Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become a Sioux City Police Officer? 
 
You must be able to pass a physical agility test which consists of a 1.5 mile run, 1 minute sit ups, and 1 minute push ups;  written exam, background test, psychological test, and medical screening. 

For more information on becoming a Sioux City Police Officer, go to www.siouxcitypolice.com/careers

I need fingerprints for school/work, do you guys do them?

The Sioux City Police Department ID section offers fingerprinting for $10.00.  Fingerprinting hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 10 am - 11 am and 3 pm to 4 pm.  A photo ID is required.

How do I register a weapon?

There is no requirement that you register a weapon with the City. Weapon permits can be obtained at the Woodbury County Sheriff's Office. 


What is the procedure for filing a citizen complaint against an member of the department?

Present your complaint by phone or in person to the Professional Standards division of the police department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 712.279.6360 or to the on-duty Watch Commander, 712.279.6147 who is available 24 hours a day. Your case will be assigned for investigation and a report is made to the Chief of Police. Administration will handle the report and make a resulting staff recommendation. The Chief of Police will make final disposition of the complaint and you will be notified, in writing, of the disposition. The following types of disciplinary action can be recommended for a sustained case: verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension, or dismissal. 


Can the police department provide me the name of another party’s insurance company following an accident?

Yes. Officers collect this information routinely during traffic accident investigations. We are obligated to provide you with the name of the other driver, their contact information, insurance information, and the case number with no fee. Copies of your full accident report can be obtained at www.crashdocs.org. There is a small fee for the report.


I’ve been involved in a minor fender-bender that did not result in any injuries. Do I need to file a police report?

Not necessarily. City code requires that accidents resulting in injury to or death of any person or total property damage to an apparent extent of $1,500 or more be reported (Section 10.30.010). In addition, if a domestic animal is struck and the driver cannot find the owner of the animal, the accident must be reported to animal control or the police department (Section 7.05.050). Contrary to popular belief, your insurance company can only force you to make a report if so stipulated in the contract of the policy. Check the fine print! 


When is it appropriate to dial 911 as opposed to the non-emergency phone number?

The emergency number (911) should be used only when there is imminent danger to life or property. Ask yourself if police, fire, or medical assistance is needed right now. If the answer is yes, then immediately dial 911 and advise the emergency service operator of what has, or is about to happen. For all other calls, dial 712.279.6960. The call will be answered in the same communications center but will leave the 911 line free for emergency calls.


How do I recover my impounded vehicle?

Vehicles impounded due to abandonment are immediately assessed a $35 fee. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card at the Customer Service Window of Police Headquarters. After making payment and providing a valid ID and title or current registration, a release form will be provided to the owner to claim the car from the impound. Vehicles impounded in relation to an arrest may be claimed in the same manner at no charge during the first 10 days of impoundment. After 10 days have passed, a $35 charge is imposed. Reminder: in addition to photo identification, proof of insurance, license, title, registration, and a valid driver’s license are required to lawfully operate a motor vehicle. 


How do I recover my stolen property?

When stolen property is recovered, it is entered into evidence by the Property Clerk, who will notify the owner in writing of its receipt by the department. The Property Clerk will set an appointment with the property owner to come into the station to identify and reclaim his or her property.


Where can I obtain a copy of my incident report?

Reports and officers videos may be obtained by using the Department’s GovQa portal. We utilized this online portal to help us track requests and respond in timely manner. This also allows us to transfer large files to the requester. To submit and open records request, us the “Obtain Records” button on the home page.

Accident reports can also be downloaded at http://www.crashdocs.org/. The $10 fee is charged through the website.

How do I get a patch?

Collectors of police patches can obtain our patch by sending a check or money order for $4.25 made out to The Friends of the Sioux City Police Department. Be sure to include your mailing address so we can send it to you. The address for a patch is:

Sioux City Iowa Police Department

Attn: Chief’s Office/Patch request

601 Douglas Street

Sioux City, Iowa 51101

UPDATED August 28, 2024