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GENERAL

INFORMATION

FAQsHELP! MY CAR WAS TOWEDITEMS OF INTERESTABOUT CPDEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FAQs


What are the Operating Hours of the Police Department?

How do I register a complaint about a Police Officer?

How do I make a report to the police?

How do I get a copy of an accident or police report?

How do I check on the status of my investigation?

How do I arrange a station tour?

How do I get an Order of Protection?

How do I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit?

How do I contact the Animal Control Officer?

Does the Police Department do fingerprints for the Public?

How do I register a bicycle?

Does the Police Department Unlock Vehicles?

Can I leave my car parked in the street more than 24 hours?

Can I have tinted windows on my car or truck?

Can I cover my license plates with a plastic cover to protect them?

Can I walk my dogs in Town Parks?

WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

The uniformed Patrol Division, Traffic Division and Communications Center operate (24) hours a day, (365) days a year. Detectives are available Monday – Friday, 8:00am – midnight. The Records Division is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00pm.

HOW DO I REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT A POLICE OFFICER?

Contact any on duty supervisor. Contact may be in person, by phone, or by mail. You may call our front desk at 716-686-3500 and they can put you in contact with the on duty supervisor at that time.

HOW DO I MAKE A REPORT TO THE POLICE?

Contact the Cheektowaga Police Department’s Communications Center at 911 for emergencies and at 716-686-3500 for non-emergency complaints.

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF AN ACCIDENT OR POLICE REPORT?

Reports may be obtained online via crashdocs.org (Accidents Only) To FOIL a copy of your Police Report, please fill out this form and drop off to the
Records Division. FOIL Form

HOW DO I CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY INVESTIGATION?

You may contact our Detective Bureau at 716-686-3505.

HOW DO I ARRANGE A STATION TOUR?

Station tours for your organization can be scheduled through our Community Crime Prevention Office by calling 716-897-7293.

HOW DO I GET AN ORDER OF PROTECTION?

Orders of Protection may be obtained through the Criminal court as part of an arrest, or through Erie County Family Court. You may go to the court website here.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT?

PISTOL PERMIT INVESTIGATIONS
The Cheektowaga Police Department conducts background investigations for Town Residents applying for a New York State Pistol Permit. To obtain a permit you must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Erie County. You will also need to have taken a Handgun Safety Course and have a certificate of completion.

APPLICATION
The process for obtaining a Pistol Permit begins at Erie County Pistol Permit offices located at 92 Franklin St, Buffalo NY 14202 (716) 858-6600. When you arrive you will be given application forms to take home and complete. The application packet can also be found online at:

http://www2.erie.gov/clerk/sites/www2.erie.gov.clerk/files/uploads/pdfs/EC%20Pistol%20Application%20Packet.pdf

Permit Reference Form

REFERENCES
When filling out your application you will be instructed to provide four (4) character references. These references must reside in Erie County and CANNOT be relatives of yours, or employees of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. Furthermore, the Town of Cheektowaga also requires that all four references be residents of the Town of Cheektowaga. If you need to use references outside of the Town of Cheektowaga you will need to obtain written approval from The Cheektowaga Police Department before submitting your application. A written request explaining how many outside references you need and the reasons why must be submitted to the Cheektowaga Police Department at 3223 Union Rd. Cheektowaga NY 14227 Attn: Pistol Permit Investigations. Upon approval of your request, Erie County Pistol Permit will be notified and your application can then be submitted. Questions regarding references can be directed to the Departments Pistol Permit Secretary at (716) 686-3976.

After your application is completed you must return it to Erie County Pistol Permit Offices where you will then be given further instructions on where to obtain the required fingerprints. Fingerprints for Pistol Permits CANNOT be taken at Cheektowaga Police Headquarters. After processing your application, it will be sent to the Cheektowaga Police Department for investigation.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The persons you selected as references will be sent a Pistol Permit Reference Form. This form must be completed, notarized, and returned to the Cheektowaga Police Department. When all four (4) forms are returned, your application will be assigned to a Police Detective for investigation.

You will receive a phone call from the Detective conducting your investigation. After interviewing you, the detective will complete his investigation and submit it to his supervisor for approval. Once approved, your application will be returned to Erie County Pistol Permit Offices.

JUDICIAL APPROVAL

After being returned to Erie County, your permit will be submitted to a Licensing Judge for consideration. You will be notified via mail of your approval or denial and if approved you will then be able to purchase and/or co-register a handgun.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER?

The Animal Control Officer may be reached by calling 716-686-3525

DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DO FINGERPRINTS FOR THE PUBLIC?

No- we do not have fingerprinting available to the public.

HOW DO I REGISTER A BICYCLE?

Registrations can be handled by contacting the Bike Patrol Unit/Afternoon Patrol Lieutenant.

DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNLOCK VEHICLES?

Under certain circumstances, the Cheektowaga Police Department may unlock vehicles. Persons in need of assistance may contact the Police or may directly contact AAA Road Service if they are an AAA member, a wrecker service, or a locksmith. Spare keys may also be obtained from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.

CAN I LEAVE MY CAR PARKED IN THE STREET MORE THAN 24 HOURS?

Parking is hereby prohibited on all Town highways and county roads in the Town of Cheektowaga for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.

CAN I HAVE TINTED WINDOWS ON MY CAR OR TRUCK?

According to the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law under section 375-12, if you have a 1992 or later model year passenger car or station wagon, the side windows adjacent to AND behind the operators seat must have a light transmittance of SEVENTY PERCENT or greater. If you own a vehicle
classified by the EPA as a truck or light truck ONLY the area BEHIND the operators seat may be tinted with a tint less than seventy percent. These types of vehicles include but are not limited to: SUVs, Mini Vans, Full size vans and Pick up trucks. All types of vehicles 1992 or later, the windows adjacent to the operators seat must have a light transmittance of seventy percent or greater. If your vehicle is older than a 1992 it must conform to a older V&T section which was a light transmittance of greater than thirty five percent. This section was first written in the 1985 era.

What is light transmittance? If clear glass has a light transmittance of 100 percent, than any type of tint or film that is placed on the glass to impede the outside light from transmitting through the glass to the inside would lessen the light transmittance. If half of the light from the outside is blocked by the tint then the light transmittance would be fifty percent.

The rear most window can be tinted to any percentage IF the vehicle is equipped with side rear view mirrors on both sides. Exemptions There is a exemption for medical reasons. More information can be obtained at any DMV office. How do the officers measure the tint? Some patrols carry a tint meter that accurately measures the light transmittance. For more info check the Laws of New York State website.

CAN I COVER MY LICENSE PLATES WITH A PLASTIC COVER TO PROTECT THEM?

According to the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law under section 402-1, number (license) plates “shall not be covered by glass or any plastic material”.

CAN I WALK MY DOGS IN TOWN PARKS

Domestic animals in parks and park approaches

[Amended 4-19-2010; 3-21-2011; 2-6-2012]Dogs shall be permitted in Town parks, except for John C. Stiglmeier Park and Cheektowaga Town Park, subject to the following conditions/limitations:

(1) Dogs must be restrained/hand-controlled by leash (no longer than six feet in length);

(2) No person walking or in charge of any dog in said area(s) shall cause, suffer or allow such dog to soil, defecate on or commit any nuisance in said area (unless said person picks up and properly disposes of the feces in an appropriate container); and

(3) Dogs shall not be permitted on any park lands designated for sport fields and/or in areas immediately adjacent to playground structures.

Dogs shall be permitted in the area designated as the Alexander Walking Path (described as follows: the park area/walking trail area on the east side of Scajaquada Creek west and north of the Alexander Community Center, but not including any area east of the parking lot for the Cheektowaga Recreation Center/Ice Rink building), subject to the conditions and limitations contained in Subsection A(1)(2) and (3) of this section.

HELP! MY CAR WAS TOWED


If your vehicle was towed as a result of Police action, you may need a release.

Police Action may include:

  • Arrest Traffic Ticket (such as not being inspected)
  • Parking Ticket (such as parking over 24 hours)
  • Suspended or Non-Registered Vehicle
  • Abandoned Vehicle
  • Traffic Accident (Release may not be required if released at scene by Officer)

In order to release your vehicle, you may email us your documents, OR, may come to the Police Station Front Desk.

Option 1- Emailed Release

Take a picture or scan the following documents:

  • Registered Owner’s License
  • Current Registration or Title for the Vehicle / Proof of Vehicle Ownership
  • Proof of Valid Insurance on the Vehicle / Current Insurance Card with valid dates

Email the above documents to desk@cpdny.org

After you have emailed the documents, please call 716-686-3510 to confirm they were received and are valid. If you do not have access to email your documents, you must come to the front desk with the same documentation.

Option 2- Stop at the Front Desk

If coming to the Front Desk of the Police Station to obtain a release:

You will need to bring:

  • Proper ID
  • Current Registration or Title for the Vehicle / Proof of Vehicle Ownership
  • Proof of Valid Insurance on the Vehicle / Current Insurance Card with valid dates

What if I don’t have these documents?

Please call the Towing Company to access your vehicle so you may retrieve them.

If someone other than the Registered Owner is claiming the vehicle, a notarized letter giving permission must be provided which includes the vehicle type, license plate and the name of person claiming vehicle.

The Following Towers are uses by the Town of Cheektowaga for Police Towing:

Kwitzers Collision

2514 Harlem Rd

716-894-1355

Suburban Collision 

2288 William St

716-894-0163

Davron Collision

2425 Broadway

716-894-0952

Rusiniaks Towing

2210 Old Union Rd

716-656-8479

First Choice Auto

840 Cayuga Creek Rd

716-861-3602

Just Tow It

3214 Genesee St

716-908-8609

Merj Fleet

1989 Harlem Rd

716-604-2300

Towing Offices are staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays 9:00am to 12:00 noon. They are closed Sundays and legal holidays. Phone numbers for twenty-four hour retrieval are posted. Fee schedule is as follows; all fees are before applicable NYS taxes have been added by the Tower:

WHEREAS, pursuant to said local law, Section 241-3.1.B of the Town Code was amended to provide that rental rates would be established from time to time by Town Board resolution, and
WHEREAS, Section 241-15 was also amended to provide that the Fee schedule (fees to be charged by authorized Town towers) would also be established by the Town Board by resolution from time to time, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the rental rates to be established under Section 241-3.1.B. of the Town Code be and hereby are amended as follows:

CHEEKTOWAGA TOWING RATES
(All hourly rates are based on a portal to portal basis with a 2 hour minimum)

RENTAL RATES PAID BY THE TOWN OF CHEEKTOWAGA

WRECKER/FLATBED (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $175.00/HR
(For vehicles up to 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

WRECKER (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $215.00/HR
(For vehicles 10,001 – 25,999 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

WRECKER (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $325.00/HR
(For vehicles 26,000 – 80,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL TO EXPEDITE SITUATION $109.00/HR

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE TOWING RATES
(For passenger vehicles & light trucks under 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

DAYTIME STANDARD TOW OR FLATBED SERVICE $195.00
(Calls dispatched 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday – Friday)

AFTER HOURS STANDARD TOW OR FLATBED SERVICE $225.00
(Calls dispatched after 11:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. Monday – Friday)

(after hours also applies to weekends and holidays)
TRUCK WITH DRIVER $200,00/HR
WITH ¼ HOUR INCREMENTS OF $50.00

(Only when required.  This applies to clean-ups, winching, recovery, additional labor, etc. for additional time over and above the towing fee)

STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $45.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle dropped in the impound yard)

ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR CERTIFIED MAILINGS $30.00
(Does not include certified letter(s) of ownership and/or lien searches at cost fees)

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE ADDITIONAL CHARGES RATE
(For vehicles under 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R)
ADDDITIONAL PER MILE CHARGE WHEN VEHICLE PICKED UP OR TOWED OUTSIDE OF TOWING ZONE $5.00/MILE
COVER VEHICLE WITH CRASH WRAP  $50.00
COVER ENTIRE VEHICLE $75.00
USAGE OF DOLLY WHEELS, SKATES & GO JACKETS ETC. $25.00

(Only when required)

REMOVE FUEL FROM LEAKING VEHICLE $109.00
(Includes processing fuel afterwards)

PLACE OIL-COOLANT SPILL KIT UNDER VEHICLE $50.00
(Includes Haz-Mat disposal)

DISCONNECT VEHICLES BATTERY(IES) $25.00
PRESSURE WASH TOWING VEHICLE FROM OIL-COOLANT $109.00

LEAK (includes clean-up of ground area after truck cleaning)
SPEEDY DRY PER BAG (COST PLUS 30% MARKUP)
ALL AFTER HOURS VEHICLE OR PROPERTY RELEASES ARE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY & INCLUDE THE FIRST HOUR  $109.00

AFTER HOURS IS OUTSIDE OF NORMAL OFFICE HOURS OF
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MONDAY – FRIDAY
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SATURDAY

(Saturday’s hours have no after-hours charge, but by appointment only)

CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE MEDIUM TOWING RATES
(For vehicles under 10,001 – 25,999 lbs. G.V.W.R.)
HOURLY RATE $215.00/HR
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL PER HOUR $109.00/HR
STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $65.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle is dropped in the impound yard)

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE HEAVY DUTY TOWING RATES
(For vehicles 26,000 lbs. – 80,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)
HOURLY RATE  $325.00/HR
HOURLY RATE WHEN ROTATOR REQUIRED $750.00/HR
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL PER HOUR $109.00/HR
STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $65.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle dropped in impound yard)

 

ABOUT CPD


The Town of Cheektowaga was incorporated in 1839. Cheektowaga comes from the Erie-Seneca Indian word, Ji-ik-do-wah-gah; or, “place of the crabapple tree.” The Towns charter provided for two elected constables to act as law enforcement for what was primarily a rural community.

By Civil War time, railroad lines bisected the Town. The railroad boom that followed brought a new era of development. Constables remained as elected officials until 1901 when they were replaced by Town Board appointed special constables. Rules were adopted to govern their duties.

The 1920’s was a decade of substantial Town growth with the arrival of the Buffalo Airport (1926) and the construction of the new Town Hall (1927). In 1928 the Town established a full time, salaried constable force. Police Districts were created, motorcycle patrols began traffic enforcement, and call boxes and telephones were installed for better communications. The decade ended tragically when Constable John Bauer became the first Cheektowaga Officer to die in the line of duty on January 5th, 1929.

On July 1, 1932, the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department was officially created and established. Charles Wohlford was named Chief of Police. Appointed as patrolman were:

Peter Weber                       Walter Przepiora              Stephen Choinski

Frank Zalenski                   John Bogacki                     Christopher Klenk

Charles Lauer                     William Mendel                 John Huber

John Mersmann                  Louis Kozlowski

From these humble beginnings the Cheektowaga Police Department has grown to a force of 129 sworn officers. The Town is approximately 30 square miles, with a population of nearly 89,000 residents. It is estimated that our daytime population can swell to more than 200,000 due to our large retail, transportation and commercial areas. Answering more than 50,000 calls for service annually makes us one of the busiest Town agencies in all of New York State.

Please enjoy our website, which can acquaint you with each division of the Department and its primary functions. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES


The results from the test held on September 14th, 2019 are now in effect. The next test is anticipated sometime in the Fall of 2022.

Take the Test

The Cheektowaga Police Department hires only from the Erie County Civil Service list. The Civil Service test for Police Officer is given every three years. The candidate must not have reached his/her 35th birthday on or before the date of the written examination. More information is available from the HERE.

Pre-Employment Training Option

For those who are interested in law enforcement as a career, Erie Community College offers a Police Basic Training Program. This program is part of the same Police Academy that sworn Police Officers attend. Graduates of this program, if hired, do not need to attend the full Police Academy; but instead go through a “Phase II” training that is completed in just a few weeks. More information is available by clicking HERE.

Pass the Written Test

Those who pass the Police Officer test are placed on the list for the Police Department in the City or Town in which they live. Candidates must live anywhere in Erie County to be placed on the list for Cheektowaga Police. (Effective March 2016). There is no minimum amount of time a candidate must live at an address before he or she can use it on the application. Candidates must move into Cheektowaga within 6 months of being hired. Those candidates for other jurisdictions who move to a new Town or City must change their address through Erie County Civil Service. Currently, Erie County makes address changes effective the 15th of the month following the date of the address change application. Any updates to this will be noted in the link below. The change of address form is available by clicking Civil Service Law; CSL § 61.1, CSR § 3.6, 4.2

Physical Agility Standards

Sit Up: Muscular endurance (core body)- The score indicated below is the number of bent-leg sit-ups performed in one minute.

Push-up: Muscular endurance (upper body)- The score indicated below is the number of full body repetitions that a candidate must complete without breaks.

1.5 Mile Run: Cardiovascular capacity- The (time) score indicated below is calculated in minutes:seconds.

Background Investigation and Hiring Requirements

Those who indicate on their canvass letter that they are interested in the Police Officer job will undergo a thorough background investigation. This includes verifying that the candidate has the required education:

1. Completion of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university at the time of appointment; OR

2. Completion of 30 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and completion of one year of active duty military service at the time of appointment; OR

3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

In addition, a background check for the Cheektowaga Police Department includes, but is not limited to:

Extensive application, which includes detailing personal interests

Full criminal history, Finger Print Check, Driver’s License Check, Credit check, Interviews with all former employers, Interviews with family and friends

Interviews with former neighbors, partners, etc.

Drug Test, Social Media check, Pre- and Post- employment offer Psychological Exam,
Polygraph Exam, Personal Interview

Documents required for the Background Investigation include, but are not limited to:

Birth certificate, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Selective Service registration/Military Discharge, Marriage Certificate, Transcripts from High School and College, Diplomas from High School and College, Credit Report

Tattoo Policy

In order to preserve a professional appearance and promote confidence in us from the public which we serve, the Cheektowaga Police has adopted an official tattoo and body piercing policy.

Body Piercing / uniformed employees:

While on duty uniformed employees will not have visible body piercing jewelry, including all facial and tongue piercing, with the exception of ear piercing for female uniformed employees as outlined previously. This includes any body piercing visible through the uniform or clothing.

Tattoos / uniformed employees:

A uniformed employee will not have any tattoos, body art or branding on the head, face, neck, scalp or hands. Any visible tattoo, body art or branding that is obscene, advocates or
symbolizes gangs or extremist groups, drug use, or sexual or racial discrimination are not permitted. While on duty, excessive tattooing, body art or branding shall not be exposed or visible (including through uniform or clothing). Excessive is defined as exceeding one third of the exposed body part.

Candidates will be screened during processing at which time a determination will be made as to whether an applicant is in violation of the policy. If a candidate is found to be in violation then that person will have the option of having the tattoo or the visible portion thereof,
removed at their own expense. If a candidate expresses a willingness to have this done, then their application will be placed on hold until the process is completed.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the hiring and selection process lieutenant.

Final Hiring Steps

For those who pass the background investigation and interview process, an offer of employment may be made.

Those who are hired who already have the Police Basic Training will go through a Phase II of Academy training, in the proficiencies not included in the Police Basic course. Those who are hired without this Program will attend the Erie County Central Police Services Training Academy. The Academy is run twice a year; and lasts approximately 20 weeks. It encompasses all NYS mandated topics for Police Train
ing, which includes NYS Penal and Criminal Procedure Law, Physical Fitness training and testing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and much more. Minimum passing scores are required for every subject area.

Once Academy requirements are fulfilled, new officers enter the Cheektowaga Police Department Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. This intense, 16 week program prepares a new officer to work a solo assignment in a safe, skillful, productive and professional manner. Recruit officers are graded every day, on every action they take. The program begins with one week of administrative and practical training. It then moves to five, three week phases during which recruit officers work under the guidance and supervision of Field Training Officers. Every Field Training Officer is New York State certified to be a training officer. These officers guide and supervise recruit officers as they answer calls, learn Departmental policies and procedures; and eventually function as a single officer. The program builds on the foundation of knowledge given at the police academy, creating an environment in which the recruit officer develops new skills as well as increases proficiency in those acquired in the academic setting.

Hiring Steps

1. Take the Test

2. Pre-Employment Training

3. Pass the Test

4. Score Well

5. Background

6. Final Hiring Steps

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

3223 Union Road
Cheektowaga, New York 14227

Phone: (716) 686-3500

911 FOR EMERGENCIES

CHIEF BRIAN F COONS

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Copyright © 2023
Cheektowaga Police Department
All rights reserved.

GENERAL

INFORMATION

FAQsHELP! MY CAR WAS TOWEDITEMS OF INTERESTABOUT CPDEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FAQs


 

What are the Operating Hours of the Police Department?

How do I register a complaint about a Police Officer?

How do I make a report to the police?

How do I get a copy of an accident or police report?

How do I check on the status of my investigation?

How do I arrange a station tour?

How do I get an Order of Protection?

How do I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit?

How do I contact the Animal Control Officer?

Does the Police Department do fingerprints for the Public?

How do I register a bicycle?

Does the Police Department Unlock Vehicles?

Can I leave my car parked in the street more than 24 hours?

Can I have tinted windows on my car or truck?

Can I cover my license plates with a plastic cover to protect them?

Can I walk my dogs in Town Parks?

WHAT ARE THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT?

The uniformed Patrol Division, Traffic Division and Communications Center operate (24) hours a day, (365) days a year. Detectives are available Monday – Friday, 8:00am – midnight. The Records Division is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00pm.

HOW DO I REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT A POLICE OFFICER?

Contact any on duty supervisor. Contact may be in person, by phone, or by mail. You may call our front desk at 716-686-3500 and they can put you in contact with the on duty supervisor at that time.

HOW DO I MAKE A REPORT TO THE POLICE?

Contact the Cheektowaga Police Department’s Communications Center at 911 for emergencies and at 716-686-3500 for non-emergency complaints.

HOW DO I GET A COPY OF AN ACCIDENT OR POLICE REPORT?

Reports may be obtained online via crashdocs.org (Accidents Only) To FOIL a copy of your Police Report, please fill out this form and drop off to the
Records Division. FOIL Form

HOW DO I CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY INVESTIGATION?

You may contact our Detective Bureau at 716-686-3505.

HOW DO I ARRANGE A STATION TOUR?

Station tours for your organization can be scheduled through our Community Crime Prevention Office by calling 716-897-7293.

HOW DO I GET AN ORDER OF PROTECTION?

Orders of Protection may be obtained through the Criminal court as part of an arrest, or through Erie County Family Court. You may go to the court website here.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT?

PISTOL PERMIT INVESTIGATIONS
The Cheektowaga Police Department conducts background investigations for Town Residents applying for a New York State Pistol Permit. To obtain a permit you must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Erie County. You will also need to have taken a Handgun Safety Course and have a certificate of completion.

APPLICATION
The process for obtaining a Pistol Permit begins at Erie County Pistol Permit offices located at 92 Franklin St, Buffalo NY 14202 (716) 858-6600. When you arrive you will be given application forms to take home and complete. The application packet can also be found online at:

http://www2.erie.gov/clerk/sites/www2.erie.gov.clerk/files/uploads/pdfs/EC%20Pistol%20Application%20Packet.pdf

Permit Reference Form

REFERENCES
When filling out your application you will be instructed to provide four (4) character references. These references must reside in Erie County and CANNOT be relatives of yours, or employees of the Erie County Sheriff’s Department. Furthermore, the Town of Cheektowaga also requires that all four references be residents of the Town of Cheektowaga. If you need to use references outside of the Town of Cheektowaga you will need to obtain written approval from The Cheektowaga Police Department before submitting your application. A written request explaining how many outside references you need and the reasons why must be submitted to the Cheektowaga Police Department at 3223 Union Rd. Cheektowaga NY 14227 Attn: Pistol Permit Investigations. Upon approval of your request, Erie County Pistol Permit will be notified and your application can then be submitted. Questions regarding references can be directed to the Departments Pistol Permit Secretary at (716) 686-3976.

After your application is completed you must return it to Erie County Pistol Permit Offices where you will then be given further instructions on where to obtain the required fingerprints. Fingerprints for Pistol Permits CANNOT be taken at Cheektowaga Police Headquarters. After processing your application, it will be sent to the Cheektowaga Police Department for investigation.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The persons you selected as references will be sent a Pistol Permit Reference Form. This form must be completed, notarized, and returned to the Cheektowaga Police Department. When all four (4) forms are returned, your application will be assigned to a Police Detective for investigation.

You will receive a phone call from the Detective conducting your investigation. After interviewing you, the detective will complete his investigation and submit it to his supervisor for approval. Once approved, your application will be returned to Erie County Pistol Permit Offices.

JUDICIAL APPROVAL

After being returned to Erie County, your permit will be submitted to a Licensing Judge for consideration. You will be notified via mail of your approval or denial and if approved you will then be able to purchase and/or co-register a handgun.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER?

The Animal Control Officer may be reached by calling 716-686-3525

DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT DO FINGERPRINTS FOR THE PUBLIC?

No- we do not have fingerprinting available to the public.

HOW DO I REGISTER A BICYCLE?

Registrations can be handled by contacting the Bike Patrol Unit/Afternoon Patrol Lieutenant.

DOES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNLOCK VEHICLES?

Under certain circumstances, the Cheektowaga Police Department may unlock vehicles. Persons in need of assistance may contact the Police or may directly contact AAA Road Service if they are an AAA member, a wrecker service, or a locksmith. Spare keys may also be obtained from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.

CAN I LEAVE MY CAR PARKED IN THE STREET MORE THAN 24 HOURS?

Parking is hereby prohibited on all Town highways and county roads in the Town of Cheektowaga for a period in excess of 24 consecutive hours.

CAN I HAVE TINTED WINDOWS ON MY CAR OR TRUCK?

According to the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law under section 375-12, if you have a 1992 or later model year passenger car or station wagon, the side windows adjacent to AND behind the operators seat must have a light transmittance of SEVENTY PERCENT or greater. If you own a vehicle
classified by the EPA as a truck or light truck ONLY the area BEHIND the operators seat may be tinted with a tint less than seventy percent. These types of vehicles include but are not limited to: SUVs, Mini Vans, Full size vans and Pick up trucks. All types of vehicles 1992 or later, the windows adjacent to the operators seat must have a light transmittance of seventy percent or greater. If your vehicle is older than a 1992 it must conform to a older V&T section which was a light transmittance of greater than thirty five percent. This section was first written in the 1985 era.

What is light transmittance? If clear glass has a light transmittance of 100 percent, than any type of tint or film that is placed on the glass to impede the outside light from transmitting through the glass to the inside would lessen the light transmittance. If half of the light from the outside is blocked by the tint then the light transmittance would be fifty percent.

The rear most window can be tinted to any percentage IF the vehicle is equipped with side rear view mirrors on both sides. Exemptions There is a exemption for medical reasons. More information can be obtained at any DMV office. How do the officers measure the tint? Some patrols carry a tint meter that accurately measures the light transmittance. For more info check the Laws of New York State website.

CAN I COVER MY LICENSE PLATES WITH A PLASTIC COVER TO PROTECT THEM?

According to the NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law under section 402-1, number (license) plates “shall not be covered by glass or any plastic material”.

Domestic animals in parks and park approaches

[Amended 4-19-2010; 3-21-2011; 2-6-2012]Dogs shall be permitted in Town parks, except for John C. Stiglmeier Park and Cheektowaga Town Park, subject to the following conditions/limitations:

(1) Dogs must be restrained/hand-controlled by leash (no longer than six feet in length);

(2) No person walking or in charge of any dog in said area(s) shall cause, suffer or allow such dog to soil, defecate on or commit any nuisance in said area (unless said person picks up and properly disposes of the feces in an appropriate container); and

(3) Dogs shall not be permitted on any park lands designated for sport fields and/or in areas immediately adjacent to playground structures.

Dogs shall be permitted in the area designated as the Alexander Walking Path (described as follows: the park area/walking trail area on the east side of Scajaquada Creek west and north of the Alexander Community Center, but not including any area east of the parking lot for the Cheektowaga Recreation Center/Ice Rink building), subject to the conditions and limitations contained in Subsection A(1)(2) and (3) of this section.

HELP! MY CAR WAS TOWED


If your vehicle was towed as a result of Police action, you may need a release.

Police Action may include:

  • Arrest Traffic Ticket (such as not being inspected)
  • Parking Ticket (such as parking over 24 hours)
  • Suspended or Non-Registered Vehicle
  • Abandoned Vehicle
  • Traffic Accident (Release may not be required if released at scene by Officer)

In order to release your vehicle, you may email us your documents, OR, may come to the Police Station Front Desk.

Option 1- Emailed Release

Take a picture or scan the following documents:

  • Registered Owner’s License
  • Current Registration or Title for the Vehicle / Proof of Vehicle Ownership
  • Proof of Valid Insurance on the Vehicle / Current Insurance Card with valid dates

Email the above documents to desk@cpdny.org

After you have emailed the documents, please call 716-686-3510 to confirm they were received and are valid. If you do not have access to email your documents, you must come to the front desk with the same documentation.

Option 2- Stop at the Front Desk

If coming to the Front Desk of the Police Station to obtain a release:

You will need to bring:

  • Proper ID
  • Current Registration or Title for the Vehicle / Proof of Vehicle Ownership
  • Proof of Valid Insurance on the Vehicle / Current Insurance Card with valid dates

What if I don’t have these documents?

Please call the Towing Company to access your vehicle so you may retrieve them.

If someone other than the Registered Owner is claiming the vehicle, a notarized letter giving permission must be provided which includes the vehicle type, license plate and the name of person claiming vehicle.

The Following Towers are uses by the Town of Cheektowaga for Police Towing:

Kwitzers Collision

2514 Harlem Rd

716-894-1355

Suburban Collision 

2288 William St

716-894-0163

Davron Collision

2425 Broadway

716-894-0952

Rusiniaks Towing

2210 Old Union Rd

716-656-8479

First Choice Auto

840 Cayuga Creek Rd

716-861-3602

Just Tow It

3214 Genesee St

716-908-8609

Merj Fleet

1989 Harlem Rd

716-604-2300

Towing Offices are staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturdays 9:00am to 12:00 noon. They are closed Sundays and legal holidays. Phone numbers for twenty-four hour retrieval are posted. Fee schedule is as follows; all fees are before applicable NYS taxes have been added by the Tower:

WHEREAS, pursuant to said local law, Section 241-3.1.B of the Town Code was amended to provide that rental rates would be established from time to time by Town Board resolution, and
WHEREAS, Section 241-15 was also amended to provide that the Fee schedule (fees to be charged by authorized Town towers) would also be established by the Town Board by resolution from time to time, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the rental rates to be established under Section 241-3.1.B. of the Town Code be and hereby are amended as follows:

CHEEKTOWAGA TOWING RATES
(All hourly rates are based on a portal to portal basis with a 2 hour minimum)

RENTAL RATES PAID BY THE TOWN OF CHEEKTOWAGA

WRECKER/FLATBED (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $175.00/HR
(For vehicles up to 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

WRECKER (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $215.00/HR
(For vehicles 10,001 – 25,999 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

WRECKER (INCLUDES OPERATOR) $325.00/HR
(For vehicles 26,000 – 80,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL TO EXPEDITE SITUATION $109.00/HR

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE TOWING RATES
(For passenger vehicles & light trucks under 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)

DAYTIME STANDARD TOW OR FLATBED SERVICE $195.00
(Calls dispatched 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Monday – Friday)

AFTER HOURS STANDARD TOW OR FLATBED SERVICE $225.00
(Calls dispatched after 11:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. Monday – Friday)

(after hours also applies to weekends and holidays)
TRUCK WITH DRIVER $200,00/HR
WITH ¼ HOUR INCREMENTS OF $50.00

(Only when required.  This applies to clean-ups, winching, recovery, additional labor, etc. for additional time over and above the towing fee)

STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $45.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle dropped in the impound yard)

ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR CERTIFIED MAILINGS $30.00
(Does not include certified letter(s) of ownership and/or lien searches at cost fees)

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE ADDITIONAL CHARGES RATE
(For vehicles under 10,000 lbs. G.V.W.R)
ADDDITIONAL PER MILE CHARGE WHEN VEHICLE PICKED UP OR TOWED OUTSIDE OF TOWING ZONE $5.00/MILE
COVER VEHICLE WITH CRASH WRAP  $50.00
COVER ENTIRE VEHICLE $75.00
USAGE OF DOLLY WHEELS, SKATES & GO JACKETS ETC. $25.00

(Only when required)

REMOVE FUEL FROM LEAKING VEHICLE $109.00
(Includes processing fuel afterwards)

PLACE OIL-COOLANT SPILL KIT UNDER VEHICLE $50.00
(Includes Haz-Mat disposal)

DISCONNECT VEHICLES BATTERY(IES) $25.00
PRESSURE WASH TOWING VEHICLE FROM OIL-COOLANT $109.00

LEAK (includes clean-up of ground area after truck cleaning)
SPEEDY DRY PER BAG (COST PLUS 30% MARKUP)
ALL AFTER HOURS VEHICLE OR PROPERTY RELEASES ARE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY & INCLUDE THE FIRST HOUR  $109.00

AFTER HOURS IS OUTSIDE OF NORMAL OFFICE HOURS OF
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. MONDAY – FRIDAY
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SATURDAY

(Saturday’s hours have no after-hours charge, but by appointment only)

CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE MEDIUM TOWING RATES
(For vehicles under 10,001 – 25,999 lbs. G.V.W.R.)
HOURLY RATE $215.00/HR
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL PER HOUR $109.00/HR
STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $65.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle is dropped in the impound yard)

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE HEAVY DUTY TOWING RATES
(For vehicles 26,000 lbs. – 80,000 lbs. G.V.W.R.)
HOURLY RATE  $325.00/HR
HOURLY RATE WHEN ROTATOR REQUIRED $750.00/HR
ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL PER HOUR $109.00/HR
STORAGE PER DAY PER UNIT $65.00/DAY

(One (1) day minimum once vehicle dropped in impound yard)

 

ABOUT CPD


The Town of Cheektowaga was incorporated in 1839. Cheektowaga comes from the Erie-Seneca Indian word, Ji-ik-do-wah-gah; or, “place of the crabapple tree.” The Towns charter provided for two elected constables to act as law enforcement for what was primarily a rural community.

By Civil War time, railroad lines bisected the Town. The railroad boom that followed brought a new era of development. Constables remained as elected officials until 1901 when they were replaced by Town Board appointed special constables. Rules were adopted to govern their duties.

The 1920’s was a decade of substantial Town growth with the arrival of the Buffalo Airport (1926) and the construction of the new Town Hall (1927). In 1928 the Town established a full time, salaried constable force. Police Districts were created, motorcycle patrols began traffic enforcement, and call boxes and telephones were installed for better communications. The decade ended tragically when Constable John Bauer became the first Cheektowaga Officer to die in the line of duty on January 5th, 1929.

On July 1, 1932, the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department was officially created and established. Charles Wohlford was named Chief of Police. Appointed as patrolman were:

Peter Weber                       Walter Przepiora              Stephen Choinski

Frank Zalenski                   John Bogacki                     Christopher Klenk

Charles Lauer                     William Mendel                 John Huber

John Mersmann                  Louis Kozlowski

From these humble beginnings the Cheektowaga Police Department has grown to a force of 129 sworn officers. The Town is approximately 30 square miles, with a population of nearly 89,000 residents. It is estimated that our daytime population can swell to more than 200,000 due to our large retail, transportation and commercial areas. Answering more than 50,000 calls for service annually makes us one of the busiest Town agencies in all of New York State.

Please enjoy our website, which can acquaint you with each division of the Department and its primary functions. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES


The results from the test held on September 14th, 2019 are now in effect. The next test is anticipated sometime in the Fall of 2022.

Take the Test

The Cheektowaga Police Department hires only from the Erie County Civil Service list. The Civil Service test for Police Officer is given every three years. The candidate must not have reached his/her 35th birthday on or before the date of the written examination. More information is available from the HERE.

Pre-Employment Training Option

For those who are interested in law enforcement as a career, Erie Community College offers a Police Basic Training Program. This program is part of the same Police Academy that sworn Police Officers attend. Graduates of this program, if hired, do not need to attend the full Police Academy; but instead go through a “Phase II” training that is completed in just a few weeks. More information is available by clicking HERE.

Pass the Written Test

Those who pass the Police Officer test are placed on the list for the Police Department in the City or Town in which they live. Candidates must live anywhere in Erie County to be placed on the list for Cheektowaga Police. (Effective March 2016). There is no minimum amount of time a candidate must live at an address before he or she can use it on the application. Candidates must move into Cheektowaga within 6 months of being hired. Those candidates for other jurisdictions who move to a new Town or City must change their address through Erie County Civil Service. Currently, Erie County makes address changes effective the 15th of the month following the date of the address change application. Any updates to this will be noted in the link below. The change of address form is available by clicking Civil Service Law; CSL § 61.1, CSR § 3.6, 4.2

Physical Agility Standards

Sit Up: Muscular endurance (core body)- The score indicated below is the number of bent-leg sit-ups performed in one minute.

Push-up: Muscular endurance (upper body)- The score indicated below is the number of full body repetitions that a candidate must complete without breaks.

1.5 Mile Run: Cardiovascular capacity- The (time) score indicated below is calculated in minutes:seconds.

Background Investigation and Hiring Requirements

Those who indicate on their canvass letter that they are interested in the Police Officer job will undergo a thorough background investigation. This includes verifying that the candidate has the required education:

1. Completion of 60 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university at the time of appointment; OR

2. Completion of 30 semester credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and completion of one year of active duty military service at the time of appointment; OR

3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

In addition, a background check for the Cheektowaga Police Department includes, but is not limited to:

Extensive application, which includes detailing personal interests

Full criminal history, Finger Print Check, Driver’s License Check, Credit check, Interviews with all former employers, Interviews with family and friends

Interviews with former neighbors, partners, etc.

Drug Test, Social Media check, Pre- and Post- employment offer Psychological Exam,
Polygraph Exam, Personal Interview

Documents required for the Background Investigation include, but are not limited to:

Birth certificate, Driver’s License, Social Security Card, Selective Service registration/Military Discharge, Marriage Certificate, Transcripts from High School and College, Diplomas from High School and College, Credit Report

Tattoo Policy

In order to preserve a professional appearance and promote confidence in us from the public which we serve, the Cheektowaga Police has adopted an official tattoo and body piercing policy.

Body Piercing / uniformed employees:

While on duty uniformed employees will not have visible body piercing jewelry, including all facial and tongue piercing, with the exception of ear piercing for female uniformed employees as outlined previously. This includes any body piercing visible through the uniform or clothing.

Tattoos / uniformed employees:

A uniformed employee will not have any tattoos, body art or branding on the head, face, neck, scalp or hands. Any visible tattoo, body art or branding that is obscene, advocates or
symbolizes gangs or extremist groups, drug use, or sexual or racial discrimination are not permitted. While on duty, excessive tattooing, body art or branding shall not be exposed or visible (including through uniform or clothing). Excessive is defined as exceeding one third of the exposed body part.

Candidates will be screened during processing at which time a determination will be made as to whether an applicant is in violation of the policy. If a candidate is found to be in violation then that person will have the option of having the tattoo or the visible portion thereof,
removed at their own expense. If a candidate expresses a willingness to have this done, then their application will be placed on hold until the process is completed.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the hiring and selection process lieutenant.

Final Hiring Steps

For those who pass the background investigation and interview process, an offer of employment may be made.

Those who are hired who already have the Police Basic Training will go through a Phase II of Academy training, in the proficiencies not included in the Police Basic course. Those who are hired without this Program will attend the Erie County Central Police Services Training Academy. The Academy is run twice a year; and lasts approximately 20 weeks. It encompasses all NYS mandated topics for Police Train
ing, which includes NYS Penal and Criminal Procedure Law, Physical Fitness training and testing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operations, and much more. Minimum passing scores are required for every subject area.

Once Academy requirements are fulfilled, new officers enter the Cheektowaga Police Department Field Training Officer (FTO) Program. This intense, 16 week program prepares a new officer to work a solo assignment in a safe, skillful, productive and professional manner. Recruit officers are graded every day, on every action they take. The program begins with one week of administrative and practical training. It then moves to five, three week phases during which recruit officers work under the guidance and supervision of Field Training Officers. Every Field Training Officer is New York State certified to be a training officer. These officers guide and supervise recruit officers as they answer calls, learn Departmental policies and procedures; and eventually function as a single officer. The program builds on the foundation of knowledge given at the police academy, creating an environment in which the recruit officer develops new skills as well as increases proficiency in those acquired in the academic setting.

Hiring Steps

1. Take the Test

2. Pre-Employment Training

3. Pass the Test

4. Score Well

5. Background

6. Final Hiring Steps

CHEEKTOWAGA POLICE DEPARTMENT

3223 Union Road
Cheektowaga, New York 14227

Phone: (716) 686-3500

911 FOR EMERGENCIES

CHIEF BRIAN F COONS

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Cheektowaga Police Department
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