Greensboro Police Department Frequently Asked Questions
General
How do I get a copy of a police report?
Police reports can be obtained 24 hours a day from the Southern Operations Center (Kitchen Operations Center) at 2602 South Elm-Eugene St. The phone number is 373-2496.

Reports may also be obtained at Police Records, or any of the division substations:

Police Records
300 West Washington St. Phone: 373-2435

Eastern Operations Substation
1106 Maple St. Phone: 574-4035

Western Operations Substation
300 South Swing Rd. Phone: 373-2637

I called 911 to report a vehicle break-in, but an officer didn't respond. Why?
Greensboro Police officers must use their limited resources in the most effective way. That means focusing manpower on urgent calls where serious injury or death is imminent, on calls where a suspect is still on the scene, or on calls where there is an opportunity for evidence collection. Most often, vehicle break-ins fail to meet any of those criteria, so the calls are forwarded to the GPD's Telephone Response Unit. After reporting your vehicle break-in to the TRU, you will receive a police report, which you may forward to your insurance company. Learn more about what happens when you call 911.

How do I retrieve a towed car?
You must bring a current registration or title and picture identification to Police Records, 300 W. Washington Street. A $20 administrative fee must be paid at Police Records. You will then be given a claim ticket and the location of the towing company where your vehicle is stored. The towing company’s fees are separate and must be paid directly to the company.

How do I get property back that was taken as evidence?
Evidence is located at 300 S. Swing Road. The office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 pm. To retrieve evidence, you must have a court order or written authorization from the arresting officer or detective in the case. Bring a photo ID and the case number to Evidence. If you are picking up a car, gun, or money, please call in advance. The number is 373-2427.

Where do I go to have fingerprints taken?
The Greensboro Police Department Lab at 300 W. Washington Street conducts fingerprinting for the public every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon between 2-4 pm. There is a $10 charge. Police Records will collect the fee and direct you to the lab.

How do I get a criminal background check performed on someone?
Certified criminal background checks / reports can be obtained in room U10 of the Guilford County Courthouse. There is a $25 fee for this service. Bring a picture ID and have enough information about the individual (such as date of birth or address) that would allow us to search our files.

How do I find out if someone is a sex offender?
You may go to the NC State Bureau of Investigation website to view the Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry. If you do not have access to a computer, you may access one at any location of the Greensboro Public Library. You may also contact the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department for assistance, as they maintain a list of all sex offenders in the county.

Other Areas of Interest

Alcohol

What is the minimum age to purchase alcohol in North Carolina?
The legal age to purchase alcohol is 21. It is against the law for anyone younger than 21 to buy or to attempt to buy alcohol.

Animal Control

What is the number to the Animal Shelter?
Guilford County Animal Control - 641-5990
Animal Shelter - 373-3794

City Code Enforcement

How do I report abandoned motor vehicles and / or overgrown yards?
Call the Inspections Division of the Engineering and Inspections Department at 373-2111.

Court

How do I find out my court date?
Contact the Guilford County Clerk of Court’s office. The phone number is 574-4307. Or you can search for your court date here.

Why am I being subpoenaed?
If you are subpoenaed, it's usually because you were a victim or a witness in a criminal case. For additional information, contact the District Attorney’s office at 574-4313.

I was in court. Why do I have an Order for Arrest for failing to appear?
Reasons vary but it is advisable to go in person to the Clerk of Court’s office in Room UG-50 of the Guilford County Courthouse. There may have been more than one court date for additional charges.

I missed my court date. Now what do I do?
If you missed your court date, there may be an order for arrest issued by the court and the Clerk of Court’s office. If you live in the county, it will be sent to the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Squad for service. If you live within the city limits of Greensboro, the order for arrest will be sent to the Greensboro Police Department Warrant Squad for service. A notification letter will be sent to you informing you of the issuance of the paper so that you may come down to the magistrate’s office for service.

Domestic

Where do I get a Domestic Violence Protection Order (50-B) and how is that handled?
During normal business hours, 50-B orders can be obtained at the Guilford County Courthouse from a magistrate in the 50-B office. After hours and on weekends, they can be obtained in emergency situations from the magistrate’s office located in the lower level of the Guilford County Jail.

My child’s (father / mother) has failed to return the child as we had agreed upon.
Child custody issues are normally civil matters. Unless a parent has a court order with specific directions from the court on who has custody, then either parent may assume custody of the child, take the child wherever they wish and for any period of time. The fact that the parents of the child are not married does not matter as long as both are the legitimate parents of the child. Law enforcement may only assist in locating and returning the child to a parent when there is a valid court order and there is a clear violation of that order.

Why have my child support papers not been served?
Most child support matters / papers are handled and served by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department Warrant Squad. The phone number is 641-3735.

Could an officer stand by while I move out of my residence due to a problem with the current resident / landlord?
You may call 373-2222. They will put a call in the system for a car to be dispatched to your location for an escort.

How do I get someone out of my house?
If the person has been staying there, you may have to formally evict him / her. That process can be handled by a magistrate in the Guilford County Courthouse. If the person has not been staying there, we may need to forward your call to the communications center for call / car dispatch in reference to a trespasser.

How do I get my property from someone who is keeping it from me?
If this situation is due to a recent breakup of a relationship and you are moving out, a car may need to be dispatched in reference to a clothing / property escort. However, if the property in dispute had been of a long-term nature, this could possibly be an action that must be taken care of in civil court. You would need to see the civil magistrate in the Guilford County Courthouse.

Guilford County

What is the number to the courthouse / magistrate / jail / Sheriff's Department?
Magistrate: 574-4310
District Attorney: 574-4313
Clerk of Court: 574-4307
Guilford County Courthouse: 334-4187

Sheriff’s Department:
Jail (Desk): 641-6726 / 641-3846
Jail (Booking): 641-4524
Records: 641-3138
Warrant Repository: 641-7682
Warrant Squad: 641-3735

I know someone who was just arrested. How do I find out what their bond is and get them out of jail?
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department Jail Desk number is 641-6726 or 641-3846. They can provide the information.

What is the phone number for Probation and Parole?
334-5716

Guns

How do I get a gun permit?
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department handles all licensing pertaining to guns. They are located at 401 W. Sycamore St.

Juvenile

At what age is a person considered an adult?
A person is considered an adult at the age of 18. Parents / legal guardians are responsible for persons until they reach the age of 18. However, if a 16-year-old or 17-year-old commit a crime, they are processed and handled in the court system as an adult.

What do I do about my teenager / juvenile who will not go to school and will not cooperate with me?
You may contact our Juvenile Services Division at 373-2255. They will be able to advise you on what avenues to take in order to get further assistance.

The neighbor’s kids always have bruises on them. I suspect that the parents are are hitting them. What is abuse or neglect?
Neglect may be lack of food, clothing or shelter as well as lack of supervision or medical care. Abuse may be defined as physical or sexual abuse. Physical abuse could be hitting or striking the child causing bruising or injury by other than accidental means. Sexual abuse may involve improper or immoral acts with the child. This list is not all inclusive of examples of abuse or neglect. The Department of Social Services is the primary agency responsible for investigating allegations of abuse or neglect. The telephone number for Child Protective Services to report abuse or neglect is 641-3795.

Mental Health

A family member needs mental health treatment. What are my options?
The police cannot forcibly take an individual to mental health unless it is an emergency situation where the person is a danger to himself / herself or others. If you feel the situation is grave enough, you may need to petition the Guilford County Magistrate for an emergency commitment order. This is done in the Guilford County Courthouse between 8 am and 5 pm. After hours, this can be in the magistrate’s office in the lower level of the Guilford County Jail. Once the orders have been issued, a car will be dispatched for service and assistance.

Parking

Can I contest a parking ticket?
For questions regarding parking tickets, you may contact parking enforcement at 373-2648.

How can I get a zone one or two permit?
In congested parking areas where residents sometimes park on the street, around the universities for example, zone one or two parking permits may be issued. These allow residents to park over the allotted time on signs, without being ticketed. There is no cost, but residents must provide proof they live in the area, along with a current driver’s license and registration card. These permits expire yearly on June 30. They are issued by Police Records, located at 300 W. Washington St.

Permits

Where can I get a license or permit to panhandle?
Panhandling licenses can be obtained through the City of Greensboro Collections office at 373-2501. Panhandling license enforcement is managed by the Police Department 373-2222.

Who do I contact to apply for a parade permit or permit to temporarily close a City street?
For parade permits or temporary street closing permits, call Josh Sherrick with Special Events at 315-8301.

Traffic

Where do I find information on getting a NC driver’s license or getting my vehicle registration switched to NC?
On this website you will find information on obtaining a NC driver’s license, as well as all requirements for a driver’s license, including a copy of the Driver’s Handbook in English and Spanish. There is a separate handbook for obtaining a motorcycle license also on this site. Our local DMV office should also be able to provide you with a copy of these handbooks.

Driver’s License Offices:

2527 East Market Street, 27401
334-5745 (Monday-Friday)

2391 Coliseum Blvd., 27403
334 5438 (Monday-Friday)

Vehicle & License Plate Renewal Offices:

2248 Golden Gate Shopping Center, 27405
379-7980 (Monday- Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)

5551 Guilford Shoppes Station, 27409
856-1510 (Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)

What is the Child Safety Seat Law?
According to the NC Child Passenger Safety (CPS) law, children are required to be in a booster seat or some other type of child passenger restraint system until they reach eight years of age or 80 pounds, whichever comes first. Most drivers comply by using belt positioning booster seats, but other child restraints with harnesses rated for use over 40 pounds are legal to use as well.

Where can I get my child safety seat checked?
The Greensboro Police Department has several Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. You may contact Community Affairs (373-2636) to find the number of your community resource officer. They can schedule a time and location to have your child seat checked or installed. In addition to the Greensboro Police Department, the following locations are also available:

NC State Highway Patrol District IV Station
2527 E. Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 334-5642 (Appointment Only)

How long does a new resident to NC have before they must get a North Carolina driver’s license?
60 days

Does the Police Department provide traffic counts for residents?
Traffic counts are available for many City streets and intersections from the Greensboro Department of Transportation at 373-2332. If you have a speed complaint, contact the Police Department Special Operations Division at 373-2216.

What can I do about speeding in my neighborhood?
You may contact the Police Department and ask to speak to an officer with the Community Resource Team that works the area in which you live. For a speed complaint on a major artery or highway within the City, you may contact the Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit at 373-2822.

How can I get a speed measuring radar trailer placed in my neighborhood?
Contact your community resource officer, or fill out a request online. For the phone number of your community resource officer, call Community Affairs at 373-2636.

I received a ticket in another county. Can I handle the ticket in my home county, or will I have to travel to the county where I received the ticket?
You must handle the ticket in the county where you received the ticket.

If my license is suspended, where / how do I get it restored?
There are a number of reasons why a person's North Carolina driving privilege may be suspended. The fines and penalties imposed by the court are separate from any action taken by the Division of Motor Vehicles. If your driving privilege in North Carolina is suspended and you wish to find out more information, you may contact DMV by writing to:

NC Division of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Section
Information Services Branch
3114 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-3114

Or

Contact the Clerk of Court in the county in which you have been charged with traffic violations in the
past. If your violations occurred in Guilford County, you may contact:

Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
Guilford County Courthouse
PO Box 3008
Greensboro, NC 27402-3008
574-4302
Fax 334-5020

Why was my vehicle seized when I was arrested for DWI?
In North Carolina, if (1) a person is charged with an impaired driving offense and (2) at the time of the offense the person’s license is already revoked for a prior impaired driving offense, then the law enforcement officer must seize the vehicle even if the driver is not the owner of the vehicle.

What will happen to my vehicle that was seized from a DWI arrest?
Based on certain factors, the court will either (1) return the vehicle to the owner (also known as
"releasing" the vehicle) or (2) transfer ownership of the vehicle to the local school board (also known as "forfeiting" the vehicle). There is also a possibility that the vehicle may be sold prior to the trial on the impaired driving offense. Contact the charging/arresting officer in the matter for specific details in your case.

If I am charged with DWI, what happens if I refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test?
If an officer charges you with driving while impaired (DWI), you will be asked to take a chemical test of your breath or blood. Refusal to perform any required test will result in the immediate revocation of your driver license for at least 30 days and an additional, minimum 12-month revocation by the DMV.

What happens to my license if the breathalyzer is more than .08?
If your intoxication test shows an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more (0.04 or more, if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle), your driving privilege will be revoked immediately for a minimum of 30 days. Additionally, the results of your chemical test or the fact that you refused to take the test will be admissible as evidence in court.

Should a license plate be surrendered when insurance has been discontinued?
A license plate must be surrendered to a license plate office whenever insurance has been deleted for any reason.

Warrants

Has a warrant been served, or do I have a warrant?
Call the warrant squad at 373-2267.

Yesterday I obtained criminal charges against "John / Jane Doe." Why have they not been served yet?
There are over 5,000 legal papers for service held by the Warrant Squad at any given time. The paper will be attempted at the earliest time possible.

*The area code for all numbers listed above is 336 unless otherwise indicated.