Frequently Asked Questions
Question: When can I get a 'VIN Check" for my car?
Answer: If you are a resident of Jamestown and need to obtain a VIN Check for a newly purchased vehicle you may do so at any time. Please come to the police station with the vehicle you want inspected, the original copy of the title, and ten dollars ($10). We do not accept appointments for this service, but there may be times when we are too busy with criminal matters to conduct VIN inspections.
Q: I am applying to be a childcare worker or a foster parent. When can I get fingerprinted?
A: You may come to the police station at any time to be fingerprinted. The process of being fingerprinted takes approximately 15 minutes. Your fingerprints will be scanned electronically and forwarded to the Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Identification and the FBI. The results are normally available within 24 hours after the scan. We do not accept appointments for this service, but there may be times when we are too busy with criminal matters to perform this service.
Q: Is there anyone at the police station that can help me install a child car seat?
A: Sergeant Deneault and Officer Moulay are both certified child safety seat technicians. Either of these officers can demonstrate how to properly install your child safety seat in your vehicle. Please call the police station to ask when one of these officers will be on duty and able to assist you.
Q: I was recently in a car accident. How can I get a copy of the accident report?
A: Call or come to the police station at any time. Give the dispatcher your name and the date of the accident and they will be able to assist you. Please allow a minimum of 2 business days after the date of the accident before attempting to obtain a copy of your report.
Q: My bicycle was recently lost or stolen. Has the police department found my bike?
A: The Jamestown Police recover numerous lost and stolen bicycles on a regular basis. If you have lost your bike call the police and file a report. If any bikes fitting the description of yours have been recovered we will ask you to come to the station and identify your bike. Many times bikes that are stolen are then abandoned somewhere in town. These bikes are usually never returned to their original owners either because a police report is not filed or the police are unable to identify who the owner is. The Jamestown Police offer a free service where residents can register their bicycles. They are given a sticker for their bike with a serial number on it. If the bike is lost or stolen and then recovered the police can immediately identify who the bike belongs to. There is also a similar service provided for a fee by the National Bike Registry.
Q: Where can I find information on household poisons such as cleaning products that may be hazardous to my family?
A: You may visit the website for the Center for Poison Control and Prevention. This website contains information on dangerous household products as well as seasonal poison threats. If you have a poisoning emergency you may call the Poison Control Center Emergency Line at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.
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