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Does Rancho Santa Margarita have its own Police Department?
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for all of its law enforcement needs. The Sheriff's Department is responsible for providing for the protection of citizens, the enforcement of laws, and crime prevention. Law enforcement services include patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, traffic accident analysis and investigation, parking enforcement, and the use of specialized units when necessary.
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How do I report a crime?
In the event of an EMERGENCY or if a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency situations or to report a crime such as "vandalism" or "disturbing the peace", please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011.
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I've filed a crime report, now what happens?
Once a crime report has been filed, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The deputy who took the report will provide you with a Case # for future reference. As much follow-up investigation will be done by the deputy before it is submitted to a Supervisor for approval. The Supervisor will then forward the report to the Investigation Division where it will be assigned to an investigator who specializes in investigating that particular type of crime. If there is workable suspect information, the investigator will continue to work the case to resolution. If there is no workable information in the report, the investigator will contact you to ascertain if there is any new information available. If there is no new information or evidence, the case will be made inactive until any new information becomes available. From the time the deputy writes the report to the time it is assigned to an investigator takes approximately 5-7 working days. You may obtain a copy of the report through Orange County Sheriff's Support Services Records Division at (714) 834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made.
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Who do I call to find out the status of a case currently under investigation by the Sheirff's Department?
The Investigation Division of the Orange County Sheriff's Department located in Aliso Viejo and can be reached at (949)425-1900.
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I was involved in a traffic collision and an officer took a report. What happens with that information and how do I get a copy of that report?
If you were involved in a traffic collision in Rancho Santa Margarita and an officer was called to the scene to take a report, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The officer who took the information will provide you with a Case # and will write the report that is submitted to the Traffic Investigation Office in Aliso Viejo (949) 425-1860. After approval by a Traffic Investigator, the report will become available through the Orange County Sheriff''s Support Services Records Division at (714) 834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made. Accident reports dated after September 2008 are also available online at www.ocsd.org under the "E-services" section of the website.
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How do I obtain a copy of a crime, incident, or traffic report?
Reports and other documents requested without a subpoena, court order or specific statutory authority will be treated as a request made under the California Public Records Act. In order to identify responsive records and review them for possible exemptions, the Orange County Sheriff's Department may take up to 10 calendar days to respond to a CPRA request and, if necessary, may take a reasonable period of time thereafter to produce the non-exempt records that are responsive to the request. Requests for reports may be done by email by downloading the "Request Authorization for Release of Case Information" form on the Support Services page of the www.ocsd.org website. Complete the form and email it to ReportRequest@ocsd.org as an attachment. The Request Authoization form may also be submitted in person Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703; via U.S. mail to OCSD Records at P.O. Box 449, Santa Ana, CA 92702; or fax to OCSD Records at (714) 834-5466. The cost of a report is fifteen cents (.15) per page with the exception of a Domestic Violence report which is released at no cost to the victim. If your request is approved, you will be contacted to arrange pick-up and payment of the report. If your request is denied, you will receive a written denial in accordance with Goverment Code section 6255(b).
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How do I contest a parking ticket?
Please refer to the back of the citation. An explanation of the process to contest the citation is printed on the reverse side of the citation.
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How do I file a report for a lost cellphone?
Please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to have a Deputy take a report from you.
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How can I get a Restraining Order?
Restraining Orders are issued by a Superior Court Judge. For further information, please call (714) 935-7956.
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What types of Police related programs are available in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services provides a variety of programs that are available to the community. These programs include Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, Childhood Watch, School Safety Programs, Community Emergency Preparedness Academy, Business and Home Security Checks, Vacation Home Checks, Child Safety Seat Inspections, and Child Fingerprinting Services. Experienced police personnel are also available to do presentations on crime-related topics at special events. For further information, please call (949) 635-1818.
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What is the Business Watch program?
Business Watch is a crime prevention program that is specifically focused on the business community in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita to help reduce crimes. Business members can participate in this program at no cost or obligation. A Business Watch window decal that includes an individual identification number for your business will be provided and placed at the entrance to your business. This decal will demonstrate to your customers and other merchants that your business is actively involved in crime prevention in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. For further information, please call (949) 635-1818.
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What is Neighborhood Watch?
The Neighborhood Watch program enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. Residents will be trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods and learn crime prevention techniques. If your street is not involved in Neighborhood Watch and you would like to start this program in your neighborhood, please call (949) 635-1818.
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What types of Child Safety programs are available in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services offers a variety of child safety programs, including bicycle safety, helmet safety, internet safety, personal safety, and Childhood Watch that are available for community events, school assemblies or after school programs. Please call (949) 635-1818 for more information.
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How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood?
Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed under the "E-services" section of the Orange County Sheriff''s Department website www.ocsd.org. The Sheriff's Blotter enables residents to know what activity is occurring in their communities by time, type of call, and location. You can view what has happened within the past 7 days or the past 30 days. The data is taken from the official calls for service records kept by the Sheriff's Department. You can also review crime statistics in which you can search "crime by area" which includes city or street.
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My vehicle has been towed. How do I find out where it is being stored and get it out?
You will need to obtain the vehicle license plate number or VIN. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is indicated on your vehicle registration form or pink slip. Call the Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch desk at (949) 770-6011 to confirm that the vehicle was towed, why it was towed, who was responsible, and the name and phone number of the tow company. Then contact the tow company to find out what will be required to get the car back. If there is a “hold” on the vehicle and it was towed from within Rancho Santa Margarita, contact the Administrative Sergeant for Rancho Santa Margarita at (949) 635-1817. If there is a “hold” on the vehicle and it was towed from any city other than Rancho Santa Margarita, contact the Administrative Sergeant for the city in which the tow originated.
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My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get it back?
If a vehicle has been impounded due to an unlicensed driver, suspended license or any other traffic violation and it was towed from within Rancho Santa Margarita, please contact the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services Administrative Sergeant at (949) 635-1817 or come in to Police Services located at 22112 El Paseo in the City Hall complex during normal business hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) to complete an impound hearing request form. This form is also available on the City's website www.cityofrsm.org under the "forms" section.
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Who do I call to report a possible abandoned vehicle on my street?
California State law states vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours may be considered abandoned vehicles. Please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to report the location and description of the vehicle. Parking control staff will come out, check to make sure the vehicle is not stolen, confirm it is properly registered, and mark the tires of the vehicle. The vehicle can be cited 72 hours after it is marked and ultimately towed away at the expense of the owner. For abandoned vehicle abatement purposes, the vehicle will be monitored for 10 days prior to being towed.
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What can I do about vehicles parked in front of my house?
Anyone my park their vehicle on a public street as long as it is legally parked and properly registered. Any vehicle that is parked on the street for more than 72 hours can be cited and ultimately towed away at the owner’s expense. If a vehicle is parked longer than 72 hours, please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to report the location and description of the vehicle in violation.
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What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?
If speeding vehicles on your street are a long-time recurring issue, contact Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services and speak with the Administrative Sergeant at (949) 635-1817 to discuss options such as the deployment of our radar trailer equipped with speed display. If you observe a vehicle speeding on your street, immediately call Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to give a description of the vehicle and, if possible, its license plate number.
Please remember, the sooner you call, the better chance we have of locating the speeding vehicle.
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Who should I contact regarding traffic laws and enforcement of traffic laws?
Please contact Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services at (949)635-1819 for questions related to traffic laws and the enforcement of those traffic laws.
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What are the regulations regarding recreational and oversized vehicle parking on a public street?
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Section 12.02.060 defines an oversized vehicle as any vehicle with a length in excess of 25 feet, or with a width in excess of 90 inches, or with a weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. The following restrictions apply:
(1) Maximum parking time limit for any vehicle upon a public street is 72 hours.
(2) Recreational/oversized vehicles are not allowed to be parked anywhere on a public street except under certain temporary circumstances (loading/unloading or when performing emergency repairs).
(3) Camping is not allowed in a recreational vehicle when parked on a public street.
(4) If parking your recreational vehicle or trailer in your driveway, make sure it does not obstruct any part of the sidewalk.
(5) Trailers/non-motorized vehicles/campers that have been detached from their motor vehicle are not allowed to be parked on any public street except for purposes of loading/unloading for a period not to exceed 2 hours.
For information regarding recreational or oversized vehicle parking on a private street, please contact your HOA.
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Where can I park my recreational vehicle?
Currently, there is no parking allowed on city streets for storage or long-term parking of recreational vehicles/motorhomes. For a list of available RV storage sites, please check your local phone directory.
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Can I get LiveScan fingerprints done at the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter?
Unfortunately, the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter is not equipped to take LiveScan fingerprints. The closest Orange County Sheriff’s facility that offers this service is the Aliso Viejo station located at 11 Journey in Aliso Viejo. Fingerprinting via LiveScan is by appointment only, please call (949) 425-1801. The cost is $10 for the first card and $1 for each additional card. You will need to bring a valid picture I.D. and the exact change.
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Where can I get a "Proof of Correction" signed?
In the event that you received a citation for a violation that requires evidence of the violation correction and/or vehicle inspection, Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services is available to provide “Proof of Correction” citation sign-off at City Hall Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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Will Police Services conduct a "welfare check" of a residence?
Yes. You will need to provide us with the telephone number and address of the residence and your telephone number if you would like to be contacted regarding the disposition of the welfare check. Please call Orange County Sheriff's Dispatch at (949) 770-6011 to request the welfare check.
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I'm going on vacation. Can the Police come by and check on my home while I am away?
Yes. Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services offers a service provided free of charge which involves a physical check of your residence to insure no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with while you are away or on vacation. For additional information, call Police Services at (949) 635-1819 or complete the form available on the City's website.
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What is the law regarding car seats for children?
No driver shall transport any child in a motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system (approved car seat) unless the child is either six years of age or older or weighs 60 pounds or more.
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Where can I get my child's car seat inspected?
Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services provides free child car seat safety inspections by appointment only. Please call (949) 635-1818.
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Where can I get information about the Explorer Program?
The Explorer program provides young adults (age 14-20) with the opportunity to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Rancho Santa Margarita. Please call 1-866-POST-449 for additional information.
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Where can I get information about Megan's Law?
Information regarding Megan’s Law can be obtained by visiting the website www.meganslaw.ca.gov .
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Who can answer my questions about drugs and gangs?
The Deputies assigned to the Orange County Sheriff''s Department Community Programs Detail are available to answer questions related to drug use and gang involvement. They can be reached at (714) 647-4133. You may also anonymously report gang activity by calling 1.800.NO.GANGS (1-800-664-2647).
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Where can I get information regarding Massage Establishment and Technician licensing requirements in Rancho Santa Margarita?
An "Applicant's Guide to Submit a Massage Permit Application" as well as the "Massage Permit Application" is available on the City's website under the "forms" section. For additional information, please call Police Services at (949) 635-1819.
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Who do I call regarding animal services?
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Animal Care Services for animal control services. Their general information phone number is (949) 249-5160 or visit their website at www.ocpetinfo.com.
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There is a dead animal in the street. How can it be removed?
The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Animal Care Services for animal control services. Dead animals can be reported by calling Animal Control at (714) 935-6848 (8:00am-5:00pm daily) or (714) 935-7158 (5:00pm -8:00am nightly).
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Who do I call about issues with flies, rats, and mosquitoes?
The Orange County Vector Control Agency handles all calls regarding fly, rat and mosquito infestations. Orange County Vector control can be reached at (949) 654-2421 or visit their website at www.ocvcd.org.
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