Police frequently asked questions
General information
Where is the Santa Ana Police Department?
The main police headquarters is located at 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
What are the Police Department's business hours?
Generally, the Department is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. However, the hours vary for each division or section.
Does the Santa Ana Police Department have any sub-stations?
Yes, there are two sub-stations:
- West End Sub-Station: 3750 W McFadden Avenue, Suite I, Santa Ana, CA 92704
- Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center Public Safety Office: 1000 E Santa Ana Boulevard, #107, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Where is the Santa Ana Jail?
The Santa Ana Jail is located on the south side of the Police Department building:
62 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
What are the Jail's business hours?
The Jail's front lobby is open to the public from 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Inmate visitation hours differ from these hours. For more information, visit the Santa Ana City Jail webpage.
How do I report an emergency?
Dial 9-1-1 and be prepared to provide the location and a description of the emergency. An emergency is when:
- Life and/or property are in immediate danger
- There is fire or smoke
- A crime is being committed
- Emergency medical or rescue assistance is needed
How do I report non-emergency problems to the Santa Ana Police?
You may report non-emergency problems at (714) 245-8665.
How can I get more information on the Limited Authorization for Arrest / No Trespassing Program?
For more information you can contact PSO M. Ortega at (714) 245-8508 or visit the Limited authorization for arrest / No Trespassing Program webpage.
How do I report graffiti?
Graffiti may be reported to the Santa Ana Police Department Telephone Reporting Unit at (714) 245-8665 or by using the mySantaAna app.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
To get a copy of a police report you need :
- To be the person who filed the police report or be directly involved
- A valid picture ID
- Pay the applicable fee
How do I reserve the Police Department’s Community Room?
To reserve the Police Department’s Community Room, you must complete the application form and return it at least 10 working days prior to scheduled event. Forms should be returned to the address or fax number at the top of the application.
For more information, call (714) 245-8003.
If I have a burglar alarm in my home or business, do I need to get a permit?
Yes. The Santa Ana Municipal Code requires that anyone with a burglar alarm system in any location within the city must apply for an alarm user permit with the Santa Ana Police Department. Learn more about alarm system permits on our website.
How do I apply for an alarm permit?
The Alarm Permit Application can be obtained on our website or by contacting the Alarm Coordinator at (714) 245-8011.
How many false alarms am I allowed?
Learn more about false alarms on our website.
Property and evidence
How do I get my property back from Evidence?
Complete a Request for Return of Property form and return the form to the Evidence Counter, located in the lobby of the Santa Ana Police Department, or mail the completed form to:
Santa Ana Police Department
Attention: Evidence Sestion (M-18)
60 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92702
Please allow several weeks for processing. You will be notified either by telephone or by mail with a response. For further questions, call (714) 245-8080.
How do I get my gun back from the Santa Ana Police Department?
Beginning December 1, 2021, applicants must electronically submit a Law Enforcement Release (LER) application for the return of firearm(s), ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device(s) via the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS). Learn more on the California Department of Justice's website.
Please contact the Evidence section of the Santa Ana Police Department prior to applying for more details at (714) 245-8080.
Does the police department have public auctions?
The Police Department does not have public auctions. Many Orange County Agencies, including the Santa Ana Police Department, utilize www.propertyroom.com/ to auction found and unclaimed property.
Who do I call to report a lost or stolen bike?
Use the e-report service on this website or call the Telephone Reporting Unit at (714) 245-8665.
Parking and traffic
How do I get a citation (ticket) signed off?
The Traffic Division signs off citations Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. You must bring your citation and vehicle to the Police Department. You will be charged a fee of $5.00 for SAPD citations or $15.70 for any other outside police agency citation. For address and directions to the police department click here.
How do I get information regarding my traffic citation?
Go to the Orange County Courts website, at www.occourts.org/directory/traffic/.
How do I contest a parking citation?
The Citation Processing Center processes our parking citations. You may find this information on the back of your parking citation or by visiting our website.
How do I get a copy of my lost parking citation?
Contact Citation Processing Center at (800) 989-2058.
How do I pay for my parking citation?
Citations must be paid within 21 days of the date of violation. You may find this information on the back of your parking citation or Visit our Parking Enforcement webpage for more information.
How do I report abandoned vehicle(s)?
The following information is needed to report an abandoned vehicle(s):
- Location of the vehicle: address and/or cross streets
- Type of vehicle: make, model, and color
- The license plate number: clearly state the numbers
To report an abandoned vehicle(s) on:
- Public Street, alley, city lot, call Santa Ana Police Dispatch at (714) 245-8665.
- Private Street, private property, yard, etc., call Code Enforcement (714) 667-2780.
How do I get parking permit(s) for my vehicle(s)?
Parking permits are issued through Public Works, Traffic Engineering; you may contact them at (714) 647-5623.
How do I apply for a parking permit district for my neighborhood?
You may apply for a parking permit districts through Public Work, Traffic Engineering; you may contact them at (714) 647-5623.
How do I request a post-storage hearing?
You will need to request a post-storage hearing in person.
How do I take my car out of impound?
A release must be obtained at the Santa Ana Police Department. For more information click here.
How do I get a bike license?
The Santa Ana Police Department has discontinued bicycle registration and recommends all registrants to Bike Index.