FAQs • Hampton Township, PA • CivicEngage

How do I report suspicious or criminal activity?: Anytime you observe suspicious or illegal events or suspect the occurrence of one while in the Township of Hampton, you should report the incidents to the Hampton Township Police Department. Always contact the police as soon as you discover a crime has been committed or is in the process of being committed. Never assume that another observer will make the call, or that there is time to talk the event over with friends and family. Call the police immediately to insure the most effective response to the problem. If the incident has just occurred or requires emergency response to protect life and property, call 911. For more information, visit our webpage about suspicious activity.

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Police Department

1. How do I report suspicious or criminal activity?: Anytime you observe suspicious or illegal events or suspect the occurrence of one while in the Township of Hampton, you should report the incidents to the Hampton Township Police Department. Always contact the police as soon as you discover a crime has been committed or is in the process of being committed. Never assume that another observer will make the call, or that there is time to talk the event over with friends and family. Call the police immediately to insure the most effective response to the problem. If the incident has just occurred or requires emergency response to protect life and property, call 911. For more information, visit our webpage about suspicious activity.

2. Have you been a victim of Internet crime?

Then contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Its mission is to serve as a conduit to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding cyber crime. IC3 has developed direct contacts with industry representatives such as online retailers, financial institutions, Internet service providers, and parcel delivery companies to assist in increasing the flow of information to all parties involved with cyber crime. Complaints can be submitted at the IC3 website by anyone who believes they are a victim of Internet crime, or is aware of an attempted Internet crime. Once a complaint is filed, trained analysts will review and research each complaint, disseminating information to the appropriate federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for criminal, civil, or administrative action, as appropriate.

The following types of fraud can be reported to IC3:

Auction Fraud
Counterfeit Checks/Money orders
Credit Card Fraud
Debt Elimination
Escrow Service Fraud
Foreign Lotteries
Internet Extortion
Investment Fraud
Nigerian Letter or "419"
Non-delivery/Non-payment
Pharming
Phishing/Spoofing
Ponzi / Pyramid Scheme
Spam
Spyware/Malware

3. How do I dispose of unwanted medications?: The Hampton Police Department has a collection box for unwanted prescription drugs and medications. Residents of the Township can drop off these medications at the Police Department's lobby located at 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park, PA 15101.
The drop-off is anonymous and no questions will be asked and no names taken -- it is completely confidential. The Drug Box will be emptied as often as needed and disposed of in a safe manner. This will help keep dangerous medications out of our landfills, water supply, and out of the hands of unauthorized users.

4. Does Hampton Township have a fingerprinting program?: Fingerprint service is available for residents or persons who are employed in Hampton Township, for individuals who require fingerprinting for employment, security clearances, travel, adoptions or any other official reason. This service is available Monday through Friday only, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There is a $10 per person fee. Individuals must also provide the required fingerprint card and a photo ID. Questions regarding this service should be directed to the Police Department at 412-486-0400, extension 1317.

5. How do I go about getting a copy of a police report?: Most police records and reports maintained by the Township of Hampton Police Department are accessible to the public by law and can be obtained from the police department by filling out an Open Records Request Form, which can be found on-line. Criminal reports, traffic accident reports, missing person reports, police records, and warrants can all be acquired by stopping by in person at the Hampton Township Police Department main offices during the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM at: 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. You must present a picture ID, such as a valid driver's license, military ID, or passport. There is a processing fee of $5 for an incident report and $15 for an accident report. Copies of the records you requested must be handed directly to the requesting person who must have proper ID. It is a good idea to call first to verify if the report will be released and so that the report will be ready for you when you arrive. Please call the Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400 with any questions.

6. How can I reduce the risk of home burglary?

Burglary is a serious crime to which we all are vulnerable. It is, however, one of the most preventable of crimes. A few simple precautions will greatly reduce the possibility that you will become a victim of this crime. Follow these guidelines to help prevent crime in your home:

Make your home look occupied at all times
Leave interior lights on when you go out for the night and utilize exterior lighting or motion sensitive outdoor lighting
Lock your outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed
Do not allow daily deliveries, such as mail and newspaper, to accumulate. If you are gone, have a neighbor pick up these items for you and arrange to have your lawn cut in the summer and walks cleared in the winter

You should maintain a detailed description as well as the serial numbers of all appliances, tools, radios, televisions, firearms, and other valuables you own. Whenever possible, inscribe or label your valuables with your driver's license number.

The Township of Hampton Police Department offers programs that provide crime prevention techniques you may implement to help protect you and your home. Police officers can also conduct a security check of your home to make sure it is safe.

For more information about home safety programs or to receive a free home safety brochure, contact the Hampton Police Department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday located at:
3101 McCully Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

Or call 412-486-0400.

7. Who is the District Judge and what does the District Judge do?

District Judge Thomas Swan serves the citizens of the Township of Hampton by issuing arrest and search warrants and summons, establishing bonds and bonding out citizens who have been arrested, issuing temporary Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, and giving general advice to citizens on the criminal justice system holding summary hearings and preliminary hearings in more serious criminal violations. The District Judge also accepts payment for Hampton Township Police traffic fines.

The District Judge will also handle any civil complaints up to $8,000.

District Judge Thomas Swan can be found at:
District Court Number 05-3-04
2060 Saxonburg Blvd.
Gibsonia, PA 15044

Or contacted via phone at 724-265-2380.

8. How do I arrange a tour of the Police Department? What does a tour include?

The Township of Hampton Police Department does schedule tours of the facility. Groups of citizens, students, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and other organizations can request a tour of the station. The Hampton Township Police Department is located at:
3101 McCully Road
Allison Park, PA 15101

Next to the Municipal Offices. Tour groups learn about the responsibilities of the station, its personnel, and the assigned equipment through both fun and educational activities. The tour includes computer room, squad room, cell block, Regional Booking Center, police car, weapons room, and other offices. Information is tailored to the group's specific needs and age group.

The department recommends that arrangements should be made at least 3 weeks in advance. To arrange a tour for you or your group, or for additional information, stop by the Hampton Police Department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 412-486-0400.

9. Will the police watch my home while I am on vacation?: The Township of Hampton Police Department offers the residents of Hampton Township a Vacation House Watch Program. Residents may contact the department prior to a vacation or business trip and request that a patrol car make periodic checks of their home while they are away. Simply give the department your name, address, and vacation dates. Be sure to mention what lights you will leave on in the house, what lights you will have set on timers, and what security devices you have to protect your home and an emergency contact number. The department will then patrol your home on the dates you have specified. For more information, contact the Hampton Township Police Department located at: 3101 McCully Road Allison Park, PA 15101 Or call 412-486-0400.

10. How do I file a complaint or commendation?: Commendation Procedure To Commend or Compliment the performance of a Hampton Township Police Department employee, notify the Police Department by calling at 412-486-0400, writing or visiting at: 3101 McCully Road Allison Park, PA 15101 You may also send a commendation or compliment via email. Letters of Commendation from citizens are posted for all department employees to view. The Police Department and its employees appreciate the effort and consideration of concerned citizens who take the time to commend employee performance. Complaint Procedure A person wishing to file a formal complaint should contact a supervisor at the Hampton Police Department. The supervisor will give you a Hampton Township Police Department Citizen Complaint Form, or one can be mailed to you. The complainant will be required to return the complaint in person and sign the form in the presence of a department supervisor. You will be notified by the investigating officer as to the progress of your complaint, and you may be required to supply additional information. Once the complaint has been investigated, you will be notified by mail that the investigation has been completed and advised as to the disposition of your complaint.
More Information

11. What constitutes an abandoned vehicle? How do I report one?: Vehicles that have been abandoned for over 48 hours or do not display current registration and/or inspection can be reported to the Township of Hampton Police Department to be ticketed and or towed. This includes all vehicles in public sight that are inoperable for any reason. Vehicles parked on private property can only be removed by the property owner.

The complainant should contact the Township of Hampton Police Department to report the vehicle. The Police Department will make every effort to locate the owner and alert them that their vehicle will be ticketed and/or towed. For more information, or to report an abandoned vehicle, contact the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400.

12. What can I do about construction noise near my home?: Throughout the year, building and construction projects both great and small are in progress in various locations within the Township of Hampton. These projects range from office building construction to swimming pool installation to roadway alterations and are performed by both private contractors and government departments. Although certain inconveniences to the general public are to be expected during any type of construction, there may be circumstances where noise becomes an unforeseen problem of building construction.
Should you have a complaint or concern about the amount of noise caused by a construction project in your area, the Hampton Police will respond to the site. Construction projects are not permitted to begin before 7 a.m. and after 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. If the noise exceeds the maximum allowable noise level for the particular zoning area, the police will issue a citation to the builders. To file a complaint, or for more information, please contact the Hampton Police Department or the Building Inspector at 412-486-0400.

13. Do door-to-door solicitors need a permit?

Persons or businesses selling goods or requesting donations door-to-door must obtain a solicitor's permit from the Township of Hampton Police Department. Political, religious, charitable and non-profit organizations are not required to obtain a permit. There is a $100 permit fee and a $25 charge for each individual which is valid for one month. Along with the permit, the solicitor will be issued a photo identification badge. Any time someone comes to your door selling something or asking for donations, ask for identification and their Hampton badge (not the badge from their company). A solicitor's permit is necessary to solicit anywhere in the Township of Hampton, including streets and public buildings as well as private residences. The badge will have the Hampton Logo, the signature of Chief Vulakovich, and the date span. They should be wearing the badge so it can be clearly seen.

A "No solicitation" list is provided to the solicitors prohibiting solicitation of residences and businesses on that list. Any business or resident can be added to this list by calling the Police Department (412-486-0400) or by completing the attached form. Should a person solicit without a valid permit, they are subject to fines and/or arrest. All solicitors are restricted to the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No solicitation is permitted on Sundays. If a violation is deemed to have occurred, a summons may be issued to the violating person and/or business. A police officer does not need to be present at the time the alleged violation occurs; however, a complainant's testimony will be required if the matter is prosecuted in court. For safety's sake, never pay or donate cash or valuables to a door-to-door solicitor, whether they appear legitimate or not. If a solicitor does not have a Hampton badge or appears fraudulent, contact the Township of Hampton Police Department using 911 to report the complaint.

PLEASE KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE ON THE “NO SOLICITATION” LIST, THAT DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SOLICITOR WILL NOT SHOW UP AT YOUR ADDRESS. IF THEY DO, LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE ON THE LIST AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO SPEAK WITH THEM.

Add me to the 'No Solicitation' List

14. What is the False Alarm Ordinance?: Each year, the Township of Hampton Police Department responds to hundreds of calls that turn out to be false alarms. These are not only an expensive inconvenience to the Hampton Township Police Department, but they also endanger anyone actual suffering from a real emergency. To curtail the number of false alarms, the Township of Hampton has enacted an ordinance to deal with the large number of false alarms the police must respond to.
Hampton Township bills a fine of $50 after 3 false alarms in 1 calendar year. If you believe that you did not have a chargeable false alarm you may notify the Police Department in writing to confirm the number of false alarm responses from your home or business and the dates on which they occurred. You will be notified of this information in writing to confirm our records are correct.

15. What are the fireworks regulations?: Fireworks can be fun and spectacular, especially around holidays; however, they can also cause serious injuries and start dangerous fires. For these reasons, it is illegal to possess, transport, discharge, or sell fireworks within the Township of Hampton. Only with a fireworks permit from the state can your event include fireworks. Permit requirements include specifications on the launching area, the number of fire personnel that must be present during ignition, and stipulations on the presence of a licensed pyrotechnic operator at the firing. Hampton Township enforces the BOCA Code which prohibits the use of fireworks.
For more information concerning firework regulations in Hampton Township, please contact the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400. Should a citizen observe violations of BOCA Code or Hampton Township Ordinance, call 911 for immediate response.

16. What happens if a vehicle is illegally parked?: Owners of vehicles that are parked illegally anywhere public or private in the Township of Hampton are subject to fines and penalties assessed by the Township of Hampton and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, intersections, unauthorized parking spots, expired meters, or other illegal locations will be ticketed. If the vehicle is not moved within 24 hours, it will be towed at the owner's expense. Vehicles parked on private property may be towed only by the owner of the property. Property owners towing any vehicle from their property should notify the police to avoid the vehicle's owner reporting it as being stolen. The vehicle may be towed by the police if it is parked in a hazardous or dangerous location as authorized by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code Title 75. For more information, or to report an illegally parked vehicle, contact the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400. For immediate response, call 911.

17. Are open fires / burning permitted?

Open burning is regulated by Hampton Township Ordinance No. 681.

Many years ago Pittsburgh was known around the world as the "Smoky City" due to the extensive emissions from our mills and factories. The pollution was so bad that on some days you couldn't see from one end of the street to another. But, right after Word War II, the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County passed a number of ordinances to control air pollution, including restrictions on outdoor burning.

At one time open fires in Allegheny County were virtually abolished, but over the years there have been exceptions made to those restrictions at the county and municipal levels.

Unfortunately, there is a great deal of confusion about what is allowed and not allowed when it comes to outdoor fires. To clarify the matter, Township Council has drafted a new ordinance (Number 681) regarding restrictions and regulations on open burning. Visit our open fires / burning webpage for details.

18. What is included in the township's noise ordinance? How can I report a violation?

Because certain sounds at certain levels can be harmful to the health and welfare of citizens, Hampton Township has adopted a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive and annoying sounds within Hampton Township limits. The ordinance regulates specific times certain noise sources can be operated and defines noise limits within the township. The Township of Hampton Police Department insures that this ordinance is obeyed by responding to noise complaints throughout the community.

Events or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance. These include continuously barking dogs, noisy construction equipment, horns and signaling devices not being used for a danger warning, stereos and televisions, engine repair and testing, or excessive party noise. Violation of this ordinance is a summary offense and can result in fines up to $300.

To receive a copy of the Township of Hampton Noise ordinance #298, or to report a suspected noise violation, contact the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400 or 911 for immediate response.

19. What can be done about telephone solicitations?: Beware of any organization soliciting cash or credit card donations by the telephone. Before you purchase from or donate to anyone soliciting by phone, check with the local Better Business Bureau. Be sure to request the name of the company, the tax identification number, a call back number and the name of the representative of the business that has called you. Even if a business is legitimate, it may not be permitted to solicit by telephone. For more information, contact the Pittsburgh Better Business Bureau at 877-267-5222 or via email.

20. What if there is an evacuation of my area?: View information about evacuations online.

21. What happens if there is a hazardous material incident?: From industrial chemicals and toxic waste to household detergents and air fresheners, hazardous materials are part of our everyday lives. Hazardous materials are substances which, because of their chemical, physical, or biological nature, pose a potential risk to life, health, or property if they are handled improperly. Chemical plants are one source of hazardous materials, but there are many others. Service stations store gasoline and diesel fuel, hospitals use a wide range of radioactive and flammable materials, and hazardous material waste sites process thousands of different materials every day.
Accidents involving hazardous materials can happen anytime and range from a chemical spill on the highway to groundwater contamination by naturally occurring methane gas to ingesting a household cleaner at home. Hazardous material incidents are accidents which affect a large number of people and, while fairly uncommon, can happen anytime, anywhere. For more information about hazardous material incidents and their likelihood in the Township of Hampton, please call the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400. In the event of an emergency, call 911.

22. What do I do if I'm involved in a traffic accident?: Proper procedure for events following an accident can be found online.

23. What do I do if I have an emergency?: In the event you need the emergency services of the Township of Hampton Police, Fire, or EMS immediately, please dial 911. For more information, view our webpage about emergency situations and shelters.

24. What do I do if I witness animal abuse or cruelty?: It is a violation of not only Pennsylvania State Law but also of Hampton Township Ordinance to beat or needlessly kill an animal, or to treat an animal in an inhumane manner. Such abuses are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. To report instances of abuse or cruelty, or for more information regarding animal care, please call the Township of Hampton Police Department at 412-486-0400.

25. What do I do if an animal bites another animal or person?: If an animal or person suffers an animal bite, you should follow these procedures.

26. What is the leash law for dogs?: The Township of Hampton Leash Law Ordinance requires all dogs to be on a handheld leash, or confined to their owner's property at all times. Also, dogs may not be tied on public property. Besides being the law, this ordinance is a common sense practice to avoid injury, illness, or loss of your dog.
Dogs roaming freely are in violation of the Pennsylvania State Dog Law and the Hampton Township Ordinance and are subject to impoundment by the Township of Hampton Police Department. Owners of dogs running freely may receive a summons and/or a fine. To report a dog running loose or for more information about the leash law ordinance, please call the Police Department at 412-486-0400 or for immediate response, call 911.

27. What do I do if there is a stray cat around my home?: There are several solutions to cat nuisance problems, all of which can be found on our website.

28. What can I do if I've lost or found a pet?: Lost or found pets should be reported to the Hampton Township Police Department. More information can be found online.

29. Can I file a barking dog complaint?: Barking dogs and other loud or nuisance animals bring frequent complaints to the Township of Hampton Police Department particularly in warm weather when windows are open. Not only is it extremely inconsiderate to allow dogs to bark excessively or continuously, but it is also against the law. Owners of barking dogs may be in violation of the noise ordinance. Violations are punishable by law. Fines can range between $75 and $300 plus court costs.
The Police Department investigates all complaints of barking dogs in the Township of Hampton. To file a complaint or for further information, call 412-486-0400 or 911 for immediate response.

30. What do I do if a neighbor's pet is a public nuisance?

It is a violation of the Township of Hampton law for pet owners who fail to exercise proper care and control of their animals to prevent them from becoming a public nuisance. This includes excessive, continuous or untimely barking, attacking people or domestic animals, chasing vehicles, and trespassing or damaging private property.

The following action for such cases is suggested:

Talk to the owners of the animal. They may not realize the animal is creating a problem
If Step 1 is unsuccessful and you know the owners' names and address, send a certified letter to them (return receipt requested) outlining the problem
If all else fails, swear out a complaint and take the owner to court. Fines will be between $75.00 and $300 per incident plus court costs

The Township of Hampton Police Department investigates such complaints; however, if the animal control officers contracted through Hampton Township or the police officer do not witness these violations, they cannot act upon them. As an alternative, citizens can go to the District Magistrate, Thomas Swan, to swear out a complaint and take the offenders to court.

31. What is the pooper scooper law?: The Hampton Township Ordinance requires that the owner, keeper or walker of any dog must immediately remove the dog's excrement from public or private property. According to the ordinance, the owner does not have to immediately remove the dog's excrement from his or her property, even though it would be a good gesture to remove the excrement within a reasonable amount of time. Removing excrement can easily be done with a newspaper when the dog squats down or with purchased products exclusively designed to pick up dog excrement.
Violation of this ordinance could result in a fine of not less than $75 or more than $300 plus court costs. This is a summary offense and police cannot issue a summons for this violation unless they actually view the offense; however, any citizen who sees this violation can request that the Magistrate issue a summons for the offender. For more information about the pooper scooper law, please call the Hampton Police at 412-486-0400.

32. What do I do about a dead or wild animal?

The Township of Hampton is responsible for picking up dead or wild animals within the township limits. To report a dead or wild animal, please call the Police Department office at 412-486-0400. Should the animal be injured, an obstruction to traffic or pose a threat to public safety please call 911 for immediate response.

The Hampton Township Police Department contracts with Big Daddy Wildlife Removal for these animal control services.

Wildlife or game animal complaints should be referred to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 724-238-9523.

33. What are the various divisions within the Hampton Police Department?: Information about the divisions within the Hampton Police Department can be found online.

34. What does the Detective / Investigation Division do?: Information about the Detective / Investigation Division can be found online.

35. What does the Drug Task Force Division do and how can I contact them?: Information about the Drug Task Force Division can be found online.

36. What is the Patrol Division?: Information bout the Patrol Division can be found online.

37. What does the Traffic Division do?: Information about Traffic Division can be found online.

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