FAQs • Winter Garden, FL • CivicEngage

Sometimes in my neighborhood, I see things that seem out of place or unusual and people or vehicles who are suspicious. I don’t feel comfortable calling the police, can you tell me about the procedure: At any given time, police officers are patrolling the streets. The Winter Garden Police Department relies on its citizens to alert us to any unusual situations. Anytime someone calls, a dispatcher will take the information, ask questions, decide on what / whom to send and the urgency of the call. We will respond to every call for service, however when all the officers are busy, calls are answered based on priority. You may report a crime or suspicious activity and remain anonymous. View Police Department contact information.

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Police

1. How do I apply for a position with the Winter Garden Police Department?: Applications may be obtained from the Police Department. Hiring is done on an as needed basis. For more information contact Recruiting at 407-877-5499.

2. What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?: Call the Police Department at 407-656-3636, ext. 4058 and explain your situation. Your complaint will be recorded and efforts will be made to monitor the traffic in your area.

3. How does traffic radar work?: A Radar device sends out a radio signal which is reflected off the target vehicle and back to the device. The device then calculates the speed of the vehicle and displays it in miles per hour to the operator. The Radar devices have built in calibration systems to ensure their accuracy. Each Radar device is tested each day they are in use. Despite popular belief, the radar operator is not required to show the offender the radar speed.

4. How does a laser speed measuring device work?: A Laser speed measuring device, unlike Radar, works using a light beam, which travels in a very narrow beam, and in a straight line, rather than a radio wave. Due to the very narrow beam, the Laser speed measuring device can be used to pick a specific target vehicle out of a group of vehicles. The Laser beam is reflected off the target vehicle and back to the device. The device then calculates the speed of the vehicle and displays it in miles per hour to the operator. The citation will reflect the speed you were traveling along with the distance from the device at the time it was checked.

5. How can I protest a ticket?: If you received a traffic ticket (citation) that you feel was unjustified or because of circumstances beyond your control, you may contest your traffic ticket in Court. You are welcome to call the Orange County Court House at 407-667-6240, or you may stop by the Clerk of the Court, which is located at:
Orange County Services Building
475 West Story Road
Ocoee, Fl 34761

6. When I call the Police Department using 911, how does the dispatcher know where I live?: The Winter Garden Police Department, and other public safety entities in Orange County, utilizes the enhanced 911 system. When the dispatcher picks up the phone your address and phone number is immediately displayed on a screen. Cellular telephones do not display the exact address, however newer cellular phones will display a general area the call is coming from.

7. I’m interested in starting a Neighborhood Crime Watch group in my neighborhood, what do I need to do?: Contact the Police Department at 407-656-3636 and request to speak to the Crime Prevention Officer, who will then provide you with the information.

8. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?: If you have been involved in a police incident (excluding crashes), you may obtain a copy of the report from our Records Management Division located at the Police Department, 3 working days after the date of the incident. Records business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

9. How do I obtain a copy of a crash report?: If you are a party involved in a traffic crash, an insurance company or an attorney you may obtain a copy of the crash report online by visiting the Buy Crash Website. The fee for a crash report is $5. Note: access to crash reports is statutorily restricted during the first 60 days to involved persons, insurance companies and attorneys.

10. Sometimes in my neighborhood, I see things that seem out of place or unusual and people or vehicles who are suspicious. I don’t feel comfortable calling the police, can you tell me about the procedure: At any given time, police officers are patrolling the streets. The Winter Garden Police Department relies on its citizens to alert us to any unusual situations. Anytime someone calls, a dispatcher will take the information, ask questions, decide on what / whom to send and the urgency of the call. We will respond to every call for service, however when all the officers are busy, calls are answered based on priority. You may report a crime or suspicious activity and remain anonymous. View Police Department contact information.

11. I keep getting harassing or annoying hang up phone calls. It’s driving me crazy…what can I do?: Call the Police Department non-emergency phone number at 407-656-3636. We will have an officer respond to talk with you and assess your situation. In some cases the officer may be able to stop your problem just by talking with the person responsible for making the calls or you may elect to sign a complaint and let the matter be settled in court.

12. I need to be fingerprinted, what do I need to do?: We are currently not offering fingerprint services due to COVID-19. Please check back for continued updates.

The Police Department mailing address is:
251 W Plant Street
Winter Garden, FL 34787

The Fax number is 407-877-0166.