How do I file a police report?
How do I get a handgun permit?
How can I obtain No Trespass Signs?
What is the departments mailing address?
How can I obtain fingerprinting?
How do I get a car released after impound?
How do I get property from a crime released back to me?
Where can I find a listing of registered sex offenders in South Bend?
What are the hours for the departments lobby?
What is the number for?
How can I learn more about the work SBPD does?
What is the city ordinance on loud noise?
How do I go about Pressing Charges against someone?

How do I file a police report?
For non emergency report calls (stolen property, lost property, harassing phone calls, etc) call574.235.9201. Reports may be taken via phone or an officer sent depending upon the nature of your call. For an emergency, please dial 911.

How do I obtain a Handgun Permit for city residents?
Handgun permit applications are available to South Bend City residents (three or four digit home addresses) . Cost for a standard, four year permit is $10.00, or $50.00 for a one time, lifetime permit application. No refund will be made if your application is denied by State Police review. If you live outside the city limits of South Bend contact the County Police or local department in the city/town in which you reside for more information.

What is the departments mailing address?
South Bend Police Department 
701 W. Sample Street 
South Bend, Indiana 46601 
Fax: 574.288.0268

What are the hours for the departments lobby?
Our lobby is open 24 hours a day.

What is the number for?
CLICK HERE for a list of department phone numbers. If you have an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

How can I learn more about the work police do?
The South Bend Police Department holds free Citizens Police Academy sessions in spring and fall. Click here for more information.

How do I get a car released after impound?
To have a vehicle released you will need certain items and visit our Records Bureau in our station lobby. Click here for full information.

How can I get fingerprinting done for my employment?
Fingerprinting as part of an employment screening by a prospective employer or for other background check history is completed in our front lobby, adjacent to records. The fee is $15.00. Fingerprinting is done between normal records office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-6:00pm, Saturday: 9:00am-12:00 Noon, Closed Sundays

How do I get property from a crime released back to me?
The release of any and all property is only completed after an investigating officer has authorized the release of property by signing the South Bend Police Department Release Authorization Form.  The Saint Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney may also allow the release of property.  All property is released by the Records Bureau Personnel during the business hours of 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Monday, and  Noon until 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday through Friday.

Where can I find a listing of registered sex offenders in South Bend? Information regarding Sex Offenders in Indiana can be found on the following IN Sheriffs' Association hosted website: Sex Offender Registry

How do I obtain a NO TRESPASSING sign?
No trespass forms are used by property owners to authorize the South Bend Police Department to enforce the no trespass statute.  The authorization can be limited to after closing hours or can be extended to a 24 hour period in the case of a vacant property.  The South Bend Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit will assist property owners in filling out the proper forms and provide information on the Trespass Notice signs needed for posting on the property.  This trespass form specifically defines the address and times for which only those authorized and listed on the form are permitted to be on the property. This form is then filed with the police department radio room.  Call our Crime Prevention Unit, 574-235-9037, between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.

What is the city ordinance on loud noises/noisy parties?
City Ordinance 13-57 covers and defines "unreasonable noise" and enforcement actions. You may view City Ordinances here.

How do I "press charges"?
If you are willing to "press charges" this generally refers to your willingness as a victim to prosecute the crime against the named suspect. This is generally noted in a criminal report taken by the responding officer. Once your case is turned over to an investigator, you will be contacted for additional follow up. Once this is completed, your case may be turned over to the Prosecutor's Office for formal review of your case, and the Prosecutor's Office will have final review for determination of any criminal prosecution, or what actual charges, if any, may be brought against the suspect in your crime.

More questions can be found from our Ask A Cop Blog archives!