Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of commonly asked questions, and the answer to each question. If you do not find the answer to your question on this page, please call our non-emergency numbers: 641-673-3201 or 641-672-2559.

What is the location of the Oskaloosa Police Department?
The Oskaloosa Police Department is located in the Mahaska County Law Enforcement Center at 214 High Avenue East, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577. Our non-emergency phone number is 641-672-2557. We are open 24 hours-a-day, everyday.

Is the Oskaloosa Police Department currently hiring?
For information regarding personnel openings with the Oskaloosa Police Department, or any other city department, please contact the City Clerk's Office, 220 South Market Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577, phone 641-673-9431

I need to be fingerprinted for a job application, professional license or other personal reason, will the Oskaloosa Police Department do this?
No. However, Mahaska County Sheriff's Office Jail Staff will fingerprint individuals. There is a fee charged for this service and you will need to bring cash and all the fingerprint forms with you for your particular needs. Call 641-672-2591 for an appointment.

How about fingerprinting children?
Yes, we fingerprint children. The Community Resource Officer offers free public fingerprinting sessions at locations throughout Oskaloosa as part of the community service program. If you have an immediate need for finger printing your child, you may come to the police station Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. If those hours will not work for you, please call the office to arrange an appointment at 641-673-3201 .

Can you tell me the condition of the roads in Central Iowa?
The Iowa State Patrol offers a road report hot-line at 1-800-288-1047 or 511 on your cell phone or  http://www.iowaroadconditions.com .   This service is updated as often as possible during periods of bad weather.

Does the City of Oskaloosa have a severe weather outdoor warning system?
Yes, the emergency outdoor warning system is activated whenever the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Oskaloosa. Additionally, actual sightings of tornadoes by law enforcement personnel or other reliable sources are grounds for activating the warning system, as well as when severe weather is within ten miles of the city limits of Oskaloosa. Two important notes: the system is routinely tested at 2:00 pm on the first Monday of each month from April through October, weather permitting, and we do not issue an "all clear" siren. For additional information, please refer to local radio and television stations - please do not call the police department during severe weather situations - unless you have an actual emergency.

I received an obscene/harassing phone call. What should I do?
If you receive repeated prank phone calls, phone harassment or other calls that might require follow-up with specialized phone equipment, you are urged to contact the telephone company directly. The Qwestdex phone number is 1-800-244-1111 .

What is the phone number for the Mahaska County Sheriff's Department?
You can contact the Mahaska County Sheriff's Department at 641-673-8403 .  If it is an emergency please call 911.

What is the phone number for the Iowa State Patrol in Ottumwa?
You can contact the Iowa State Patrol at 641-682-4589.  They are open 24 hours-a-day, everyday.

How can I obtain a copy of an incident or accident report?
The Records Division of the Oskaloosa Police Department will provide copies of reports for insurance companies, etc. for a nominal fee. The office is located at the Police Department, and is open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What happens once I file a written report with the Police Department? Reports of possible crimes are filed as Incident Reports. This written report is used for crime statistics and tracking of cases, which, depending on the nature of the crime, may be assigned to the Investigations Division.

Why do I need a subpoena for the entire report if I was the victim? The Oskaloosa Police Department's reports are considered confidential intelligence information under Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. This is to protect the confidentiality of persons named in the report and to guarantee the information is admissible in court proceedings. The use of the subpoena is protection to all persons concerned. Be aware that many times information is already part of the public record.

Where can I go to obtain an Iowa Driver's License?
The Mahaska County Auto Department offers applications and testing for new and renewing driver's licenses at the Mahaska County Courthouse, 106 South 1st Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa. The phone number is 641-673-9521 . Normal hours of operation for renewal and written test:  Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For car driving testing: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. and Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Motorcycle testing is done on Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and CDL are by appointment only on Tuesday.

Where is the courtroom?
The Iowa Eight A Judicial District operates a courtroom in the Mahaska County Courthouse, 106 South 1 st Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. The courtroom and the Clerk of Court Office are located on the second floor of the courthouse. Call 641-673-7786 for more information.

How can I obtain a restraining order against someone?
There are several ways to obtain a restraining order against someone. You may want to consult with a private attorney, and have them represent you. If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney, you may ask the Legal Aid Services located in Ottumwa by calling 641-683-3166 for assistance. Finally, in cases of domestic abuse, a victim can go directly to the Clerk of Court Office and get assistance with the paperwork.

Where can I pay a City of Oskaloosa parking ticket?
There are a couple of options for payment of city parking violations.  You can mail the fine with the ticket to the address shown on the ticket, but please don't send cash through the mail, or you may pay the fine in person at the Police Department, 214 High Avenue East, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. If you do not pay your ticket(s) in a timely manner, your right to license any and/or all vehicles could be denied to you until such time as the ticket(s) are paid.  If you have further questions regarding payment, or have lost your copy of the ticket, please contact the Records Department at 641-673-3201 .

What if I want to contest a ticket?

If you would like to contest a parking ticket you will need to contact the Oskaloosa Police Department and request that a court date be scheduled. A citation, with a court appearance date, will then be issued to you. This is the time you may plead Not Guilty if you choose, and a trial date will be set. However if you have any questions about your appearance obligations you should contact the Clerk of Court Office in Mahaska County at 641-673-7786 .

I got a parking ticket that I didn't deserve. Do I have to pay it?
You may appeal the parking ticket through the Chief of Police. The situation will be investigated using the Municipal Code as a guide and/or discussing it with the issuing officer. If the appeal is denied by the Chief, and your ticket is unpaid you can request to appear in front of the Magistrate to appeal the ticket. The Magistrate's decision will be final.

Where can I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic tickets are handled through the Clerk of Court Office. If you simply want to pay the ticket, and an appearance is not required, then you can either mail or bring the appropriate copy of the ticket, plus the fine, to the Clerk of Court Office, 106 South 1 st Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577. If the ticket was issued outside of the Oskaloosa area, there should be a corresponding address for the local Clerk of Court Office near the top of the citation. Send the ticket, plus the fine, to that address.

Where can I get information about the city's parking regulations?
If you have a parking problem that needs immediate attention, contact the Police Department at 641-672-2557 or 641-673-3201.  Copies of the Municipal Code, including parking regulations, are available at City Hall offices, or at the Police Department.

What can I do if someone is parked on my property?
If you have an unauthorized vehicle parked on your private property, commercial or residential, you may have the vehicle towed at the owner's expense. There are several towing companies listed in the phone book.

How can I get my towed vehicle out of the impound lot?
Vehicles are impounded for a variety of reasons, such as: violation of the snow ordinance, various arrest procedures, as an abandoned vehicle, or as a traffic hazard.  Fees for towing and storage are the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Depending on the reason for the vehicle being towed, there may also be a parking ticket that the vehicle owner is responsible for.

Was my stray pet picked up by the Animal Control Officer?
All questions concerning animal control, both domestic and native animals, should be directed to the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter. The phone number is 641-673-3991 .

Where can I get information regarding the City of Oskaloosa Noise Ordinance?
You may look at a copy at City Hall offices, or at the Oskaloosa Police Department. The noise ordinance is described in Chapter 9 (9.12.040) of the Code. Basically, the noise ordinance states that no person shall operate a vehicle sound system that can be heard at a distance of one hundred feet or greater from the vehicle or a sound amplification device that can be heard at a distance of one hundred feet or greater from its source. The Chief of Police may grant a temporary variance to this section to facilitate special events.

How can I get a noise variance?
If you anticipate having some activity which might generate a violation of the noise ordinance, you should contact the Chief of Police to ask for a temporary variance. You could be asked to submit a letter described the event, the date and times. There is no fee for obtaining a noise variance. If you are granted a noise variance, it will specify just how loud your event may be and the time(s) you will be allowed to exceed the normal limits. 

What is the City Snow Ordinance and when does it go into effect?
Chapter 10 of the Municipal Code details the provisions of the snow ordinance. The purpose of this law is to ensure that the streets of Oskaloosa can be cleared of snow in an expedient and efficient manner. All snow routes within the city are marked with signs and shall be given top priority. When there is significant snowfall, and the city administration deems it necessary, the snow ordinance will be invoked. Local radio and television stations are notified of this development. Cars left parked on any of the city's streets are subject to ticketing and towing in order to clear the street for the snowplows. Once the snow stops falling and the street is completely plowed (meaning both sides of the street), you may resume parking on the street, as regulated under normal conditions.

When can I use studded snow tires?

Studded snow tires are only allowed on roadways between November 1st and April 1st of each year per state code.

 
I want to know if a friend of mine is in jail at the Mahaska County Law Enforcement Center Jail.
Persons taken into custody by the Oskaloosa Police Department are held temporarily at the County Jail. If the person is an adult, and we have them in custody, we will tell you that information over the phone. We cannot discuss the details of criminal cases over the telephone, or in person, unless it is with the arrested person's legal counsel. We cannot discuss cases involving juveniles with anyone except their legal guardian or legal counsel.

I want to report a missing person. What information do I need?
Technically, a missing person is defined as any individual, of any age, who is missing and is under any proven physical or mental disability, or who is missing under circumstances indicating that his/her physical safety is in danger, or under circumstances indicating the disappearance is not voluntary, or after a catastrophe. In the case of minor children: abducted by a non-custodial parent, or lost. In order to report a missing person, you must appear in person at the police station, complete a detailed description of the missing person, and indicate why you believe the person should be considered missing in the context of the above definition.

Where do I get a license for my vehicle?
Motor vehicles are licensed through the county. You need to go to the Mahaska County Courthouse Treasurer's Department, Motor Vehicle Division. Please contact them at 641-673-4618 for further information.  Be advised that non-payment of parking tickets could result in your not being able to license vehicles until such time as the tickets have been paid at the police department.  

How do I get a certified copy of my driving record?

To receive a certified copy of your driving record you will need to contact the Mahaska County Sheriff's Office at 641-673-4322 . You may also send a written request to the Office of Driver Services, 100 Euclid Avenue, P. O. Box 9204, Des Moines, IA 50306-9204. Their phone number is 515-244-8725 . For more information call the number listed or check their website at Iowa Department of Transportation.

I need to get a dog license. How much does that cost and where do I go to do that?

Dogs are no longer required to have a license.

What kind of regulations are there on dogs in Oskaloosa?

All dogs in Oskaloosa are required to be under their owner's control at all times, generally on a leash or confined in a home or yard.

Does my bicycle need to be licensed with the city? If so where do I need to go to get a license? 

The City of Oskaloosa requires bicycle owners in the community license their bikes.  Licenses cost $1 and can be purchased at the Police Department, 214 High Avenue East, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577. Fill out the Bike Registration form and return with payment to the Police Department.  You will need to know the make, model, type of bike, serial number, speeds, color, and style to complete the registration process. 

We're going to have a parade for the 4th of July down Main Street. Do we need a parade permit?
For any parade that requires the closing of a state highway, you must get the permission of the D.O.T . Resident Engineer. Write a letter to the Chief of Police, 214 High Avenue East, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 stating the reason for the parade, the date and time of the requested street closer and include a map of the parade route. The Chief of Police must then complete an application for the road closing, have a State Patrol Trooper sign it and then mail it to the State Engineer's office in Ottumwa. Parade permits can take up to six weeks to be approved so you must do it early to ensure that you will be allowed to have the parade.

People are knocking on my door selling magazines. They are very rude and can't take no for an answer. Is it legal for them to sell door-to-door?

The city of Oskaloosa requires transient merchants to be registered with the City Clerk's Office. Call the City Clerk's Office at 641-673-9431 or the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641-673-3201 to ascertain if the group knocking on your door has done so. If they are causing problems for you or harassing you, a visit by an Oskaloosa police officer may be warranted.

How do I make a complaint against the Oskaloosa Police Department or one of its' officers?

Should you have a concern or wish to make a formal complaint, please do not hesitate to contact the Chief of Police at 641-672-2559. Formal complaint forms are always available at the Police Department reception area. Calls reference complaints will be returned as soon as possible by supervisory personnel.

Why can't I have window tint on my car windows?

The state law forbids window tint which does not allow at least 70% light to pass through the window. This law increases traffic safety by allowing drivers to see with adequate light levels during the hours of darkness. An additional benefit is allowing police officers to safely approach vehicles during traffic stops. For further information, see the Iowa Administrative Code 761-450.1(321). Oskaloosa Police Department Officers have a tint meter which measures this light.

I would like to have an officer talk to my neighbors and me about crime prevention. Is that possible?

The Oskaloosa Police Department has a Community Service Officer who can set up presentations on a variety of topics to groups. Tours of the Police Department may also be arranged. Call the Community Service Office at 641-673-3201 to arrange for a speaker or tour.

Do you unlock vehicles?

The Oskaloosa Police Department does not generally unlock vehicles. The only exception is an emergency situation such as a child locked inside a running vehicle. This is due to the increasing complexity of car security systems and side-impact airbags, and attempts to open may cause damage to vehicle or injury to an officer. Please contact a locksmith to open vehicles. The Police Department does keep a list of locksmiths. Call 641-673-3201 if you need help locating one.

What are the seatbelt rules for children?

A child under the age of one year and weighting less than 20 pounds who is being transported in a motor vehicle subject to registration which has a gross weight of ten thousand pounds or less as specified by the manufacturer, except a school bus or motorcycle, shall be secured during transit in a rear facing child-restraint seat which meets federal motor vehicle safety standards and the system shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions anywhere in the vehicle.  Childen between the ages of one and six years of age and weighing more than 20 pounds must be in a child-restraint seat (facing to the front or rear) which meets federal motor vehicle safety standards and the system shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions anywhere in the vehicle.  Children between the ages of six and eleven years of age must wear a safety belt or use a child restraint seat anywhere in the vehicle.

How old does my child have to be not to be in a child seat?

All children under six years of age much be in a child-restraint seat. Those between the ages of six and eleven must wear a safety belt or use a child restraint seat anywhere in the vehicle.

How do I check to see if someone in Oskaloosa is a registered sex offender?

You can check by logging onto the website www.familywatchdog.us.  This website will allow you to enter your address and then will locate the most current address listed of any registered sex offenders in your neighborhood.  It also provides a list of those registered sex offenders showing the distance that they live from your residence. State law does prohibit offenders from living within 2000 feet of any school (built before 2000) or day care.  You can also make a request in writing on a form available at any sheriff's office or police department. The request must include the name and one of three identifying factors; (date of birth, social security number, or address) of the person on whom information is being sought.

Is it possible to have criminal background checks on my employees?

Yes, it is possible to have criminal background checks done on employees, however the Oskaloosa Police Department cannot share criminal history information. If you or your business needs criminal background checks, State Law allows only the Division of Criminal Investigation to process checks. The Division of Criminal Investigation is based out of the Wallace Building at the State Capitol. The department has the forms that you can pick up and fill out. The cost is $13 for each surname that you would like to check. Be advised that without a signed waiver by the person you are attempting to have a background check done on you will not receive anything on any arrest over 18 months old without a disposition.   

How do I get a permit to purchase a handgun?

The Annual Permit to Acquire Pistols or Revolvers is issued by the Mahaska County Sheriff's office. They can be contacted at 641-673-4322 .

I want to ride my golf cart around town.  Is that possible?

Ordinance 10.42.020 specifies that a person must have a valid drivers license to operate a golf cart.  Instruction permits and school licenses do not qualify.  Carts can be driven on some city streets between sunrise and sunset.  Call for a list of those streets.  Any cart operating on a street must be equipped with adequate breaks, a slow moving-vehicle sign that is located on the back of the cart and clearly visible from 500 feet. It must be mounted in the center of the vehicle 2-6 feet above ground. It must also have a bicycle flag that is triangle in shape, orange or lime green in color, and must extend at least five feet above ground.  Carts must yield the right-of-way to other motor vehicles at all uncontrolled intersections and drive as close as practical to the right-hand edge of any street.  No golf cart may be parked on a city street.  If you have any questions, call us at 641-672-2559.

If you have questions or comments that haven't been covered in this FAQ, please let us know.  Call us at 641-672-2559 or send us an e-mail at:

jake.mcgee@oskaloosaiowa.org or mary.barnard@oskaloosaiowa.org