from abuse or threats of abuse from someone they have a close relationship with.  You can ask for a domestic violence restraining order if:

1. A person has abused (or threatened to abuse) you;

AND

2. You have a close relationship with that person. You are:
• Married or registered domestic partners,
• Divorced or separated,
• Dating or used to date,
• Living together or used to live together(more than roommates),
• Parents together of a child, OR
• Closely related (parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, in-law).

If you are a parent and your child is being abused, you can also file a restraining order on behalf of your child to protect your child (and you and other family members). If your child is 12 or older, he or she can file the restraining order on his or her own.

If you do not qualify for a domestic violence restraining order, there are other kinds of orders you can ask for:

• Civil harassment restraining order (can be used for neighbors, roommates, coworkers, or more distant family members like cousins, uncle or aunt, etc.). Find more information on getting a civil harassment restraining order.
• Elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order (if the person being abused is 65 or older; or between 18 and 64 and a dependent adult). Find more information on getting an elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order.
• Workplace violence restraining order (filed by an employer to protect an employee from violence, stalking, or harassment by another person). Find more information on getting a workplace violence restraining order.

If you are not sure what kind of restraining order you should get, talk to a lawyer. For help finding a lawyer. Also, your court’s family law facilitator or self-help center may be able to help you. And your local legal services offices may also be able to help you or refer you to someone who can.

All Ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer (provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the Bell Gardens Police Department).

Ride along dates must be scheduled at least 2 weeks from the date of the application.

Ride-A-Long times are for 4 hours only: Between 7:00am and 3:00pm or between 7:00pm and Midnight.

Ride-A-Long Form

The Bell Gardens Police Department holds Sobriety Check-Points about once a month with additional check-points being held during the holiday season. The Command Post Trailer is set up at various locations throughout the city. Vehicles are directed through the check-point to check for drivers who may be under the influence. Handouts are provided to drivers regarding important topics such as child restraint seats and the seat belt law.

Subpoenas for police records should be addressed to “Custodian of Records”. There is a $15.00 fee for this service and payment and service is done at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall (next door to the Police Department).

Civil Subpoenas for police department personnel should be served to the City Clerk’s office Monday – Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm. The fee for this is $280.00.

The Police Department does not serve restraining orders or child custody orders.

Tickets may be signed off by contacting the Records Department from Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm & Sat & Sun 8:00am-2:00pm.

Please call (562) 806-7611 or (562) 806-7610.

Fee: Ticket Sign-Off: $22.00

“Moving Violations” (Not parking citations):

The Police Department does not review or "remove" traffic citations. This can only be done at traffic court.

For Traffic Citations inquiries or questions please contact the:

Downey Superior Court
7500 E. Imperial Hwy.
Downey, CA 90242

You may request up to two extensions on the LA Superior Court website: Traffic Online Services - Traffic Division - LA Court

For more information call (213)742-1884 or (213) 633-6300 or visit Traffic Division - LA Court

Find a Traffic School Traffic School List - California DMV 

If you own or manage property in the city of Bell Gardens and are having problems with people trespassing on your vacant property or on property that you currently live on, please download the Trespassing Form. Once completed, please return it to our Record’s Department with a copy of your Identification:

Bell Gardens Police Department
Attn: Records / Trespassing Letter
7100 Garfield Avenue
Bell Gardens, CA 90201 or email to recordsfax@bgpd.org 

Trespassing forms must be renewed every six months,

Please call (562) 806-7610 if you have any questions. 

Vehicles will only be released once the following conditions have been met, regardless of the type of impound or storage:

Release Requirements:

• The vehicle must have a valid registration or a valid moving permit

• The vehicle must be insured

• The individual retrieving the vehicle must have a valid driver’s license

• Vehicles will only be released to registered or legal owners unless you have an original notarized letter giving you authorization to pick up the vehicle.

• The registered/legal owner must be present with a valid ID or driver’s license

• If the registered owner does not have a valid driver’s license, another individual with a valid driver’s license must be present

• The registered owner must present a valid picture ID before the vehicle can be released (copies or digital photos will not be accepted)

Required Documents for Repossessions:

• DMV Certificate of Repossession

• Hold Harmless Letter

• Copy of the Title

Fee Schedule – Vehicle Release:

• Impounded/Stored Vehicles: $270.00

• DUI Impounds/Storages: $390.00

Tow Yard Authorization: At no time will our tow yard release a vehicle without our authorization. You must contact us and obtain a release form prior to arriving at the tow yard. 

Tow Yard Information: Mr. C's Tow 4421 Mason St. South Gate, CA 90280 (323) 249-0575

Please call our Records Bureau at (562)806-7610 if you have additional questions. 

A ‘victim’ is defined under the California Constitution as, “a person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term ‘victim’ also includes the person’s spouse, parents, children, siblings, or guardian, and includes a lawful representative of a crime who is deceased, a minor, or physically or psychologically incapacitated. The term” victim” does not include a person in custody for an offense the accused, or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best of interest of a minor victim.”

Victims of Crime Rights and Services

As a victim of a crime, you may:

1. Qualify for funds for medical expenses, psychological counseling, lost wages, relocation, crime scene cleanup and in case of death, funeral and burial cost.
2. Be informed about details of your case by the district attorney.
3. Receive services such as counseling, court transportation/ accompaniment, property return, and help applying for restraining orders from a local victim/ witness assistance, rape crisis, or domestic violence program.
4. Submit a victim impact statement to the court, attend sentencing and parole hearings of the offender, and be notified of parole release if you so request.
5. Request court- ordered restitution; file a civil suit to seek damages.

To receive more information about crime victims’ rights and services, please call (toll free):

1-800-VICTIMS (1-800-942-8467) or visit www.victimcompensation.ca.gov.