- The Warrant Screening program is designed to ensure a sound basis for probable cause, and to divert appropriate citizen complaints to mediation and other alternative programs.
- Once you have met with someone from our office, they will evaluate the report and determine whether the case is appropriate for prosecution or is better resolved through mediation.
- If the case is suitable for a warrant, our office will initiate an affidavit, based on the police report and the interview of the complainant.
- The complainant will then be taken before the Commissioner for final approval.
- Before going to the Warrant Screening office, make sure you have your complaint number, and any names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses or suspects.
- If you have not already done so, call 862-8600 and a report will be taken.
- You must wait at least 72 hours after filing a police report before going to the Warrant Screening Office.
- The Warrant Screening office is located at 440 3rd Avenue North and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed on holidays.
Mediation
- Mediation is a procedure where two or more parties in a dispute meet with a trained, neutral third person who assists in the resolution of the dispute.
- Mediation can result in a binding agreement, or no agreement.
- The goal of mediation is to reduce the number of people going to court, the number of repeat disputes, and the number of non-emergency police calls.
- Incidents that may be referred to mediation are those that are not serious in nature, like petty theft, property damages, neighborhood disputes, or family disagreements.
Warrant Screening Will Not…
- Assist with obtaining Orders of Protection, although violations of them do go through Warrant Screening.
- Assist with domestic violence-related matters. All such incidents need to be referred to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Police Department or the Family Safety Center.
- Assist with civil litigation. Those matters are handled through the Civil Courts.
- Investigate incidents. If the basic information is not gathered on the scene, all such cases are referred to the appropriate section of the Police Department.
- Have the suspect arrested. As a rule, most cases are served by a summons with a court date included (which you will be notified of by the clerk).