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Police

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1. Do you use volunteers?

Yes, volunteer services are a vital part of the Pismo Beach Police Dept. Volunteers serve in various capacities throughout the department. Graduates of our Citizen Academy are eligible to become members of the Citizen Volunteer Patrol (CVP). CVPs perform tasks such as traffic control, vacation house checks, transportation of court documents, and much more. Currently the Pismo Beach Police Department has 13 volunteers. If you would like more information about the volunteer opportunities that exist within the department, please contact Police Administration at (805) 773-7029.

2. Can I walk my dog on the beach?

Yes, but it must be on a leash at all times. Pet owners must be responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Dogs are not permitted on the Pismo Pier.

3. What do I do if I find an injured or loose animal?

The Dept of Animal Regulation should be contacted for further instruction. Their number is (805) 781-4400.

4. My neighbor’s dog barks constantly and at all hours. Who do I need to notify?

You can contact the Dept of Animal Regulation. Their number is (805) 781-4400.

5. Can I camp on Pismo Beach?

No. Camping is not permitted on Pismo Beach proper but it is permitted just a few miles south on Pismo State Beach. Pismo Beach does have a large recreational vehicle park and campgrounds where camping is permitted.

6. Can I have a fire on Pismo Beach?

Barbeques in hibachi or container-type barbeques are allowed on Pismo Beach. Open fires are not allowed on the beach.

7. Can I drive a vehicle or ride a horse on Pismo Beach?

Neither motor vehicles nor horses are permitted on Pismo Beach. However they are permitted a few miles to the south on Pismo State Beach.

8. Can I dig for clams on Pismo Beach?

Yes, but you must have a fishing license and must follow guidelines for size and quantity if you want to remove any from the beach.

9. What is the weather like at Pismo Beach?

Temperatures range year round from the high 50’s to the high 70’s. Gusty afternoon wind and morning coastal fog are prevalent in the spring and summer months.

10. Does the department do fingerprinting?

Yes, we will do ink prints for a fee of $10.00. No appointment is necessary but you must come in between the business hours of 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Live Scan is offered at the Police Department. The fee is $12.00, Department of Justice fees vary. Live Scan is done by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

11. What are your hours of operation?

The Pismo Beach Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Administrative Business Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Records Bureau Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
Property Room Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Thursday. (Property is released by appointment only.)

12. Where is the Police Department located?

The Pismo Beach Police Department is located at:
1000 Bello Street
Pismo Beach, CA 93449

Driving Directions
Coming Northbound on Hwy 101
Exit Wadsworth, turn Right on Wadsworth, turn Right on Bello St.

Coming Southbound on Hwy 101
Exit Pismo Beach/Hwy 1, turn Left on Price St., turn Left on Wadsworth, turn Right on Bello St.

13. Can I get a Pismo Beach Police shoulder patch?

At this time the Pismo Beach Police Dept. does not give out its shoulder patches to collectors. We apologize for not being able to contribute to your collection.

14. What permit(s) do I need to sell alcohol at an event?

Any non-profit organization which sells alcohol for an event will need to complete an Alcohol Use Application from the Pismo Beach Police Department which will be reviewed and signed by the Chief of Police. This application will then need to be submitted to the Dept of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in San Luis Obispo located on 3220 S. Higuera St., Suite 305. For more information about alcohol sales or service, contact the ABC at (805) 543-7183.

15. How do I obtain an Alcoholic Beverage License?

Contact the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control at (805) 543-7183 for more information on obtaining a license to sell alcohol.

16. How do I obtain a Carry Concealed Weapons Permit (CCW)?

Initial request to carry a concealed weapon must be reviewed by the Chief of Police. Applicant will then need to complete a Police Dept. CCW application, a DOJ CCW application, be fingerprinted, obtain training with the weapon, have medical clearance, and pay applicable processing and fingerprint fees. Contact Police Administration at (805) 773-7029 for more information.

17. Do I need a Fishing Permit/License to fish off the Pismo Beach pier?

No fishing license is required to fish off the pier. However if you plan to fish from the shoreline or from boat, a license is necessary. Also, if you are planning to park in the pier parking lot between the hours of 11:00 pm and 4:00 am in order to fish, you will need a parking pass, obtainable in the lobby of the Pismo Police Station on 1000 Bello Street.

18. How do I obtain a Taxi Permit with the City of Pismo Beach?

To obtain a permit to drive a taxi cab in Pismo Beach, you must do the following:
1. First obtain a taxi permit through the San Luis Police Dept or Arroyo Grande Police Dept. These agencies perform a full background and medical check before issuing a permit. Pismo Beach “piggybacks” on these checks and therefore does not need to conduct its own to issue you a permit.
2. Come to the Pismo Beach Police Dept between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Bring the following:
* Original, un-expired San Luis or Arroyo Grande taxi permit.
* Original, un-expired California Driver’s License.
* Two (2) color passport size current photographs.
* $57.60 processing fee.
3. Complete the Pismo Beach Taxi Permit Application. Upon review of all material submitted, the Chief of Police will authorize/deny a taxi permit with the City of Pismo Beach. The permit is good for one year.

19. How do I request a ride-along?

To ride along with a patrol officer, you must complete the Ride-Along Request form and submit it to the Police Department to be reviewed by the on-duty Watch Commander. Please specify what days/hours you would like to ride along. Ride-along requests are given priority to those who have a legitimate need to know more about law enforcement such as those applying for a position with the Police Department or students with a Criminal Law major. Ride-Along Application

20. Does the Police Department give tours?

Yes, tours can be arranged with the Administrative Secretary at (805) 773-7029. Tours can be tailored to the group’s interests.

21. Street Closures

Street closures may be set up for some special events. Street closures will be posted on the NewsFlash section of this website just prior to the event date. News Flash

22. Reports

Copies of reports are usually available 7-10 working days from the date the report was taken. There is a .20 cent charge per page for the report.

23. Clearance Letters

So we can assist you with the preparation of a Clearance Letter you will need to provide the following information:

• Your current name
• Any previous names or nicknames you’ve used
• Your complete date of birth
• Your current address
• A phone number where you can be reached during normal business hours
• The name and address of the agency/company requesting the clearance.
• The length of time you have lived in Pismo Beach

You can receive this service in person or by mail.

If you report in person, expect a wait of no longer than 30 minutes. Please bring a copy of your current Driver’s license or State ID.

If you make your request by mail you must send a signed letter which includes the above items in addition to a copy of an identification card that displays your signature. Please put ATTN: Records in the address on the envelope. You should receive your clearance letter within five days when applying by mail.

The fee is $35.00 for each clearance letter. Fees may be paid by cash, check or money order (made payable to the City of Pismo Beach)

24. Citation / Fix-it Stickers

To have a "fix it ticket" signed off you will need to bring the ticket along with the vehicle to the Pismo Beach Police station. An officer will check the vehicle to verify the correction was made and sign off the citation. There is a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) for this service when signing off citations issued by other agencies. There is no fee for signing off Pismo Beach PD citations. The $15.00 fee is separate from all other fees and fines related to the citation. The $15.00 fee does NOT waive the citation fine.

25. Vehicle Releases

Impounded vehicles are subject to $119.00 CASH ONLY fee for the release which is paid to the Pismo Beach Police Department. Towing and storage charges are to be paid to the towing company and are separate from this charge. Vehicle Releases can be made ONLY to the registered owner of the vehicle. If the registered owner is unlicensed, they must bring a licensed driver with them to take possession of the vehicle. If the registered owner is unable to retrieve the vehicle, they must give written permission to the individual picking up the vehicle that is signed by a notary public.

30 day impounds are subject to the approval of the on duty Watch Commander to be released prior to 30 days.

26. Victims' Rights

On November 4, 2008, the People of the State of California approved Proposition 9, the Victims’ Bill of Rights Act of 2008: Marsy’s Law. This measure amended the California Constitution to provide additional rights to victims. This card contains specific sections of the Victims’ Bill of Rights and resources. Crime victims may obtain additional information regarding Marsy’s Law and local Victim Witness Assistance Center information by contacting the Victims of Crime Resource Center at 1-800-Victims or 1-800-842-8467. Victims' Rights Webpage