Great Falls Police Department | Community | Compassion | Courage

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Information

Where is the Great Falls Police Department?
The Great Falls Police Department located at 112 First Street South, next to the Civic Center. The phone number is 771-1180.
Where is Municipal (City) Court?
Municipal Court is in the basement of the Civic Center, #2 Park Drive South. Court Information.
Where is the Juvenile Detention Center?
1600 26th Street South
Where is Justice Court?
415 2nd Avenue North
Where is the Cascade County Sheriff's Office?
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road
County Departments
Where is the jail (Cascade County Detention Center)?
3800 Ulm North Frontage Road

Animal Control Information

Where is the Animal Shelter?
The Animal Shelter is located at 1010 25th Ave. N.E.
Does my dog/cat need to be vaccinated?
Yes. All dogs and cats over the age of six (6) months need to have current vaccinations.
Does my dog/cat need to be licensed?
Dogs and cats over six months old must be registered/licenced. To obtain a licence, the owner must complete the registration paperwork, pay the annual fee, and provide proof of vaccination. The owner must be over 18 years of age or have a parent/guardian as the responsible co-owner. Licenses may be obtained through a local vet or the Animal Shelter.
Does my dog/cat need to be on a leash?
Yes. It is illegal to let pets run at large. Cats and dogs not confined to an enclosure must be on a leash. The leash cannot be longer than 10 feet, and it must be securly fastened or held.

See also: Animal Ordinance and Fees FAQ
Great Falls Animal Shelter

Police Information & Records

How can I get a copy of an accident report?
If the accident resulted in a fatality, the report will not be released without a subpoena. You may obtain a copy of an accident report if you were involved in the accident or you are the insurer of one of the involved parties by contacting the Records Bureau at the Great Falls Police Department.
How can I get a copy of my criminal record?
Show a picture ID at the GFPD records Bureau when you make your request. This will only show the local records.
How can I get a copy of a police report?
Police reports are not released unless a subpoena is provided. An individual may also contact the prosecuting attorney's office and request that a copy be provided.

Vehicle Related Information

How do I find out if my car was towed?
Contact the Records Bureau of the Cascade County 911 Center at 771-1180.
What can be done about illegally parked vehicles?
Contact the Police Department, 771-1180. If the vehicle is a safety/traffic hazard, it may be towed.
What is the noise limit for car stereos?
If the someone standing 50 feet from the vehicle can hear or feel vibrations from a car's sound equipment, the owner is in violation of the car stereo noise ordinance.
How do I get my vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verified?
The Police Department does VIN inspections on Wednesdays from 11 am to 3 pm. The Drivers License Office, 916 13th Avenue South, does inspections daily.

Miscellaneous Information

What are the curfew hours?
Curfew applies to people under the age of 18. Curfew starts at 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and ends at 6 am the following day. Weekend curfew hours are from 12:01 - 6:00 am Saturday and Sunday. People subject to the curfew should not be out during curfew hours unless accompanied by a responsible adult -- parent/guardian or someone approved by the parent/guardian.
How do I report a crime?
If it is an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 to report the incident. If it is a non-emergency, call the non-emergency number to the Police Department, 771-1180.
Whom can I call to report graffiti to and get it removed?
Contact the Police Department at 771-1180 in order to report the incident. It is the property owner's responsibility to remove the graffiti.
Can I get an internship with the Great Falls Police Department?
Yes. Internships are generally set up through universities who oversee the internship.
How can I become a Great Falls police officer?
View the hiring information. You can also contact Human Resources at the Civic Center for an application.
How can I volunteer my time to help the Great Falls Police Department?
The Victim Witness program is the only volunteer program at the Police Department. They can be reached at 771-1180 ext. 218. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is always looking for volunteers -- Contact Audrey Finlayson 454-6994.
When is the police bike viewing?/When is the police auction?
Generally the auction and bike viewing take place during the summer months. A public notice is placed in the local newspaper prior to the auction.
Where can I get crime statistics?
Contact the Records Supervisor at 771-1180 ext. 546.
Where can I be fingerprinted?
Fingerprints can be taken at the Police Department. Prior arrangements should be made with the lab technician.
How do I find out if a person is a registered sex offender?
A sex offender book is available at the front counter at the Police Department. You can also check the State Sex Offender registry online.
Where can I obtain information on Domestic Violence?
Contact the Victim Witness office at 771-1180 ext. 218.
How can I make a complaint against a Great Falls Police Department employee?
Call the Police Department and request to speak with a supervisor.
How can I commend a Great Falls Police Department employee?
Call the Police Department and request to speak with a supervisor.
Where can I obtain crime prevention information?
Contact the Community Policing Office at 771-1180 ext. 220.
Whom do I call to talk to a group about crime related issues?
If you are interested in issues that are occurring with in your neighborhood, it is good idea to attend the Neighborhood Council meetings in your area. If you would like a crime prevention presentation, contact the Community Policing office at 771-1180 ext. 220.
What is the Great Falls Police Protective Association (GFPPA)?
The GFPPA is an association made up of sworn officers of the Police Department. The GFPPA sponsors youth teams and performs community fundraisers throughout the year. The GFPPA also represents the sworn officers during contract negotiations with the City of Great Falls.
How do I report an abandoned car?
Call the Police Department at 771-1180 and make a report to the dispatcher. An officer will be dispatched to check and possibly tag the vehicle as abandoned.
What do I do about an abandoned car that has an orange sticker on it for a long time but has not been removed?
If a vehicle has been tagged as abandoned, the owner has 5 days to move the vehicle, or it can be towed. Call the Police Department at 771-1180 for follow-up to abandoned vehicles.
How many False Alarms am I allowed per calendar year?
Per City Ordinance, only six false alarms are allowed in a calendar year. The seventh and subsequent false alarms can result in a citation being issued and/or fines.