City of Union City, CA

What are the curfew hours for juveniles in Union City?
Curfew hours are generally 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. (Refer to Municipal Code Section 9.70, which is available on-line in the Government section of the City web page.)
Why does the city bill for false burglary alarms?
The response to false burglary alarms is very time consuming, and negatively affects our ability to provide other necessary police services. Because of those reasons, the department will assess a fine if there are an inordinate number of false alarms emanating from a particular location. Additionally, the city charges an alarm registration fee and an annual renewal fee. (Refer to Municipal Code Section 9.48, which is available on-line in the Government section of the City web page.)
Does the Union City Police Department perform Live Scan fingerprints, or offer other fingerprinting services?
Not currently, however it is anticipated that we will in the future. If you need fingerprinting contact Fremont Police Department (510) 790-6800 or Hayward Police Department (510) 293-7000.
The police department seized or recovered some of my property. How can I go about getting the property back?
Not all seized or recovered property can be returned. If you would like to inquire about recovering your property, please call the Property Unit directly at (510) 675-5242.
Does the police department offer counseling services?
The police department has two counselors assigned to the Intervention Services Bureau. The counselors provide counseling services, primarily directed at resolving problems within the family. The counselors can be contacted by calling (510) 471-1365.
Does the police department utilize volunteers to provide needed services?
Yes. There are a number of volunteer positions within the police department. Opportunities exist to volunteer assisting police department staff with their duties, to visit elderly and shut-ins in the city, as emergency communications coordinators, and as youth police explorers. Contact the police department at (510) 471-1365 if you would like to volunteer.
How can I get my child involved with the Police Activities League (PAL) program?
Our current PAL officer is Officer Wayne Chapman. For information on how to get your child involved with the PAL program please call Officer Chapman at (510) 471-1365.

Neighborhood Preservation / Control Related Questions
How do I start "Neighborhood Watch" in my neighborhood?
The first thing you need to do is get to know your neighbors. Contact them and determine interest and common concerns. Once your neighborhood identifies concerns or issues, contact the Community Services Section of the police department at (510) 675-5224. We will then guide you in establishing a successful "Neighborhood Watch" neighborhood.
What is the Community Health Action Team (CHAT)?
CHAT stands for Community Health Action Team. The CHAT team is comprised of police, neighborhood preservation, fire, and building department personnel who work together to find solutions to crime, blight, and quality of life issues in the city.
Can the city do anything about blight in my neighborhood?
The Neighborhood Preservation department handles blight issues. Most blight issues are placed on the CHAT team agenda for inspection. Neighborhood Preservation can be contacted by calling (510) 471-3232.
Can I get an officer to come to my business and conduct a security presentation to my employees?
To schedule an officer to come to your business to conduct a security presentation call the Community Services Section at (510) 675-5224.
What is the ordinance regarding construction times?
Construction can be done between 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., weekdays, 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Sundays. (Refer to Municipal Code Section 9.40.053, which is available on-line in the Government section of the City web page.)
What do I do if I suspect that there is drug related activity occurring in my neighborhood?
You can either call the police department immediately at (510) 471-1365, or contact the Southern Alameda County Narcotics Task Force at (510) 476-2499.
What do I do if I believe that there is gang activity in my neighborhood?
You can either call the police department immediately at (510) 471-1365, or contact the Southern Alameda County Gang Violence Suppression Task Force at (510) 477-1700.
What should I do if I witness suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
We always encourage people to call the police department when witnessing suspicious activity. Unless there is imminent danger of a violent or serious crime being committed, the call should be made to the business line, which is (510) 471-1365. Officers will be dispatched as soon as they are available.
How do I get the police to close down my neighbor's loud party?
The police department will respond to a complaint and ask the person hosting the party to keep the noise down. Officers will get the name and telephone number of that person. After the third call complaining of the noise, the party may be closed. People complaining about continued loud parties will have to file a police report, and will be referred to the District Attorney's office so a criminal complaint can be sought. The complainant will have to be named in the police report.
What will the police department do about cars that are abandoned or parked in my neighborhood for a prolonged period of time?
Contact the police department and report the description and location of the vehicle. The vehicle will be tagged, and if unmoved for 72 hours, will be towed.

Police Reports Related Questions
How do I get a copy of a police report?
If you are a victim of a crime and are listed as such, or are listed as being involved in a traffic accident, you may obtain a copy of a police report. A request form must be completed at the Union City Police Department's front counter. Reports and copies are available for a fee. Some reports are protected by State and Federal laws and cannot be released.
If an officer came to my house, why was there no police report?
Officers do not always complete a police report for every call to which they are sent. It is dependant on the circumstances at the time of the call whether a report will be made.
If a police report was written, can I get the case number?
Yes. Most case numbers can be located if the caller provides their name, date of the incident and location of the incident.

Arrests / Legal Process Related Questions
Where does the Union City Police Department take arrested persons?
The Union City Police Department transports arrested persons either to the Fremont City Jail, or Alameda County Jail at Santa Rita County.
Where are the jails located?
The Fremont City Jail is located at 2000 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont. The telephone number is (510) 790-6703. Santa Rita County Jail is located at 5325 Broder Boulevard, Dublin. The telephone number is (925) 551-6595. The staff at the jails request callers have the name, birth date and, if possible, the Personal File Number (P.F.N.) of the person about whom they are calling.
Where are the local courthouses located?
The Fremont Superior Court is located at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont. This is the court through which most of the department's cases are handled. The Hayward Superior Court is located at 24405 Amador Street, Hayward.
How do I obtain a restraining order?
Restraining orders are court orders signed by a judge. The Police Department cannot issue or grant restraining orders. Court orders can be obtained at the Fremont branch of the Alameda County Superior Court. The address of the court is 39439 Padre Parkway, Fremont. The applicant must show the court good cause for the order to be granted. Applicants should seek assistance from the Family Law Department, located within the Civil Division at the courthouse. The Civil Division telephone number at the Fremont Courthouse is (510) 795-2360.

Dispatch Related Questions
What to expect when you call the UCPD dispatch center?
In all cases when fire service and/or medical aid is requested, the dispatcher immediately notifies the Union City Fire Department's dispatch center for the appropriate response of resources. In some cases, you may see police officers at a medical call. When police respond to medical calls, we are interested in how the medical problem occurred since, in some instances, the injured or sick person may be the victim of a crime or experiencing mental health issues and may be a danger to their self or others. Police officers also respond to structure fires to assist the Fire Department with evacuation, and/or traffic control. In some instances, the fire may be the result of arson, in which case the Police and Fire Departments work together to investigate the incident.
When someone calls for a medical aid incident, the dispatcher must determine if the call is strictly for a medical emergency or part of an incident requiring a police response. In the cases of medical emergencies, the call is immediately transferred to the Union City Fire Department's dispatch center.
At the time a person telephones the Department to request an officer, a paramedic or the Fire Department, a Dispatcher will ask you for your name, your address and the telephone number where you can be immediately contacted. If a person is calling about a medical emergency or a crime that is in progress, or just occurred (within the last 3 or 4 minutes), taking of this information will not slow our response.
The information you have provided is electronically transferred to responding Police Officers by our Computer Aided Dispatch (C.A.D.) system.
As the police are responding to the call for service, the initial Dispatcher will continue to ask you questions. Your responses to these questions provide the primary Dispatcher with updated information that can be relayed by radio to the responding police officers. Some examples of questions that may be asked of you are:
- What happened?
- When did this occur?
- Where did this occur?
- Are there any injuries?
- Do the injured person(s) need an ambulance?
- Were there any weapons used or seen? If yes, fully describe them.
- Do you have any information about the person(s) responsible for this crime? If yes, describe them by race, sex, age, height, weight, color hair, color eyes, clothing (from head to foot).
- Is a vehicle involved in this crime? If yes, describe by color, year, make, model, license plate number, number of occupants.
- If you saw the person(s) responsible for this crime leave the scene, which way did they go?
Based on the type of call for Police service, our Dispatchers will assign the call within one of four priorities. The four priorities are defined as:
- Priority 1: These calls require an immediate emergency response.
- Priority 2: These calls require an urgent response, but not an emergency response.
- Priority 3: These calls require a response as personnel become available and when there are no pending Priority 1 or 2 calls.
- Priority 4: These are all other calls not included above.
When is it appropriate to call the police department by using "911"?
"911" should only be used in cases which require an urgent response from the police department. Serious crimes, violent crimes, fires and major vehicle collisions can be reported via "911". Other, less urgent and routine calls should be made via the normal business line. That number is (510) 471-1365.

Traffic Related Questions
How do I get the police department's radar trailer placed in my neighborhood or on my street?
The Union City Police Department has a radar trailer for use in speed awareness. A request for use of the radar trailer can be made by contacting the Traffic Section at (510) 471-1365.
How do I get traffic enforcement on my street?
Requests for traffic enforcement can be made by contacting the Traffic Section at (510) 471-1365.
My car was towed away. How do I get it back?
For a recovered stolen vehicle:
Before you can pick up your recovered stolen vehicle, you must get a release from the agency you reported the theft to, and from the agency that recovered the vehicle. The Union City Police Department does not charge a release fee for recovered stolen vehicles. Towing and storage fees may apply at the tow yard. Vehicle releases are obtained at the Union City Police Department's front counter. You must bring proper identification, proof of insurance, and record of ownership of the vehicle for which you are seeking release.

For a vehicle towed because the driver was not licensed, or the driver was arrested:
A fee is charged to obtain a release for any vehicle towed by the Union City Police Department. There may be a 30-day hold on the vehicle, depending on the circumstances existing at the time the vehicle was towed. Towing and storage fees may apply at the tow yard. The vehicle release can be obtained at the Union City Police Department's front counter. You must bring proper identification, proof of insurance, and record of ownership of the vehicle for which you are seeking release.

For a vehicle towed because of expired registration, or other parking violations:
A fee is charged to obtain a release for a vehicle towed for expired registration or other parking violations. Proof of current registration and insurance must be shown at the time the release is sought. Towing and storage fees may apply at the tow yard. The vehicle release can be obtained at the Union City Police Department's front counter. You must bring proper identification, proof of insurance, and record of ownership of the vehicle for which you are seeking release.

For a vehicle involved in a collision:
Sometimes as a result of a traffic accident, the driver is unable to drive or order a tow truck for their car. In these cases, the vehicle will be towed by order of the Police Department. The driver, or owner, of the towed vehicle, can later refer the release matter to their insurance company. If the owner wants to get the car out themselves, they can obtain a vehicle release at the Union City Police Department's front counter. The release fee applies, as does any towing and storage fees at the tow yard. You must bring proper identification, proof of insurance, and record of ownership of the vehicle for which you are seeking release. In all cases, before a release is granted, the person seeking the release must show valid identification, and proof of insurance. There must be a licensed driver present to obtain a release, either the applicant or another. If a different licensed driver is present when the release is granted, then both persons must go to the tow yard to get the vehicle, or it will not be released.
Can I get a ticket signed-off at the police station?
Yes. Traffic citations for mechanical violations and most registration violations can be signed off at the Union City Police Department's front counter.
Can I pay my parking ticket at the Police Department?
No. For parking tickets issued by the Union City Police Department, the fines can be paid by mail or on-line. To pay by mail refer to the instructions provided on the parking ticket . To pay on-line refer to "PayMyCite.com".
Can I pay my parking ticket "on-line", via the computer?
Yes you can by going to the website "PayMyCite.com". Follow the instructions once logged on to that website.
How do I contest a parking citation?
Obtain a "Standing / Parking Citation Initial Review" form from the police department. Complete the form and submit it to the Traffic Section.
How do I find out the status of my parking fine or payment?
Contact the Parking Citation Service Center at (800) 535-2421.
How do I request a hearing regarding my stored vehicle?
Contact the police department and request to speak to a member of the Traffic Section, or if they are not available, request to speak to the watch commander.
How do I request an increase in traffic enforcement?
Contact the supervisor of the Traffic Section.
How do I request the installation of a stop sign, or any other traffic controls?
Contact a member of City Engineering at (510) 471-3232.
What is the address and telephone number to the parking citation processing center?
City of Union City, c/o Parking Citation Service Center, PO Box 11923, Santa Ana, CA 92711. Telephone (800) 535-2421 (recording only) or (888) 281-6456 to speak to a person or contact customerservice@phxgroup.com

Animal Related Questions
Does Union City have animal control services?
The Animal Services Unit is part of the Union City Police Department. It is currently staffed by one full-time Public Services Officer and one part-time employee seven days a week, except for holidays. Annually, the unit responds to about 1,500 calls for service such as injured animals, requests to pick up animals, removal of dead animals, taking reports of animal bites and removal of snakes. The unit also patrols for stray animals, issues citations for leash law violations and investigates complaints of inhumane treatment of animals.
Does the Animal Services Unit pick-up loose dogs and will they pick-up owner release animals?
The Animal Services Unit picks up all dogs found in violation of the city's leash laws. (Refer to Municipal Code, which is available on-line in the Government section of the City web page.) Dog owners who no longer wish to maintain their pet should make every effort to place the animal with a new owner. Such efforts might include breed rescue clubs and humane societies. As a last resort, the Animal Services Unit will pick up owned pets. There is a fee for this service.
If my pet becomes ill, will Animal Services pick it up?
Sick or injured owned pets should be taken to a veterinarian for treatment or taken to a veterinarian for euthanasia by their owners.
Will Animal Services pick-up cats that I find on my property?
Cats are not subject to the city's leash laws. The Animal Services Unit, does not pick up stray cats. Persons who experience property damage due to cats may rent humane live traps from several equipment rental services listed in the telephone directory. Cats can be baited and trapped legally. Trapped cats can be transported to the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Fremont, which is located behind the Fremont Police Department at 2000 Stevenson Boulevard in Fremont. The shelter will accept trapped cats without a fee.
Do I need to license my dog and, if so, when?
Every dog owner must license their dog when the dog is four months or older. This license must be renewed annually.
Are exotic pets allowed in Union City?
Exotic animals are fully defined in 8.20.010 of the Union City Municipal Code, which is available on-line in the Government section of the city web page. No person may own or keep any exotic animal, e.g. venomous snakes, alligators, hawks, tigers, etc., without a special permit issued by the City of Union City.
Who can I call about nuisance wildlife?
All forms of nuisance wildlife can be trapped by an Alameda County Vector Control Trapper. All trapped nuisance wildlife is euthanized as required by California State law. The Animal Services Unit will investigate reports of snakes and remove them when necessary.
What does Animal Services do about loose livestock?
Livestock are captured and returned to their pasture when possible. If a responsible party can be located, they are informed of the problem and possible measures to prevent a reoccurrence.
What do I do about a neighbor's noisy pet and what will be done?
The Animal Services Unit will respond to complaints of noisy animals. An educational brochure is left with the animal's owner and compliance with state and city laws are requested. If the noise continues, the matter may be referred to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
What happens to injured animals?
All injured animals are picked up by the Animal Services Unit and taken directly to a local veterinarian for treatment. Injured wildlife is taken to the Ohlone Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Newark.
Will Animal Services Unit pick up deceased animals, and from where?
All dead animals are picked up by the Animal Services Unit as soon as possible. This includes animals found in public areas as well as on city streets. For a fee, the Animal Services Unit will provide dead animal removal to pet owners.
Will the Animal Services Unit respond to bee, wasp, or hornet (yellow jacket) complaints?
The Animal Services Unit does not respond to complaints about insects such as bees, wasps or hornets. Such matters are best handled by pest control companies.
What happens if I'm bitten by an animal?
Animal bites are investigated and documented following the guidelines of the State Health & Welfare Agency Department of Health Services for treatment, investigation and control of animal bites. Bite reports are not generally taken on rodent bites. These can be referred to Alameda County Vector Control at (510) 567-6800.
Where is the Animal Shelter for Union City?
The shelter is located at the Tri-City Animal Shelter, 1950 Stevenson Boulevard, Fremont Their telephone number is (510) 790-6640.

© City of Union City, CA • Legal Statement • Privacy Policy	Home \| About Union City \| Business \| City Services \| Site Map \| Contact Us \| Search
Website Comments and Questions