Frequently Asked Questions

What Precinct/Sector am I in?

There are about 750 sworn officers and about 170 civilians in the department. Sworn officers patrol the streets, investigate crimes and work with citizens to solve problems. Civilians serve in a variety of roles, such as forensics technicians, crime analysts and administrative support.

Crime Stoppers is a program that involves police, media and citizens in the fight against crime. It was started in 1984 by a group of retailers, regional law enforcement officials and the Retail Merchants Association. Its service area is the City of Richmond and Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, New Kent and Charles City counties.

Citizens who call Crime Stoppers do not have to give their name or testify in court. Rewards are paid up to $1,000 with money donated to this nonprofit organization, which is run by a citizen board. To leave a tip for Crime Stoppers, please call 780-1000.

Yes. Contact Community, Youth, and Intervention Services or your Precinct.

• Community, Youth, and Intervention Services
• First Precinct
• Second Precinct
• Third Precinct
• Fourth Precinct
• Neighborhood Watch Program

Yes. Citizens who do not have a criminal record and are 18 years of age or older may ride with an officer twice a year.

To print an application, visit our Ride-Along Program page or call (804) 646-5158.

The first step is to submit a City of Richmond job application. To be hired, you must meet minimum requirements, pass an admissions test and successfully complete a background investigation.

Property seized for a criminal case must first be released by the court. You must be 18 years of age or older, and possess a government issued ID. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. When notified by letter, you will have sixty days to pick up your property.

• Location: 1451 E. Commerce Rd.
• Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
• Times: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
• Closed on Wednesdays and City Holidays

You may reach the Property and Evidence Unit at (804) 646-6727.

First, you must complete either the Citizen Police Academy or the Senior Citizen Police Academy. "The Volunteers in Policing Program" is an extension of these two academies.

For more information on our Citizens' Academies, please contact the Community Care Unit.

To file a police report, please call the Richmond Police non-emergency number at (804) 646-5100 and press option 1 or visit your local precinct.

• First Precinct
• Second Precinct
• Third Precinct
• Fourth Precinct

After filing a police report, you should go to the Magistrate's Office located in Police Headquarters at 200 W. Grace St.

You will be asked to provide basic information about the individual, such as

• full name
• address
• date of birth
• police report number

Your photo ID is required.
The phone number to the Magistrate's Office is (804) 646-6689.

The Richmond Police Department is not associated with any organization soliciting funds. It is at your discretion whether or not to make donations.

To inquire about organizations soliciting funds, contact

• Virginia State Police Association at (800) 342-6059
• Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 552-9963

If your vehicle was towed from public property contact Seibert’s Towing at (804) 233-5757, if your vehicle was towed from private property, call (804) 646-5100 and press option 1.

You may also click the following link for more information:

https://rva.gov/911/TOWED-VEHICLES

In Person
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Closed on holidays

Visit Window 4 of the Richmond Police Information Desk
RPD Headquarters lobby
200 W. Grace St.
Richmond, VA 23220

• The fee is $5 CASH or a money order made payable to the City of Richmond
• Personal checks are not accepted.
• Credit or debit cards are not accepted.
• If the information requested is not located your payment will be returned to you with an explanation.
• Please include the Incident Number, if known.
• Our telephone number is (804) 646-6715.

If you cannot come to RPD Headquarters
Please fill out this form and mail it – along with a $5 money order made payable to the City of Richmond and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
RPD Records Unit
200 W. Grace St.
Richmond, VA 23220

• The fee is $5 - a money order made payable to the City of Richmond.
• Personal checks are not accepted.
• Credit or debit cards are not accepted.
• If the information requested is not located your payment will be returned to you with an explanation.
• Please include the Incident Number, if known.
• Our telephone number is (804) 646-6715.

The Richmond Police Department only conducts local background checks.

You will need to go to the Police Information Desk at Headquarters, 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220. You will need to bring two forms of identification with you, one of which must include a photo. The cost is $5.

If you require a statewide criminal history, you will need to contact the Virginia State Police at (804) 674-2000.

Fingerprinting is done from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Richmond Police Department Information Desk window 4 at Headquarters, which is located at 200 W. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23220.

The customer must present ID and have their own fingerprint card(s), appointments are not necessary.

The cost is $5 per card and customers have the option to pay by cash, money order, certified check or a company check.

For additional questions contact the Central Records Unit at (804) 646-6715.

There are two types of information available.

The first is Incident Based Reports (reports taken by the officer) that can be accessed via the web at www.RVA.Gov. Under Services click Police and then under Information click Crime Incident Info. There is a disclaimer; if you agree to these conditions, click agree and a request screen will appear.

The other form of information available is Calls For Service (all calls received that are 911 or non-emergency). This information can be obtained by contacting the Central Records Unit at (804) 646-6715.

If it is an emergency, call 911 if the incident is in progress.

If it is a non-emergency, call Department of Emergency Communications at (804)646-5100 and press option 1.

Officers are available to speak to groups at community meetings and schoolchildren for educational events. Please note that we require two weeks notice prior to your event.

Contact one of the following to schedule a speaker:

• Community, Youth, and Intervention Services
• First Precinct
• Second Precinct
• Third Precinct
• Fourth Precinct

• Would you like to become an RPD officer? 
• Question About Your Police Application?
• NAMUS
• The Aware Foundation
• National Bike Registry
• Homicide Information
• Permit Information Guide
• Commendations/Complaints
• Home /Vacation Watch
• Business Watch
• Member of the Media?

• Missing Persons