FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

We have indexed some of our most common questions below, from reporting an abandoned vehicle to how to pay for a traffic citation to loud party complaints and more.

Abandoned Vehicles

What can I do if I see a car parked in my neighborhood which I think may be abandoned?

The City of Salinas has people specifically designated to handle abandoned vehicles and long-term parking problems. Complaints are normally handles in a timelier manner if you elect to use the Salinas Connect App to report the vehicle. Utilization of the Salinas Connect App automatically documents the complaint allowing our Abandoned Vehicle Abatement team to respond directly to the location. If you still wish to leave a voicemail regarding the abandoned vehicle, you may do so by calling (831) 758-7316. Abandoned vehicles may also be reported via the City of Salinas Connect link. Select the Request for Service option and complete the form. Photos may also be included in your request.

The following information will help you determine whether or not a vehicle has been abandoned or is a long-term parking problem:

Salinas Municipal Code – Section 20-49(a) and (b) prohibits any vehicle from being parked upon any street or alley for more than 72 hours (3 days). In the event a vehicle is parked in excess of this time period, the police department is authorized to issue a citation and/or remove such vehicle from the street.
When you report an abandoned vehicle to the Salinas Police Department, our personnel will respond and mark the vehicle as soon as possible. After 72 consecutive hours, the vehicle will be checked again. If the vehicle has not been moved, it will be removed as soon as possible.
Any vehicle parked on a City street or on public property must be currently registered and in working condition.
California Vehicle Code section 22669(d) prohibits an vehicle from being parked on the street or other public property with a major component missing. Major components include the engine, radiator, wheel(s), tire(s), window(s), door(s), etc. These vehicles will be towed as soon as possible.

We suggest residents park their personal vehicles in their garage or driveway if possible. If not, we encourage people to park in front of their own residence in an effort to be good neighbors.

My car is broken down. Can I park it on my property for a few weeks until I get it fixed?

Salinas Municipal Code – Section 37-50.190(b)(2)(c) prohibits inoperable vehicles from being parked or stored on private property. A vehicle is considered inoperable if it is missing any major component, partially dismantled, or not registered through DMV for running conditions on public street. Inoperable vehicles may be stored inside a garage on a temporary basis. The City of Salinas Code Enforcement Section, (831) 758-7157, regulates these types of vehicles on private property.

Animal Control Services

Hitchcock Road Animal Services for Monterey County and Salinas

Please note that Animal Services is handled by Hitchcock Road, not police, except in public safety emergencies.

The City of Salinas and Monterey County Animal Services are working together under one shelter on Hitchcock Road. Please visit Hitchcock Road Animal Services for service and program updates, photos of animals in the shelter, and any other information you may need.

Hitchcock Road Animal Services
Street Address:
160 Hitchcock Rd Salinas

Open Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm

Specified Hours: 1:00pm-5pm for licensing, owner redemption and other shelter business. Adoption hours are specifically between 1-4pm.

Contact Phone Number:
Animal Services:
(831)755-5222 (Leave a message)

For afterhours emergencies involving public safety, please call 9-1-1.

Emergencies involving immediate animal safety: (831)769-8856.

Property & Evidence

Property & Evidence FAQ’s

Contact Information

Salinas Police Department Property & Evidence

310 JD Alvarado Circle

Salinas, CA. 93901

(831)-758-7394

Google Map Location

https://www.propertyroom.com

What is the Property & Evidence hours of operation?

Monday through Friday from 09:00 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.

Closed for City of Salinas recognized Holidays.

How do I retrieve my property from the Salinas Police Department?

You may call us at (831)758-7394 during normal business hours, if after hours please leave a message. Please provide us with your full name, date of birth, Salinas Police Department case number (if known), and a description of the item or items you are trying to retrieve.

Do I need an appointment before I can claim my property?

Yes, property returns are by appointment only. Appointments are available Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 09:00 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.

I turned in found property, when can I claim it?

Any item turned in to the Salinas police Department as found property must be held for 90 Days while attempts are made to locate the owner. If the item has not been claimed after 90 days, it can be released to the finder under certain circumstances. (Firearms or weapons CANNOT be released to the finder.)

How can I get my property that was taken for safekeeping?

Safekeeping property (not Firearms or ammunition) cannot be released without first making an appointment with the Property & Evidence Unit. You must call (831) 758-7394. Safekeeping property will be held for 90 days. After 90 days the property will be disposed of.

How do I get property that was evidence from a court case?

Felony Arrest Cases: Evidence cannot be released until 60 days after the date of sentencing. Misdemeanor Arrest Cases: Evidence cannot be released until 30 days after the date of sentencing. ** All individuals who faced charges in a criminal case must be sentenced before Evidence items can be released.

If I’m unable to pick up my property, can I send someone to pick it up?

You will need a notarized letter of authorization before someone else can pick up your property. The authorized letter must have the name of the person picking up the property. The person picking up your property must bring a valid government issued picture ID. The following form can be downloaded, printed, and used for this purpose: Notarized Property and Evidence Release Form. This process does not apply to firearms. For further information regarding Firearm releases, please contact us at (831)758-7394.

What forms of identification are acceptable to pick up property?

Valid Identification must be presented for release of property, i.e. Valid Driver’s License from any state, Valid Identification card from any state, Valid Passport, Matricula Card or similar from any country, Valid United States Military Identification, etc…

Is the process for retrieving firearms different from other types of property?

If you are attempting to claim a firearm(s), ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding devices, you must first obtain a clearance letter from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) PC 33850. Beginning December 1, 2021 applicants must electronically submit a Law Enforcement Release (LER) application via the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). The clearance letter, confirming that you can legally possess a firearm, is valid for 30 days. You must make an appointment to retrieve your firearm before the letter expires. You must also bring a firearm lock or locking case for transportation. Ammo is not released at the same time as guns. For more information please visit the DOJ website here.

How do I dispose of my firearm(s) and ammo?

We will accept firearms that anyone in the public wants to turn in. Firearms need to be brought to the PD in an unloaded condition in a locked container. Individuals wishing to turn in firearms must leave them in their vehicle for an officer to collect. Weapons are not to be brought into the lobby without a police officer present.

Ammunition can be turned in only by individuals who reside in the City of Salinas. We will not accept powder, primers, or other reloading components. Military munition such as mortar or artillery shells, grenades or any other type of explosives are not to be brought to the PD and will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The Department reserves the right to refuse.

Request a Report

Reports will only be released to person(s) of an incident or an authorized representative of the person(s). If you are an attorney representing the party involved, the request must include a letter of authorization from the client.

When submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email. When the report is available, you will be directed to a link where you may retrieve and pay for your report. You may submit your request for a report here.

Should you have further questions or have not received an email regarding your request, contact our Records Department at (831) 758-7090, option 2 for Police Services Group.

Traffic/Parking Citations

How do I contest a parking citation?

You may request an Administrative Review by downloading and completing the Parking Violation Dispute form here.

How much time do I have to contest a citation?

Payment or an administrative review is required within 21 days or further penalties will be assessed. If you fail to request a review or pay the citation as directed, vehicle registration will be withheld.

How do I obtain a copy of a citation?

You may obtain a copy by calling (831) 758-7349. If no one is available to answer your call, please leave your name, phone number, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

What information is needed to obtain a copy of a citation?

• Name and Date of Birth

• Date of Violation

• Vehicle Plate or Vehicle Identification Number

• Citation number, located on your paperwork

Payment Options:

Pay online at CitationProcessingCenter.com

Pay by mail by sending the proper amount of penalty. Check and/or money order is accepted. Do not send cash. Enclose the notice of parking violation with your payment and/or proof of correction(s). Write your citation number on your payment.

Mail to:
City of Salinas
Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 10479
Newport Beach, CA 92658-5016

City of Salinas Parking Citations | Instructions

Contest a Notice of Parking Violation (Citation)

Notices of Parking Violation are issued by the LAZ Parking. If you wish to contest a Notice of Parking Violation, you must follow the procedures outlined in this document. If you wish to pay your citation, you can do so by going on-line to Parking Management Bureau.

Please note: There are no provisions under law to conduct administrative reviews or administrative hearings if statutory time limits for filing are not met. If the time frames outlined below are not met, all parking penalties and late fees must be paid.

Step 1. Administrative Review Process

Within 21 days after issuance of a Notice of Parking Violation or within 14 days from the mailing of a Notice of Delinquent Parking Violation, you may appeal the Notice of Parking Violation on-line at Parking Management Bureau.

You will receive notification from the Parking Management Bureau whether your request for appeal is approved or denied. If your Request for Citation Review is denied, you may request an Administrative Hearing

Step 2. Administrative Hearing Process

An Administrative Hearing provides you the opportunity to contest a Notice of Parking Violation after an Administrative Review. (40200.7 CVC)

To obtain an Administrative Hearing you must request it within 21 days of the determination of the Administrative Review (first level). To request an Administrative Hearing, you must contact Parking Management Bureau at (800) 700-4417 or by returning the form included with the determination of the Administrative Review.

Step 3. Court Review

To request a court review you must, within 30 days of mailing of the Hearing Examiner’s decision, file a request for review with the Monterey County Municipal Court. (40230(b) CVC)

To request a Court appeal, you must contact the Parking Management Bureau at (800)700-4417. The Court requires a $25.00 filing fee to process an appeal.

The court receives and reviews the file of the Administrative Review and the Administrative Hearing. The reviewer renders a decision and notifies the appellant (you).

U-Visa Request

Should you need a request for U-Visa purposes, please follow instructions below.

All documents must be submitted by mail only. You must provide the following, the applicants picture ID, consent to release form, the report number, date of crime and type of crime. Should you have further questions please contact the Records Coordinator, Bianca Navarro-Raya at (831) 758-7414.

Mail your request to:

Salinas Police Department
Attn: Bianca Navarro-Raya
312 E. Alisal St.
Salinas, CA 93901

Assembly Bill 481/Ley de Asamblea 481 - Public Questions/Pregunta(s), Comments/Comentario(s), Concerns/Preocupación(es)

Please review AB 481 Annual Reports for most current information found here.

Loud Party Complaints

What can I do if there is a loud party in my neighborhood?

If someone is having a loud party in your neighborhood you may call the Police Department for assistance. When deciding whether to call the police you must also decide whether the noise is at a level that your peace is being disturbed. If it is, you next need to decide whether you would be willing to press formal charges in order to get the noise to stop or be turned down to a tolerable level.

Most often, the mere fact that you are willing to press charges will help us to solve the problem so that no actual charges need be pressed. If you decide to call the police, use the non-emergency number, (831) 758-7321, and not 911. When you call the police you will be asked several things. In addition to getting your name, address and telephone number the person you talk to will also ask you if you are willing to press charges or if you are willing to speak with an officer directly.

We recommend that you provide the dispatcher with your name, address and telephone number even if you do not want to press charges or be contacted. This will help us if other calls are received about the same party.

Do not call the anonymous tip line or use the “contact us” page to make a complaint.

What if I do not want to give my name and address?

If you do not want to give your name and address you may still call the police and report the noise. The officer who is assigned to the nearby area will be told that a person has called about the noise. Depending on other calls for service, the officer may make an attempt to drive by the party and, if necessary, warn the party giver that a complaint was received. It may be difficult for the officers to quiet the party since the officer has no way of ordering the party giver to turn down the music or face arrest or a citation. The officer may try to quiet the party by enforcing other laws at or near the party such as, drinking in public, curfew, etc. If the party continues, or you decide that you are willing to press charges in order to quiet the party, you may call back and tell the dispatcher that you are willing to do so.

What laws are being broken if I give a loud party and refuse to lower or stop the noise?

There are several laws that may be broken if you are responsible for giving a party that is too loud. The California Penal Code (415.2) states that it is illegal to maliciously and willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise.

The Salinas Municipal Code states that it is illegal to use any sound equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m.. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time when it is unreasonably loud. It is also a violation of the Salinas City Code (5-11.03) to willfully make any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood. You could be issued a citation or be subject to arrest for a violation of either of these codes.

Alcohol Regulations

Can I drink alcohol while walking down a City street in Salinas?

No, it is illegal to drink any beverage that contains alcohol while on public property. The Salinas Municipal Code Section (21-2) states that, “No person shall drink any beer, wine or other intoxicating beverage on any public street, sidewalk, alley, highway, plaza parkway, parking lot, airport terminal, or bus or train depot in the City.” If you are found by an officer in violation of this ordinance you are subject to a citation and a fine.

I am planning a picnic at a City park. Is it legal to have alcoholic beverages present?

It depends on the location. The Salinas Municipal Code Section (21-2) makes it illegal to possess alcohol in any city park except the following:
If a permit is obtained through the Recreation-Park Department alcohol may be consumed at the Salinas Rodeo Grounds, Salinas Municipal Stadium, Sherwood Hall and Park.
Alcohol may also be consumed at other city recreational buildings or facilities if allowed by the operating permit or policies for the use of the building or facility.
If you decide to obtain a permit from the Recreation-Park Department then you may also be required to obtain a permit from the California Alcohol and Beverage Control Department and the California State Franchise Board depending on the circumstances.
If you are contacted by an officer in a city park and you are found to be in violation of the ordinance you are subject to a citation and fine.

I would like to have a party at my house and serve alcohol. Is this legal?

Again, the answer to this question is that it depends on the circumstances. If you are over 21 years old, have a party that does not require an admission fee, and minors under the age of 21 years old are not allowed to drink alcohol, then it is legal. However, if you charge a fee for the alcohol or an entrance fee you are required to obtain permits issued by the City of Salinas and the State of California. If you allow minors, under the age of 21, to consume any alcohol at a party, or other social gathering, you are subject to an arrest or citation for a variety of charges including; contributing to the delinquency of minors, furnishing alcohol to minors and hosting a social gathering where alcohol is possessed by minors.

Is it legal for a minor to drink a beer inside a friend’s house?

No. The Salinas Municipal Code Section (21-1) states that, “No person under the age of 21 years shall have in his or her possession, or consume, any alcoholic beverage at an place not open to the public.” Also, it is a violation the California Business and Professions Code, 25662(a) for a minor, under the age of 21, to possess any alcoholic beverage in any place open to the public. There are also specific violations of the California Vehicle Code for possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Suspicious People/Cars

What should I do if I see a strange person or car loitering in my neighborhood?

Having residents report strange, suspicious or out of place activity in their neighborhoods is essential to locating identifying and stopping criminal activity. There may be a reasonable and legal explanation for the person’s presence and actions. However, if the person’s actions are enough to raise your suspicion there is probably a good reason to take further action.

There are several things that you can do to help us in these cases. The most important thing to remember is to not put yourself at danger by taking action yourself. The best thing you can do is watch the person, car and activity and note a full description of all three.

When you call the police you may use either the Emergency, 911, line or the non-emergency number, (831) 758-7321 depending on the circumstances. If the person or activity appears to you to be an immediate threat to someone or something you can call 911. If the person, car or activity just appears suspicious or out of place use the non emergency, direct line, (831) 758-7321, option 2.

When you call be prepared to give the dispatcher your name, address, phone number and a description of the people and cars involved. The dispatcher may want to keep you on the telephone while an officer or officers are dispatched. This will enable the dispatcher to update the officers who are responding.

If the dispatcher does not stay on the telephone be sure to call back and update the dispatcher if the person or car leaves or something happens that indicates what exactly is occurring. If the person does leave make sure you are able to provide the dispatcher a direction of travel.

Remember, the suspicious activity that you witness may be totally innocent and explainable, however without taking the time to call and report the activity there may be no way of telling if it is, or if it is criminal activity that warrants police action.

Should I call the police to report a door to door salesperson?

Door to door solicitors fall into two categories. The first are those with nonprofit groups, such as youth groups or churches. These individuals carry identification and some documentation showing what group they are with. Door to door sales people should have a City business license and identification.The Salinas Municipal Code regulates solicitors by prohibiting them from littering, knocking on doors after 9:00 p.m. and other things.

If someone comes to your door you may want to request identification and other documents If they are unable or unwilling to provide any documents you should immediately be wary of them.

If you feel that their actions are suspicious, or disturbing your peace, you may call the police in the same manner as listed above. Make sure that you note the direction the individual is walking and provide it to the dispatcher.

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA)

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act

Salinas PD LEOSA Qualification Information

A yearly LEOSA qualification for honorably Retired Salinas Police Officers can be scheduled by emailing the Administrative Secretaries, Stephanie Morales-Bravo or Martha Guizar.

Retiree qualifications can be conducted on any open range day after being coordinated with either Stephanie or Martha. Open range days are generally held on the first and third Monday of each month. Please do not just show up to the range without scheduling.

A yearly Retiree BBQ is held at the Salinas Police Department located at 312 E. Alisal Street usually during July or August. We invite all retired Salinas Police Officers to attend this event. As part of this event, there will be Range Masters on hand to qualify retired Officers and to process their LEOSA cards. Please contact Sergeant Heckman or Sergeant Murphy for information regarding this event.

Those retirees who are unable to attend either the Retiree BBQ and Qualification or an Open Range Day due to living out of county may download the Salinas PD LEOSA Qualification Course and the Salinas PD Retiree Qualification forms.

Take these forms to any Local, State, or Federal Law Enforcement Agency who is willing to qualify you using our standards. We do not recognize private firearms instructors, military or security contractors, only Local, State, or Federal Law Enforcement Agencies can qualify retirees. Once you are qualified have the Range Master who qualified you sign the SPD Retiree Qualification Form and indicate the Agency which conducted the qualification. The form must include a valid mailing address and telephone contact number for the retiree requesting the LEOSA card. We cannot validate your qualification and issue you a LEOSA card without this information. Once the form is completed the certifying agency or the retiree must scan the signed copy of the SPD Retiree Qualification Form and email it to Stephanie and Martha.

Upon receiving the scanned form Salinas Range Staff will verify the information is accurate this process may include contacting the qualifying agency for verification.

The retiree will receive his or her LEOSA Card in the mail approximately 2 weeks after we receive the properly completed forms.

If you need to speak directly to a member of the Range Staff, contact Sergeant Cameron Murphy at 831-758-7394 or via email.

If you need to speak directly to Stephanie Morales-Bravo or Martha Guizar please call 831-758-7286.