Downingtown Police Department
IN AN EMERGENCY:
Call 911
Non-Emergency Number: 610-269-0263 or 610-383-7000
James R. McGowan, III, Police Chief
Howard L. Holland, Lieutenant
Downingtown Police Department
10 W. Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
It is the mission of the Downingtown Police Department to provide professional, courteous and prompt police service to all people while vigorously, but fairly, enforcing the law. To further its mission, the Downingtown Police Department strives to establish a safe community by providing the public with community based programs and information.
The Downingtown Police Department, comprised of 18 full time sworn Officers, 9 part time sworn Officers, 2 full time Dispatchers, 1 part time Dispatcher, 1 full time Administrative Assistant, and 1 Parking Enforcement Officer, is responsible for the public safety and protection of its citizens.
The Downingtown Police Department proudly serves the community of Downingtown Borough and East Caln Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Comprised of four divisions, Patrol Division, Investigative Division, Parking Division and Administrative Division, the Police Department is responsible for all calls for assistance and service, including fire and emergency medical assistance, and Homeland Security concerns.
The Police Department serves as the public answering point for all 9-1-1 calls within the Borough of Downingtown and East Caln Township. Whenever a resident calls 9-1-1, the telephone will be answered by Chester County Department of Emergency Services personnel who will then dispatch the associated emergency response units.
The Police Department responds to all 9-1-1 emergencies. During the weekday hours of 8:00 am until midnight, except on holidays, the Downingtown Police Department Dispatch area is staffed. The Downingtown Dispatch is required to handle the volume of walk in complaints and also for all dispatching calls not received by Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
The non-emergency phone number for the Downingtown Dispatch area is 610-269-0263. On the days that the Downingtown Dispatch is not staffed the non emergency number for Chester County Department of Emergency Services is 610-383-7000.
In the event of an emergency, all residents are urged to call 9-1-1.
There are no press releases at this time
When do I need to report an accident?
According to the Pennsylvania Vehicle code Title 75 section 3746: the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident shall notify the police by the quickest means available for an accident involving death or injury or the damage to a vehicle is to the extent that it can’t be driven under its own power.
My registration is expired, where can I renew it?
Pennsylvania vehicle registrations can be renewed along with the answers to other Pennsylvania vehicle and or licensing questions can be found at:
Who do I call when the power goes out?
PECO has as dedicated customer phone number for power outages– 1-800-841-4141
What do I do with stray animals?
For the Chester County SPCA to respond and retrieve the animal it must be contained, the SPCA can be reached at 610-692-6113.
Where do I go to take care of traffic citations?
Traffic citations must be responded to in 10 days by mail or in person to Downingtown District Court (district court # 15-2-06):
231 Boot Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-269-5250
http://dsf.chesco.org/districtjustices/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=608737
Where do I go to pay for parking violations?
Payments for parking violations can be mailed to the following address:
Borough of Downingtown
4 West Lancaster Avenue
Downingtown, PA 19335
Or paid directly at Borough Hall
What are the child passenger safety laws?
Basically, children from birth to age 4 in an approved child passenger restraint system. Children from 4 - 8 yrs old must be in a seatbelt system and appropriate booster seat. For a more detailed explanation see PAVC Section 4581
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter45.pdf
Where can I get my child safety seat installed by a qualified installer?
The Downingtown Police provides this service free of charge at the police station for residents of Downingtown Borough and E. Caln Township. Appointments can be made by calling 610-269-0263 and asking for Sergeant Harootunian. Non-Residents should contact the Department of Highway Safety at 610-363-8701.
WHY DO POLICE STOP PEOPLE?
There are many different reasons why you might be stopped by the police. Whatever the reason, the officer needs your cooperation:
· The police may want to warn you about a potentially dangerous situation.
· You may have committed a traffic violation.
· Your vehicle may match the description of one used in a criminal act.
· The officer might think you are in trouble and need help.
· You may have witnessed a crime.
If you are stopped by the police while driving, you may feel confused, anxious or even angry. These are natural feelings, but remember, traffic stops can also be stressful and dangerous for the police officer. Each year, a number of law enforcement officers are killed or seriously injured while making the "routine" traffic stop. Police officers are especially vulnerable during the hours of darkness.
With this in mind, there are things that you, as a law abiding citizen, can do to help lessen the uneasiness of the experience. Remember: Be courteous and cooperative in any stop by the police. If you are courteous and cooperative, they will respond in kind. PA Vehicle code section 3325 requires that all drivers shall yield the right of way to emergency vehicles. Drivers are to immediately pull over parallel to the nearest edge, stop and remain in a stopped position until the emergency vehicle has passed.
What to do when an officer stops you:
When you see the red and blue overhead lights and/or hear the siren, remain calm, slow down and pull over in a safe location off the roadway. Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. This is for safety reasons. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them. Inform the officer of any weapons in your vehicle and their location. Do not reach or point to the location. Avoid any sudden movements, especially toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle. Comply with the officer's request to see your drivers' license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Pennsylvania law requires you to carry these with you. If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them. If there are passengers in your vehicle, encourage them to remain quiet and cooperate with instructions. You, as the operator, are solely responsible for your vehicle and its occupants. Avoid becoming argumentative. Arguing will not change the officer's mind. If you contest the violation, you will have an opportunity to address the matter in court. Answer all questions truthfully. The officer may issue you a ticket. If you feel the reason is vague or unclear, politely ask the officer for details. If asked to sign a citation, do so. It is not an admission of guilt. You have the right to politely deny a request by a police officer to search your car; however, if probable cause is present, the officer has the right to search your vehicle without your consent. Understand that each situation is unique and the police officer must alter his or her response to fit the circumstance.
Generally, however, a police officer:
• Will provide his/her name upon request
• Will inform a person of the reason for being stopped
• Will only arrest a person for a crime committed in the officer's presence, or when the officer has probably cause to believe the person has already committed the crime.
Questions/Compliments/Complaints:
If you have a question about procedures or a complaint about your treatment, contact the department and ask to speak with a supervisor. You may also send a letter of compliment if you feel the officer was particularly helpful in your situation. Compliments or complaints about officer conduct should be made within a reasonable time.
