- 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 (if you were given one from the police department), 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 Orders of Protection. This is a civil matter, unless it’s been violated.
- Assist with domestic violence-related matters. All such incidents need to be referred to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Police Department.
- 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 CID section of the Police Department for investigation.