Frequently Asked Questions

According to the California Attorney General's Office Victims' Services Unit, you can be a victim of a hate crime if you have been targeted because of your:

• Race or ethnicity
• Nationality
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Physical or mental disability
• Your association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

If you are a victim of a hate crime or you have witnessed a hate crime, please report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the call comes during the incident or after, please call 911 and be prepared to relay the following information:

• Your injuries: Medical assistance will be called to assist if needed.
• The specifics of the crime: What happened? Who, what, where, when.
• What was said? Tell the dispatcher and the responding officer if the suspects used words that indicate a hate crime.
• Were any weapons involved? Please describe the gun, knife, etc. in as much detail as possible.
• Description of the suspects: Age, race, ethnicity, height, weight and clothing. Any unusual or defining characteristics: Scars, marks, tattoos, piercings, speech pattern, etc.
• Suspect vehicle description: Color, make, model, vehicle license plate number.
• Direction of travel: Which way did they leave the scene?

Even if you believe them to be insignificant, your information is vital to increasing public safety for all who live in your community. Calling 911 immediately helps us to:

• Prevent further harm or violence
• Collect evidence before it is destroyed
• Interview witnesses who can assist with convictions
• Apprehend suspects so they do not victimize others
• Warn the community of hate crime activity in the area through social media and alerts
• Increase patrols in the area.

The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety's LGBTQIA+ Liaison serves as the direct contact point for internal RPDPS staff members and out in the community. Increasing safety for all, the liaison can be reached at the numbers provided. The RPDPS LGBTQIA+ Liaison duties include:

• Working closely with the LGBTQIA+ community on a variety of community-related events and issues
• Attending meetings and maintaining relationships with LGBTQIA+ community organizations
• Coordinating multi-governmental agency responses to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community
• Facilitating RPDPS participation in LGBTQIA+ related events throughout the region
• Acting as a Liaison between staff and Human Resources to assist with LGBTQIA+ related Issues/concerns
• Working with Training Coordinators to ensure LGBTQIA+ professional development
• Assisting with LGBTQIA+ social media messaging and educational outreach for public safety

You can access victim resources here.

Permits are valid from January 1st through December 31st. Permits are renewed annually.

New permits will be prorated for the first year on a quarterly basis.

Up to three (3) permits may be purchased per residence, and no more than one permit shall be issued per motor vehicle (with valid DMV registration).

To accommodate special events such as family gatherings and other temporary events, the City may issue “Temporary Parking Permits” to residents within a residential parking permit area. Any resident with a residential parking permit area can apply for a “Temporary Parking Permit at City Hall. A Temporary Parking Permit shall be valid for a maximum period of 14 calendar days and must include the following information:

• The residential parking permit area.
• The dates for which it is valid.
• The address of the residence associated with the temporary parking permit
• The printed name
• The fee is $5.00

No, the permit program only uses hangtags.

A permit holder is not guaranteed a parking space and is not exempt from other traffic controls and regulations existing in the residential permit parking area. Permit holders must comply with all City and State vehicle code requirements. Citations may be issued for violations, including, but not restricted to, the following:

• Parked in excess of the time limit, and permit is not properly displayed.
• Parked in a driveway, and the back end (or front end) protrudes onto the sidewalk.
• Parked facing the wrong direction.
• Parked in front (blocking) a driveway.

The rules of the residential permit program have been established for consistent and equitable use of the permits and parking in the area. In order to achieve the objective, the officers will follow the rules of the program and city any vehicle not displaying a residential permit. Citations are eligible for review based on set criteria for permit holders. There is no guarantee citations will be dismissed because the contestant has purchased a permit.

A petition supporting the addition or removal needs to be signed by 65% of the residents and approval is then a matter of the City Council determination.

The minimum age to legally ride an electric scooter is 16 with a driver's permit or license.

Helmets are required to be worn by anyone under the age of 18. Helmets are strongly encouraged for individuals 18 and over.

Yes, bicyclists must obey stop signs and red signal lights. 

Bicycle lanes are sometimes painted a bright green color to increase visibility and driver awareness.

An E-bike is an electric bicycle, which is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The maximum speed of an E-bike is 20 MPH for Type 1 and Type 2 and 28 MPH for Type 3.

See the chart below for an explanation of the three classes of E-bikes and how they compare to bicycles and mopeds.

	VEHICLE SPECS		USER REQUIREMENTS
VEHICLE TYPE	PEDAL OPERATED	MAXIMUM MOTOR-ASSISTED SPEED (MPH)	MINIMUM AGE (YEARS)	DRIVER'S LICENSE	LICENSE PLATE	HELMET
BICYCLE	YES	N/A	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 1 E-BIKE	YES	20	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 2 E-BIKE	NO	20	N/A	NO	NO	17 & UNDER
TYPE 3 E-BIKE	YES	28	16	YES	YES	YES
MOPED	NO	N/A	16	YES	YES	YES

Yes, per the California Vehicle Code section 21212(a), all bike riders under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while riding a bike. However, when riding a Class 3 E-bike, all riders must wear a helmet regardless of their age.

Pocket Bikes can only be ridden on private property. They can not be ridden in parks, on school property, or on trails, roads, or sidewalks. Failure to comply with the law may result in the bike being impounded. 

Pocket bikes are small motorcycles powered by 40-49cc gasoline engines or electric motors. Pocket bikes meet the definition of a motorcycle as defined by California Vehicle Code 400(a).

Motorized Scooters (With or Without a Seat)

• Driver's license or permit is required
• Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required
• Cannot exceed 15 mph
• Ride in the bike lane, not on the sidewalk
• Ride in the direction of vehicle traffic
• Wear close-toed shoes, reflective gear, and don't text or wear earbuds while riding
• Obey all the rules of the road

More Information

Motorized Bicycles / Mopeds (With or Without Pedals, with an Automatic Transmission)

• Capable of up to 30 mph
• Motorcycle license is required
• DOT-certified motorcycle helmet is required
• Cannot exceed 20 mph
• Insurance might not cover crashes
• (Capable of no more than 20 mph, less than 1000 watt output)
• Rider must be at least 16 years old
• Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet is required

Electric Bicycle Definition and Class Characteristics

Motorized Bicycle Definition

E-bikes:

• Class 1 & 2: No license required
• Class 3: Riders must be at least 16, but no license is required (CVC §21213(a))

E-scooters:

• Yes, you must have a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit and be at least 16 years old to operate an e-scooter in California (CVC §21235(d))

• E-bikes:
  • Class 1 & 2: No minimum age by law, but children should be knowledgeable of the rules of the road
  • Class 3: Minimum age is 16 (CVC §21213(a))
• E-scooters: 
  • Riders must be 16 years of age and obtain a driver’s permit or license

Violating California or local laws (e.g., speeding, riding on sidewalks, riding without a license) can result in citations, fines, and in some cases, impoundment of the device. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Officers can and will enforce these rules for public safety.

Yes. Riders should be proficient in the use of hand signals, just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes knowledge of the signals for turns and lane changes.

• E-bikes:
  • Class 1 & 2: No minimum age by law, but children should be knowledgeable of the rules of the road
  • Class 3: Minimum age is 16 (CVC §21213(a))
• E-scooters: 
  • Riders must be old enough to obtain a driver’s permit or license

Yes. Riders should use hand signals just like bicyclists and drivers. This includes signaling for turns and lane changes.

You can utilize our online portal to file non-emergency incident reports, including non-injury traffic accidents.

Non-emergency incident reporting

Noise violations can occur at any hour and may include noise sources such as music, voices, social gatherings, leaf blowers, construction, etc. You can report noise violations at (707) 584-2600.

If you accidentally call 911, do not hang up the phone. Stay on the line and tell the operator what happened. The operator will need to know exactly where you are so the police can verify that the 911 call was accidental.

Property will only be released to its rightful owner. To retrieve property, you must show photo ID and pay any applicable fees. Release hours are by appointment only. Please call (707) 584-2600 to make an appointment.

Not at this time. Livescan fingerprinting can be completed here in Rohnert Park at Ameriprints. 

Our officers are trained to handle an array of situations calmly and professionally. Follow the directions from officers and remain peaceful even if the interaction ends in an arrest.

• Pull to the right.
• Put the vehicle in park.
• Roll down the window.
• Turn on inside lights.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Expect the officer to engage you respectfully and reciprocate the same.
• Ask before reaching for anything.
• You will be asked to provide a Driver’s License, Registration & Proof of Insurance.
• You may be asked questions about the vehicle and other occupants.
• If weapons are present leave them where they are and notify the officer. Keep your hands visible.
• Notify the officer if injured or medical attention is needed.
• Stay peaceful.

• Expect the Officer to engage you respectfully and reciprocate the same
• Consensual/Casual Contact: Officers contact many people in their community either during routine events or during a call for service. During these encounters, you are free to end the contact and/or not speak with the officer if you choose.
• Detention Stops: In a detention stop the police only need reasonable suspicion to stop/detain an individual. Reasonable suspicion means that there were objectively reasonable circumstances to suspect that the detained individual was involved in or was about to be involved in a crime. If you are being detained, you do not have the legal right to walk or run away or resist in any other manner.
• Answer questions if you want to, or request an attorney.
• Provide any required documents (Driver’s License, insurance, etc.).
• Sign paperwork not admitting guilt.
• Ask the officer clarifying questions in a non-argumentative manner.
• Ask for the officer’s name and badge number if you want.
• Ask for an incident or case number.

Yes, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety has an anonymous crime reporting email. Anonymous reports can also be made via telephone at (707) 584-2677.

Inside the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is a secured drug drop box in which you can place unwanted or expired medications. 

A Public Safety Officer is a Police Officer. A Public Safety Officer is also a Firefighter. Our Public Safety Officers go through both a Police and Fire Academy.

Yes. All fireworks, including safe and sane, are illegal to possess, sell, transport, or utilize within Rohnert Park city limits. 

You may visit our main station lobby during business hours. If an officer is available, they will be able to sign for you.

Graffiti on public property can be reported through GovReach or by calling (707) 584-2600.

Inoperable vehicles parked on city streets can be reported through GovReach or by calling (707) 584-2600. Please be aware that the process to remove a vehicle from the roadway may not be immediate. 

The Department received an ISO Public Protection Classification rating of 2.

Firefighters can and often do get there first, and time is critical in a medical emergency. Our engines respond in addition to the ambulance. 

Time is critical for someone who has experienced a heart attack, injury, or other illness that makes the person stop breathing. The heart and brain have a better chance of full recovery if they receive oxygen in as soon as possible. Without it, a person can suffer irreversible brain damage or death. Our firefighters can use life-saving techniques, including defibrillation, to help prevent death or permanent injury. These life-saving techniques are much more effective the sooner they are provided to the patient.

Yes, our Community Service Officers (CSO) handle animal control-related calls within the City. They respond to calls regarding stray, sick, aggressive, or injured animals. CSOs also investigate reports of animal cruelty and dog bite incidents. 

To report a barking dog, please call us at (707) 584-2600. 

Yes, if you see something that just doesn't seem right, say something. Although police may not be dispatched to the scene, any information you can provide to dispatch is helpful. The details you provide about an individual(s) description, such as approximate height, weight, sex, color of clothing, and distinguishing features, can be used to determine any patterns or connections to other similar events. 

In 1996, California enacted "Megan's Law," which provides the public with photographs and descriptive information on the most serious sex offenders residing in California who have been convicted of committing sex crimes and are required to register their whereabouts with local law enforcement.

No, unless there is an injury or the accident was a hit-and-run. Parties involved may exchange information and contact their respective insurance carriers.