Frequently Asked Questions

How do I obtain a copy of a Police Report?

-          Police reports can be picked up at the police department from Monday thru Friday from 6am to 2pm or at anytime by completing a request for records form which will be forwarded to the Records Bureau and processed during the above hours. Once the request is processed period of time it will be made available for pick up. It is suggested you call prior to returning to pick up the requested reports.

     Requests for photographs (if photos were taken) should be requested the same as a copy of a report  by completing a request for records form. There is a $1.00 per picture charge for photographs, However, photographs can be sent via E-mail at no charge.

-          Police reports also take time to be processed after the incident. It usually takes 5-7 business days for a report to be inputted in the computer system and approved by a supervisor before a report can be released.

-          If you wish to obtain a police report via US mail, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope the report may be returned in.

  (Click here to print a copy of a request for records form) (In PDF format)

Is there a fee for police reports?

-          There is no fee for copies of reports up to 19 pages.

-          Reports 20 pages & over will be charged at $.05/page, beginning with page 1.

-    Photographs are 10 cents per photo
(If the photographs can be sent to you via e-mail, there is no charge)

How do I waive a ticket?

-          Certain citations can be waived here at the police department or at Oberlin Municipal Court any time before your court date, which is located at the bottom of the ticket.

-          Waivers taken at the police department must be paid in exact cash, money order, or certified check.

-          The police department does not have change and does not accept personal checks or credit cards.

Waiver amount:  

CLICK HERE FOR NEW WAIVER AMOUNTS 
(FINES AND COURT COSTS ARE SET BY OBERLIN MUNICIPAL COURT)

What are the curfew hours in the City of Amherst?

- 10:00 pm for minors 12 years of age or younger

- 11:00 pm for minors 13, 14, and 15 years of age

- 12:00 am for minors 16 thru 18 years of age

- Curfew is in affect until 6:00 am

 Is there a Daytime Curfew

It is unlawful for any minor who is not excused from compulsory education or compulsory continuation education to be in or upon any public place during the period beginning at 8:30am and ending at 1:30 pm on days when the Amherst Public Schools are in session. 

Daytime Curfew Exceptions
In the following exceptional cases, a minor in or upon a public place during the hours for which section 511.04 in intended to provide the maximum limits of regulation shall not be considered in violation of this chapter
    (a) When the minor is accompanied by his or her parent
    (b) When the minor is on an emergency errand directed by his or her parent
    (c) When the minor is going or coming directly to or from his or her place of gainful employment or to or from a medical  
         appointment
    (d) When the minor is observing a religious holiday
    (e) When the minor has permission to leave school campus for lunch or school related activity and has in his or her
         possession a valid school issued, off-campus permit
    (f) When the minor is exempt by law from compulsory education or compulsory continuation education
    (g) When such minor is being educated at home pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3314

What do I do if I lost power to my residence?

            - If you ever experience loss of electrical power at your residence after normal business hours, you mostly likely will be calling the police department to report the problem. When you call please tell the dispatcher your name, address, and that you are without power. Please do not ask the dispatcher questions as to when the power will be on or what the problem is. During the rare times we have a power loss in the city all of our phone lines are tied up. Unfortunately we have no idea when the power will be restored and multiple questions tie up our phone lines.

When should I dial 911?

-          Please remember that you should call 911 for emergencies only. Dialing 988-2625 or any of our other phone lines that are listed in the telephone directory will enable you to make contact with the Amherst Police Department.

What are some of the City’s parking violations?

-          The Amherst Police Department strives to enforce all of the ordinances in the city. We do this to make sure our city is a safe, clean, and a quiet city to live in.

-          The following are some of our parking and local ordinances you may not be aware of:

1.      It is a parking violation to park on the residential streets between the hours of 2:00am and 6:00am. In the downtown area the times are 3:30am and 6:00am.

2.      It is a parking violation to park on the city streets and Municipal Parking Lots when the snow exceeds 2 inches.

3.      It is a parking violation to park on the tree lawns.

4.      It is a parking violation to park in the downtown area in a space that is not marked as a parking space.

5.      It is a violation for bicycles to be ridden on the sidewalks in the down town area.