Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the Department of Public Safety.
Q. Who handles executions, evictions, and court orders involving enforcement activity?
A. Visit the Civil Unit.
Q. What happened to the Sheriff's Department?
A. Visit the Civil Unit.
Q. How do I obtain a copy of an incident report?
A. You can obtain a copy by coming in person to county police headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. You must bring a Photo ID. There is a small fee of 25 cents per page or 45 cents for a 4 x 6 photo reproduction. You must complete form WCPD 82 which you can download and print here. (Download and install the free Adobe Reader.)
Q. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?
A. You can obtain a copy by coming in person to county police headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.You must also complete the Privacy Act Certification form or your request will not be processed. There is no charge for a copy of the report.
You may also request a copy of an accident report via mail. If requesting through mail, you must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a photocopy of your driver's license.
Q. How do I obtain release of my impounded vehicle?
A. You must First obtain vehicle release forms from the Westchester County Police Headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. During non-business hours, see the desk officer for impound releases.
Vehicle owner who claims his/her vehicle must have each of the following:
- Valid registration for the vehicle being claimed.
- Valid insurance identification card for the vehicle being claimed.
- Valid drivers license (for class of vehicle being claimed).
Q. Can I obtain a release of an impounded vehicle even if I am not the vehicle owner?
A. You must First obtain vehicle release forms from the Westchester County Police Headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Persons other than owner claiming vehicle must have each of the following:
- Notarized letter from the vehicle owner naming who has permission to claim the vehicle.
- Valid drivers license of person with permission to claim vehicle (for class of vehicle being claimed).
- Valid registration for claimed vehicle.
- Valid insurance identification card for claimed vehicle
Q. Can I claim an impounded vehicle and tow it away from the tow service?
A. You must First obtain vehicle release forms from the Westchester County Police Headquarters between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Persons claiming impounded vehicles from towing service must have the following:
- Proof of ownership of the vehicle (Title or Registration).
- The name of the tow truck company that you will use to tow the vehicle from the impound yard.
- The address where the car is to be towed.
- If the owner is not present, the operator claiming the vehicle must have a notarized letter from the owner of the vehicle naming him/her as the person with permission to pick up the vehicle.
- All vehicles that are towed out must be left on private property and not public property, such as roadways, parking lots, parks, etc.
Other Information
- All persons claiming vehicles are advised that their drivers licenses and vehicle registrations will be checked through the Department of Motor Vehicles before they are allowed to claim the vehicle. In order to obtain a vehicle release, sufficient proof of ownership must be presented. This may include the vehicle registration (and certificate of title for 1973 and newer vehicles). A valid operators license, and a notarized letter signed by the owner authorizing acquisition of the vehicle by the owners agent, if applicable.
- Suspended or improper registration will have license plates removed from your vehicle. You must contact property control unit at (914) 864-7811 to return your license plates when obtaining an impound release form.
- Claim your vehicle promptly to avoid costly storage fees.
- New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law
Section 1204(c)
The owner or other person lawfully entitled to the possession of such vehicle may be charged with a reasonable cost for removal and storage, payable before the vehicle is released.
Section 1204(b)
No police officer or other public, state or municipal employee shall release a motor vehicle impounded because of any traffic or parking violation to any person who does not have currently valid drivers license and an insurance identification card indicating current insurance coverage on such vehicle.