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Police

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1. What phone number do I call for the Police?

If you have an emergency (crime in progress or when somebody is injured), immediately call 911. This will connect you with one of our dispatchers. Our regular business line is (361) 777-4444.

2. How are Portland police officers trained

Like all Texas peace officers, Portland officers must complete basic police training through an approved training academy. The current training regimen runs 8 hours a day, 5 days per week and lasts about 14 weeks. Upon completion, the candidate must pass a state licensing exam before being granted a license to practice law enforcement.

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Training and Education (TCLEOSE) enforces strict guidelines on both licensed peace officers and communications operators.

Portland requires training above the minimum required by TCLEOSE. Upon hire, new officers undergo 14 weeks of one-on-one training with a Field Training Officer or FTO.

Only after successfully completing the FTO program is a new officer allowed to work alone.

Training does not stop there. All officers undergo ongoing training to stay current on laws and techniques, to maintain their peace officer licenses and to obtain additional certifications throughout their career. Certifications include Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Master. Of the 28 licensed officers in Portland, 10 are Master Peace Officers.

3. What is the requirement for display of my address?

The owner or occupant of every house, building or location shall display and maintain a properly assigned address number in a conspicuous place visible from the street. Address numbers shall be at least three (3) inches high and shall be of a contrasting color to the background. This is especially important for identifying locations in the event of an emergency. If you are not sure of your address contact the Police Department E-911 Addressing/Division Coordinator at 361-777-4705.

4. Is there a teen curfew in Portland?

Persons under age 17 may not be out in public during curfew hours. Curfew hours are: Sunday - Thursday 11:00pm - 6:00am Friday - Saturday 12:00am - 6:00am

5. What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a free, easy to remember phone number connecting callers with health and human services in their community. This service will help those who need help evacuating the area because of medical, financial and other special needs. https://www.211texas.org/211/

6. What is Code Red?

Code Red is an ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This service is offered by the City of Portland to its residents.

7. Where do I go to obtain a new driver license?

There are three Texas Department of Public Safety driver license offices near Portland:
- DPS Regional Headquarters 1922 South Padre Island Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78416-1399 (361) 698-5625
- 913 S. Commercial Aransas Pass, TX 78366 (361) 758-8680 (Call for testing times)
- 120 E. Fulton Sinton, TX 78387 (361) 364-1956 (Call for testing times)

8. Do police officers have quotas for the number of citations they must write?

No. In fact, quotas are prohibited by Texas law. All patrol officers, however, have a responsibility to enforce traffic laws to insure the smooth flow of vehicular traffic and the safety of pedestrians that use our roadways. Officers have the discretion to make an arrest, issue a citation, issue a warning citation, or a give a verbal warning for most traffic violations.

9. Do I need a permit for a block party?

Yes, the chief of police approves block parties. You can reach him at (361) 777-4444. Approval for block parties is contingent on the ability to conduct the event safely and without undue disruption to other citizens.

10. How much is the alarm registration renewal charge?

The alarm permit renewal fee is $35 per year. In addition the renewal fee, permit holders are charged for false alarms that occur during the 12-month permit period.

For residential alarms, a permit holder is charged $50 for every false alarm over five emitted from the residence.

For commercial holdup alarms, the permit holder is charged a fee of $85 for every false alarm.

Click here to read the Alarm Permit Ordinance (Section 11-132 of the Code of Ordinances)

Click here to download an Alarm Permit Application.

11. What are the On-Street Parking Regulations?

In Portland, the following local restrictions apply:

* Unhitched trailers may not be left on a public street (Chapter 19-7, Code of Ordinances).
* Motor vehicles (other than trailers) of any type may not be left on a public street for more than 48 hours at a time. (Chapter 11-89, Code of Ordinances)
* Junked vehicles are not permitted anywhere in the city visible from a public right-of-way. For details on what constitutes a junked vehicle, refer to the full ordinance. (Chapter 11-110, Code of Ordinances)

12. Are there any parking bans in Portland?

* Any truck or other motor vehicle in excess of 1 1/2 ton net carrying capacity may not park overnight on any public street (Section 21-10, Code of Ordinances)

* Any truck or other motor vehicle in excess of 1 1/2 ton net carrying capacity that is parked for the purpose of loading or unloading, may not park remain parked for a time exceeding 12 hours. (Section 21-9, Code of Ordinances)

* No motor vehicle, truck or trailer containing any quantity of explosive, flammable, corrosive, oxidizing, compressed or poisonous material shall park on any public or private property in Portland. (Section 21-50, Code of Ordinances)

* Yard Parking - Vehicles may not be parked in front yards. Parking is permitted only on an improved surface (concrete, asphalt or approved pavers) (Section 21-80, Code of Ordinances)

13. Where can I find out about the laws related to parking?

Parking is regulated by both local and state laws. Police have recently stepped up enforcement of parking regulations in Portland, particularly those that create a danger for children and other pedestrians, and those that keep our neighborhoods safe and attractive.

14. Where do I report a streetlight or traffic light outage?

Traffic light and street light outages may be reported to the Police Department non-emergency number at 361-777-4444 or by clicking here (insert link to street light service request). You can also call (877) 373-4858 to report street lights that are out. If you have a pole number or a street address, that makes locating the light much easier.

15. How can I get a "Slow - Children at Play" sign for my street?

The City of Portland has adopted and complies with the guidelines of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident history, and any unusual conditions which must be present a traffic control device can be installed. Overuse of certain signs reduce their effectiveness and if installed where not justified they are largely ignored by drivers. Engineering studies have determined that Children at Play signs and other similar "non-enforceable" information signs do not help in reducing speeds and are, therefore, not recommended. A better way to deal with speeders is through increased radar patrols. If you believe there is an unusual number of speeders on your street, you can request extra radar patrols by making the request to the chief of police at (361) 777-4444.

16. How do I get a handicap parking permit?

Disabled parking permits are issued by the county tax assessor's office. You can apply for a permit by downloading an application from:

http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/drivers/disabled.htm

The application must be signed by a physician or podiatrist. Once you have completed the form, you can apply at the San Patricio County Tax Assessor's office at 900 Austin St.

17. How do I get a stop sign installed or the speed limit on my street lowered?

The City is often asked about changing speed limits or installing stop signs or other traffic controls as a way to reduce speeding and improve safety.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic signs. This manual also establishes guidelines for setting speed limits and installing signs and other traffic control devices, and thus creates uniformity from state to state.

The State of Texas and the City of Portland has adopted and complies with the guidelines of the MUTCD. These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident history, and any unusual conditions which must be present at the intersection before these traffic control devices may be installed.

Overuse of stop signs reduces their effectiveness and if installed where not justified they are largely ignored by drivers who tend to speed up between stop sign controlled intersections rather than slow down. To request a stop sign at an intersection or change a speed limit, please address an email to the chief of police at chief@portlandpd.com. Your request will be evaluated within the limits of the MUTCD.

18. Can I contest a traffic ticket?

Yes, you may contest a citation. You may request a court hearing either in person or by mail to Municipal Court 1900 Billy G. Webb Portland, TX 78374.

19. How do I file a police report?

A police report can be filed in person at the Portland Police Department anytime, 24-7. Our office is located at 1902 Billy G. Webb Drive. (361) 777-4444.

20. Can I get a copy of the police officer's accident report?

Accident reports are available within 10 days of an accident at the police department, 1902 Billy G. Webb Dr. or by contacting the police records division at (361) 777-4820. Certain restrictions apply.

21. Where do I register a Motor Vehicle?

To register a vehicle, contact the San Patricio County Tax Office at (361) 364-9397. The County Tax Assessor-Collector has a local tax office at 900 Austin Street. There is no listed telephone number for the Portland office