Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Police reports may be released to the public under the Oregon Open Records Law, with certain restrictions, after the investigation has been completed. The Records Division shall only release information that has been reviewed and approved by a Patrol Supervisor; and the disposition of the case is closed, suspended or unfounded. Cases that are still under active investigation will not be released during the investigative period.
The Newport Police Department does not provide background or criminal history checks. This information must be obtained from Oregon State Police.
To determine if someone is currently incarcerated in the Lincoln County Jail, you may call 541-265-4277, or view the inmate roster online.
Vehicles impounded by Newport Police Department for violations such as driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended or revoked, driving uninsured and/or operating a vehicle without driving privileges, must be cleared through the Records Division in order to issue a Vehicle Impound Release form.
If you want to inquire if there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you must contact the Newport Police Department or the Lincoln County Jail in person. This information cannot be provided by telephone. If you believe someone else has a warrant and you wish to turn that person in, please call our Dispatch at 541-574-5807.
The Newport Police Department often receives calls regarding abandoned / nuisance vehicles and/or oversized vehicles parked on city streets, and impound fees relating to a vehicle being towed. HERE you will find an explanation of the Department’s Nuisance Vehicle Program, impound fees, and also list the City’s Municipal Codes for oversized vehicle and trailer parking on public streets.
Unfortunately, due to security concerns and the rising costs of materials, we are unable to provide individuals with Newport Police Department patches.
Law enforcement is a unique and valuable service to the community, and the Ride-Along Program helps educate citizens about the daily challenges and risks, as well as the opportunities for service that come with police work. Allowing citizens to ride along with police officers helps them learn more about law enforcement and lends insight to the complexity of a police officer's duty.
In the case of a violation charge, Oregon law requires the City prove you guilty of the offense with which you are charged by the preponderance of the evidence. Every defendant has the right to remain silent and refuse to testify (without consequences). You have the right to retain an attorney and have them try your case or answer your questions. Since offenses in Municipal Court are punishable only by fine and not by incarceration, you do not have the right to appointed counsel.
You have the right to a trial before the judge, commonly called a bench trial. At trial you have many rights including:
If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial. When you make your appearance by mail, the court must receive your plea before your scheduled appearance date. If you plead not guilty, the court will notify you of the date of your trial. It is imperative that the court have your most recent mailing address on file as the court may send important information to you.
You must call our Dispatch at 541-574-5807 to speak with an Officer by phone or request to be contacted in person at your residence or place of business. If you choose to come to the Police Department during business hours, you will be instructed to use the lobby phone to speak with Dispatch so they may assign an Officer from Patrol to come in and speak with you.
Concealed Handgun Licenses are issued through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. More information is available HERE.
Citizens sometimes need to have their fingerprints taken for purposes of employment, license applications, expunging records, etc. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provides non-criminal fingerprinting services to the public. More information is available HERE.
Police reports may be released to the public under the Oregon Open Records Law, with certain restrictions, after the investigation has been completed. The Records Division shall only release information that has been reviewed and approved by a Patrol Supervisor; and the disposition of the case is closed, suspended or unfounded. Cases that are still under active investigation will not be released during the investigative period.
Cases resulting in an arrest cannot be released without the written authorization of the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office. Records of juvenile defendants are kept confidential and cannot be released to the public. These records can only be released to public agencies, i.e. Children Services Division, Juvenile Department, District Attorney's Office, Department of Justice, and other law enforcement agencies.
If a case has a citation attached to appear for Municipal Court, the report cannot be released until verified by the Court Clerk that the case has been cleared from their docket.
Please review all fees associated with public records requests from the Newport Police Department HERE.
While we prefer requests for reports are made in person, a request may be mailed to Newport Police Department with a copy of the requestor's identification along with a check for the required fee, made payable to the City of Newport. You may fill out and print the records request form below:
- Records Request Form (PDF file)
The Newport Police Department does not provide background or criminal history checks. This information must be obtained from Oregon State Police.
State law provides specific public access to criminal history record information through various processes. Limited access to another person´s criminal record information is available based on name and date of birth. Full access to obtain a person's own criminal history is available only through positive fingerprint identification. State of Oregon criminal history records may only be obtained through the Identification Services Section in Salem.
CLICK HERE for a form to request your own criminal history record from Oregon State Police.
To determine if someone is currently incarcerated in the Lincoln County Jail, you may call 541-265-4277, or view the inmate roster online.
The Lincoln County Jail is located at 251 W. Olive Street, Newport, Oregon 97365.
Vehicles impounded by Newport Police Department for violations such as driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while suspended or revoked, driving uninsured and/or operating a vehicle without driving privileges, must be cleared through the Records Division in order to issue a Vehicle Impound Release form.
Vehicle Impound Releases are issued during the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The owner or other person entitled to lawful possession of the vehicle must present the following items to the Newport Police Department:
- Proof of ownership or right of possession (vehicle title or current registration)
- Proof of valid driving privileges
- Proof of current insurance for the vehicle
- Cash payment of $110 administrative fee
Valid driving privileges can include a signed Implied Consent Form, in the circumstance of a DUII arrest. If an Implied Consent permit was not issued by the arresting officer, and the owner or other person entitled to possession of the vehicle does not have valid driving privileges, the vehicle may be released to a second party who accompanies the owner or person possessing the right of ownership, provided that person can show proof of valid driving privileges.
Vehicle Impound Releases are payable by cash, money order or cashier's check only, payable to the City of Newport. Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted.
The administrative fee paid to the City of Newport does not include any incurred charges and/or fees by the towing company.
If you want to inquire if there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, you must contact the Newport Police Department or the Lincoln County Jail in person. This information cannot be provided by telephone. If you believe someone else has a warrant and you wish to turn that person in, please call our Dispatch at 541-574-5807.
The Newport Police Department often receives calls regarding abandoned / nuisance vehicles and/or oversized vehicles parked on city streets, and impound fees relating to a vehicle being towed. HERE you will find an explanation of the Department’s Nuisance Vehicle Program, impound fees, and also list the City’s Municipal Codes for oversized vehicle and trailer parking on public streets.
If you suspect a vehicle in your neighborhood has been abandoned, is a nuisance, or does not run, please call the Community Service Officer at 541-265-4847, or our Dispatch at 541-574-5807. You may also file a police report online HERE.
Unfortunately, due to security concerns and the rising costs of materials, we are unable to provide individuals with Newport Police Department patches.
Law enforcement is a unique and valuable service to the community, and the Ride-Along Program helps educate citizens about the daily challenges and risks, as well as the opportunities for service that come with police work. Allowing citizens to ride along with police officers helps them learn more about law enforcement and lends insight to the complexity of a police officer's duty.
The Newport Police Department encourages citizens to apply for ride-alongs, and to understand the rules and responsibilities necessary for observing a police officer at work. To apply for a ride-along, please download the Ride-Along Application and Waiver forms, fill in the required information, sign and return to Newport Police Department.
In the case of a violation charge, Oregon law requires the City prove you guilty of the offense with which you are charged by the preponderance of the evidence. Every defendant has the right to remain silent and refuse to testify (without consequences). You have the right to retain an attorney and have them try your case or answer your questions. Since offenses in Municipal Court are punishable only by fine and not by incarceration, you do not have the right to appointed counsel.
You have the right to a trial before the judge, commonly called a bench trial. At trial you have many rights including:
- The right to have notice of the complaint
- The right to hear all testimony introduced against you;
- The right to cross-examine witnesses who testify against you;
- The right to testify on your own behalf;
- The right not to testify. Your refusal to do so may not be held against you in determining your innocence or guilt. However, if you do testify, the City has the opportunity to cross-examine you;
- You may call witnesses to testify on your behalf at the trial, and have the court issue a subpoena (a court order) to any witnesses to ensure their appearance at the trial. You may also offer documentary evidence such as photographs or diagrams.
In addition to your rights, you also have some legal responsibilities. The law requires you to make an appearance in your case. Your appearance date is noted on your citation. You or your attorney may appear in person in open court, by mail, or you may deliver your plea in person to the court. The options are listed on the back side of your citation.
Your first appearance is to determine your plea. You must be present at the date and time listed on your citation, unless you have made an appearance in writing or by choosing another option on the reverse side of the citation. If your case is called and you do not appear, you may be found guilty by default with fines and fees assessed. You could also face other penalties including a suspended driver license.
If you waive a trial and plead guilty or no contest you may present extenuating circumstances for the judge to consider when setting your fine.
If you plead not guilty, the court will schedule a trial. When you make your appearance by mail, the court must receive your plea before your scheduled appearance date. If you plead not guilty, the court will notify you of the date of your trial. It is imperative that the court have your most recent mailing address on file as the court may send important information to you.
If you plead guilty or no contest, you waive your right to a trial. You must mail or deliver your fine to the court by your appearance date.
For more information, please contact the Municipal Court Clerk at 541-574-0616 or visit our Municipal Court FAQ.
You must call our Dispatch at 541-574-5807 to speak with an Officer by phone or request to be contacted in person at your residence or place of business. If you choose to come to the Police Department during business hours, you will be instructed to use the lobby phone to speak with Dispatch so they may assign an Officer from Patrol to come in and speak with you.
Concealed Handgun Licenses are issued through the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. More information is available HERE.
Citizens sometimes need to have their fingerprints taken for purposes of employment, license applications, expunging records, etc. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office provides non-criminal fingerprinting services to the public. More information is available HERE.
The Newport Police and Fire Departments do not have jurisdiction over the beach. If you have questions, please contact the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department at 503-986-0707 or online at StateParks.Oregon.Gov.