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Port Moody Police Department

 

FAQ

Front Counter Services

 

I want to report an incident to the police which occurred in another city. Can I report it at the Port Moody Police Department?

Only if the matter is an emergency incident will the Port Moody Police Department take down the initial details. These details will be immediately conveyed to the appropriate police jurisdiction.
Whether it is an emergency or a non-emergency incident, you should report the details of the matter to the police agency responsible for the area in which the incident occurred. They will take down the details and commence an investigation.

 

What should I do about nuisance or harassing phone calls?

Do not give the caller the audience that they are seeking. Don’t talk to them. You should:

  • hang up the phone;
  • take your phone off the hook for a few minutes;
  • make a log of the call by recording the date, time of the call, and what was said;
  • if the calls persist, call the Port Moody Police Department at (604) 461-3456 and a police officer will be in contact with you.
     
 

What should I do if I see a bear or other dangerous wildlife in my neighbourhood?

Do not approach the animal and ensure you and others in the immediate area maintain a safe distance. Immediately report the bear sighting to the Port Moody Police Department by dialing 604-461-3456 or calling 9-1-1.

The following tips should be used to discourage bears:

  • do not put garbage out until 7 AM on the morning of collection. At all times, keep garbage containers secure by placing them in your garage or shed until the morning of collection;
  • remove bird feeders between the months of March and December;
  • avoid placing meat, diary or fish products in your compost. To reduce the decomposition odour, regularly place lime over the compost;
  • avoid feeding your pets outside between the months of March and December;
  • never feed a bear or encourage them in your neighbourhood;
  • yell at the bear by saying “hey bear – away bear!” and making loud noises by banging garbage lids, blowing a whistle or honking vehicle horns.
 

How can I volunteer with the Port Moody Police Department?

Our Community Policing Section offers several volunteer programs that will give you the opportunity to help in your community. Some of the volunteer programs we offer are: Block Watch, Crime Free Multi-Housing program, Reserve Program, and Speed Watch.

For details on this program, you can call 604-461-3456 and the receptionist will direct you to the appropriate coordinator within our Police Department.

 

How can I join the Port Moody Police Department?

All candidates who are seeking an exciting and diverse career with the Port Moody Police Department, either as a police officer or a civilian employee, must go through a comprehensive application and screening process.

To be considered as a police officer, please see Career Opportunities.

For all civilian employment applications, please submit your resume with a cvering letter to:

Office Manager
Port Moody Police Department
3051 St. Johns Street
Port Moody, B.C. V3H 2C4

When should I call 9-1-1?

The 911 telephone number should be used only for emergencies. If there is an immediate threat to a person or property, a crime in progress or a serious crime which has just occurred, then dial 911 immediately and stay on the line for an operator to speak to you. In a clear and concise message, you must provide your name, address, phone number, location of the incident, and details of the incident. On the telephone, the 911 operator will downstream you to the appropriate public safety agency which can best address the reported incident.

What should I do if something is not an emergency or the incident has already taken place?

Dial 604-461-3456 and speak to the Port Moody Police Department’s Communication Operator. Advise the Operator of your name, address, phone number, location of the incident and details of the incident.

 

Does the Port Moody Police Department attend all motor vehicle accidents?

Yes, we do attend all motor vehicle accidents. Dial 604-461-3456 and provide the location of the accident and the nature of injuries if there are any. Please remain on the telephone so that all details can be collected by the Operator.

 

What can I do about my noisy neighbour?

Your first action should be to approach the neighbour and ask them to turn down their music or annoying noise. If this is not possible or the neighbour refuses to reduce the noise, then you should telephone the Port Moody Police Department at 604-461-3456 and a police officer will attend to this matter.

 

How do I obtain a Police Records Check or Police Certificate?

Attend the Front Counter and one of the staff will provide you with the necessary application forms or you can download the form from this website.

 

How do I report a vehicle which is illegally parked?

Parking Bylaw offences should be reported to the City’s Bylaw office.

 

Police Related

What should I expect when I am stopped by the Port Moody Police Department?

Police officers may stop you for a wide range of reasons:

  • poor driving observed;
  • observed committing an infraction of a federal or provincial statute;
  • to ensure that you have a valid driver's license and the vehicle is properly registered;
  • as a result of a citizen's complaint; or
  • to seek information from you as a possible witness to an incident which the police are investigating.

For all encounters with the Port Moody Police Department, our Police Officer is expected to remain courteous and professional. The Police Officer’s conduct is regulated through the BC Police Act’s Code of Conduct.

What is the responsibility of a Port Moody police officer?

It is the responsibility of each Port Moody police officer to:

  • protect life and prevent injury;
  • protect property;
  • preserve the peace;
  • prevent crimes;
  • assist victims of crime;
  • apprehend criminals and uphold all federal, provincial, and municipal statutes;
  • execute warrants; and
  • perform lawful duties under the direction of the Chief Constable.
 

What are the responsibilities of each Port Moody Police Officer?

A Port Moody police officer will:

  • provide his or her name and badge number upon request;
  • provide photo identification when in plain clothes;
  • advise you why you are being stopped;
  • only use as much force as is reasonable pursuant to the Criminal Code of Canada; and
  • arrest an individual if he or she believes on reasonable grounds an offence has been committed. The individual being arrested will be advised why they are being arrested.

What will a Port Moody Police Officer do when he or she arrests an individual?

An individual arrested by the Port Moody Police Department will:

  • be advised of the reason for the arrest;
  • be advised of their legal rights; and
  • given the opportunity to contact a lawyer.

What are the common reasons for a police traffic stop?

The most common reasons are:

  • moving violations – relate to the operation of a motor vehicle which is contrary to various provincial statutes and associated regulations. Examples of these infractions are: speeding; failing to obey a traffic control device; improper lane change, etc…
  • non-moving violations – provincial statutes and associated regulations which relate to: no brake lights; no signal lights; not wearing seat belts; no insurance; no headlight or taillight; fail to produce driver's license; no driver's license; etc…
 

What should I do when I see a police officer behind me with their red light and siren on?

You should:

  • remain calm and safely pull over and stop as close as possible to the nearest edge or curb of the roadway and clear of an intersection;
  • keep your hands where the police officer can see them;
  • remain seated in your motor vehicle unless the police officer advises you otherwise;
  • lower your window so that it is convenient for you and the police officer to speak to each other;
  • produce your driver's license and registration when requested by the police officer;
  • ask the police officer the reason for being stopped;
  • cooperate with the police officer and avoid arguing over whether you are going to get a traffic ticket or the alleged offence. The police officer will explain the procedures to dispute the traffic ticket; and
  • accept the traffic ticket, as it is not an admission of guilt.
 

Can a police officer enter a residence?

Yes, a police officer can enter a residence only under one of the following conditions:

  • they have the consent of a resident;
  • they have an arrest or search warrant;
  • there are exigent circumstances such as fresh pursuit or a threat to the safety of any person or loss of evidence would result if they waited for a warrant;
  • responding to a 911 call;
  • rendering first aid; and
  • preventing serious harm to a person or property.
 

Communications Center

 

Why do the Communications Operators ask so many questions?

The only way to assess the situation and determine the appropriate police response is to ask very specific questions. Our Communications Operators require information from callers in order to ascertain if the situation requires police attendance or whether you can come to our office during regular office hours to make a report or speak with an officer.

When the information indicates a call for service is necessary, Communications Operators are, in effect, the “eyes and ears” of the police officers who respond. They need to know as much as they can about the incident, which they then convey to the responding police officers. This can be vital to the officers’ safety and important for the caller as well.

 

Why do I have to stay on the phone?

In a developing situation, things may change and the Communications Operator needs to be able to convey new information to police officers who are at the scene or en route. It’s important to know if a situation is getting worse, but it’s also necessary to know if the emergency is over.

 

The Communications Operator sounds too calm; doesn’t she/he know this is an emergency?

Communications Operators have considerable experience in dealing with stressful situations and following established procedures and protocols. While it’s very difficult to deal with someone in obvious distress, our Communications Operators remain focused in order to help the caller. They know they can’t do their jobs effectively if they panic or get emotional.

 

Why aren’t the police here yet?

All calls for service which require police attendance are prioritized within the mandate of the Police agency. Although the caller may feel traumatized by an incident, Communications Operators do their best to calm them and dispatch police officers in a timely fashion. They will also endeavour to advise you of the estimated arrival time of the police officer.

 

Exhibit Section

 

Where can I pick up items that belong to me?

First telephone the Exhibit Custodian at (604)461-3456 to determine if the item can be released and to ensure that there is no pending evidentiary or Court Order obligations to retain the item.

 

When is the Exhibit Custodian available?

Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Special consideration can be made in some circumstances to accommodate the public outside of these hours as long as it is previously arranged.

 

When are items auctioned off by the police?

All Police related property that is to be auctioned is dealt with by the City of Port Moody Works Yard at various intervals throughout the year.

 

Records Section

 

Can you tell me if I have an outstanding warrant?

No. This unit does not handle inquiries from the public. It is a support service for police officers only.
 
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Port Moody Police Department - 3051 St. Johns Street, Port Moody, B.C. V3H 2C4
Emergency Dial 9-1-1  | Telephone 604-461-3456