Listed here are some of the most common questions we receive about our agency or certain laws

Do you open locked vehicles?

Yes - when time and resources permit. Most vehicles can be opened; however there are some exceptions depending on the make and year of the vehicle. And although Officers take care, please be aware there is always the possibility of damage to your vehicle from unlock tools. The owner/driver waives their right to claim damages that may be caused by accident.

In an average year, the Detroit Lakes Police Department opens around 1200 vehicles. This is a free service provided to our community. Please be aware that vehicle unlocks are generally handled as our resources and time permit. Emergency calls or other important situations must take precedence.

There may be situations where a Police Officer cannot respond to unlock your vehicle or is unable to open it even after several attempts. In these cases, we suggest contacting a locksmith. They are listed in the yellow pages under "Locksmiths". Here are some local listings of mobile lockout services we would recommend. These services also provide towing, jumpstarts, fuel delivery, and other emergency road service. Lakes Country Towing (218) 844-5480 and DL Towing* (218) 847-6362. * AAA Emergency Road Service

 

Where do I apply for an Order For Protection or Harassment Restraining Order?

If you feel you are in physical danger from someone or being harassed, you should contact the Becker County Court Administration at the Becker County Courthouse on weekdays during normal business hours. You will need to appear in person to fill out the required forms and there is a filing fee for the paperwork. In some cases, the fee can be waived. Questions? Call Court Administration at (218) 846-7305.

The Lakes Crisis Center also assists those in fear of harm of domestic assault and other personal crimes. They can assist with filing out all the required paperwork, providing safe houses, having a court advocate with you, and assisting you with legal procedures. The Crisis Center's services are generally free of charge and may be contacted 24-hours a day at (218) 847-7446. 

 

How do I pay my fine?

There are several new options available for paying tickets as long as you are not required to appear in court. You are only required to appear to the court if you are instructed to by the Officer and the citation will state both the date and time you must appear. If you wish to plead not guilty you should call the Court Administration. They may be able to accept your "not guilty" plea in writing and then a court trial date will be scheduled for you to attend. If you want to plead guilty with an explanation or try to resolve the issue without going to trial, you can request to speak with the City or County prosecutor handling the case.

For all other situations that do not mandate a court appearance, the fine must be received before the date listed on the ticket. This will usually be at least 14 days. Citations may be paid locally by cash or check at the Courthouse located at 913 Lake Avenue in Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Citations may be paid by check (no cash) via regular mail to: Minnesota Court Payment Center PO BOX 898 Willmar, MN 56201 Citations may be paid by Credit Card (Master Card and Visa only) by visiting www.mncourts.gov or calling (800) 657-3611 toll free. It may take up to 20 days for your citation to be entered and processed.

Additional information may be found on the Becker County Court webpage at: www.co.becker.state.mn.us

Parking Tickets only - should be paid and dropped off at the Detroit Lakes Police Department directly.

 

Where do I get a permit to purchase/carry a concealed firearm?

Applications can be picked up at the Becker County Sheriff's Office or the Detroit Lakes Police Department and must be filed with the agency that covers the jurisdiction in which you live. An extensive background check will be performed on all applicants. Gun locks are also available at these locations for free to help maintain a safe household if you have children.

Carrying a Firearm on your person without a valid permit is a serious crime. The state of Minnesota also requires ALL Firearms being transported in a motor vehicle (including hunting rifles and shotguns) to be unloaded and properly cased in a separate area of the vehicle at all times.

 

What is the difference between Civil and Criminal court?

Civil law is often a complicated situation because Law Enforcement finds itself in the position of handling complaints that may appear to be criminal but are actually civil matters. Other times, the threshold may cross into criminal law and require further intervention. There is no clear line distinguishing the two of them and it can often be a confusing and frustrating experience for everyone involved. Please note that this is only a resource and should not be considered actual legal advice. There are always exceptions and special situations that the law cannot always foresee and you should consult an attorney specializing in civil cases for representation or answers to your specific type of case.

Some Common Examples of Civil Law matters include:
* Parental Child Custody and Visitation Issues
* Ownership and Distribution of Marital Property from a Divorce
* Personal Agreements made for Lending Property, Money, etc.
* Tenant and Landlord Disputes
* Business Contracts or other Written Agreements
* Jointly or co-owned Property with another
* Living areas shared either for a room-mate or temporarily for a guest.
* Repossession of Vehicles by a Bank or the Leasing Company
* Possessory Lien situations

 

When do I have to report a motor vehicle accident?

Minor dents and dings (aka fender benders) generally do not need to be reported to Law Enforcement if both parties agree on what happened and exchange contact/insurance information. Crashes that involve any type of personal injury, damages of $1000 or more per vehicle, and anytime illegal activity is suspected (such as DWI or No Insurance) are required by Law to be reported immediately.

If you crash into a unoccupied car but nobody was hurt and the damage does not appear to be over $1000, the law requires you to leave your full contact information and insurance in a visible place for the owner/driver to see and later contact you. Failure to do so can be considered leaving the scene of an accident and Law Enforcement may pursue criminal charges against you.

Minnesota Law requires every person, whether driving your own car or that of another person, at all times, to have current proof of insurance with them at all times. This proof must be presented to a Police Officer upon demand.

 

How do I get a copy of a Police Report?

Contact our office at (218) 847-4222 regarding obtaining copies of police reports. There is a minimal fee required for making copies or certain types of research. Data Privacy Laws specify what information we can release as public and what is considered private. Ask one of our secretaries if you have further questions about this.

Where do you take stray dogs and cats? What if my pet is missing?

Animals are kept at Lucky Dog Kennels in the new industrial park. If you have lost a pet or looking to adopt one, you can contact them during any business hours at 847-4100 or visit the Lucky Dog Website. The Lucky Dog Shelter does not euthanize animals except in extreme cases of injury or illness. They take very good care of all furry critters who visit their facility.

 

Where do I take the Driver's Test and get License Plates?

Most driver’s testing and motor vehicle inspections are done at the State Patrol regional office - Highway 10 West across from Perkins. Registration tabs (license plates) are handled at the Becker County Courthouse - 913 Lake Avenue. For new residents to Minnesota, please be aware that you have 60 days to get current Minnesota license plates and a Minnesota driver's license. The written/vision test is still required even if you have been previously licensed in another state. There is also a direct link to the Minnesota DMV website on our main page to renew tabs online or check your license status.

 

Are Fireworks legal in Minnesota?

Only certain types of Fireworks are permitted. There is a lot of confusion over this because other states such as North Dakota allow people to purchase and use certain fireworks that are illegal in Minnesota.

Generally - Fireworks sold at most stores and retail chains within Minnesota follow the laws. Examples of common legal fireworks in Minnesota include smoke bombs, sparklers, spinners, and color fountains.

Illegal items include firecrackers, exploding rockets, and many common sky fireworks seen at public displays. These are only allowed with a permit, licensed pyro-techician, and fire department personnel present. The best bet is if the firework you have explodes or launches into the air - its probably illegal in Minnesota.   

 

Does the City of Detroit Lakes have a Curfew for children?

Yes - children 16 and under generally must be with a parent/guardian after 10pm.

Am I allowed to have a campfire or burn leaves within city limits?

You must have a fire permit from the Fire Chief for any burning other than a small Campfire. Small Campfires are only allowed if they are:

(1) No larger than a 3 feet diameter circle
(2) No higher flame than three feet tall
(3) Must be on non-combustible material such as concrete cleared in each direction for at least 5 feet.

A person must always be observing the fire while it is in use and campfires cannot be closer than 25 feet from any structure.



What is the State Law on Mufflers and Exhaust noise on vehicles?

All vehicles must have mufflers and devices that eliminate excess noise such as popping, backfires, or loud pipes. Vehicles that don't comply with this law will be cited for equipment violations and possibly impounded if the owner does not bring the vehicle noise into compliance.  



What is the Minnesota "Move Over" Law?

If you see a Emergency Vehicle parked on or near the road with any of its warning lights flashing, you must slow down and yield or be prepared to stop if necessary. If there is more than one lane traveling in the same direction, you must move into that lane farthest from the emergency vehicle as soon as possible and when it is safe to do so, while still reducing your speed.

This law helps protect those who protect us while performing their duties on Minnesota's highways.

What are the State and City Laws on Alcohol?

Open containers of alcohol are not allowed in motor vehicles nor any public place (including the beach, parks, the street, sidewalks, etc.) except for businesses with a special license to serve alcoholic beverages - and then they may only be consumed within such private property.  

The legal age for consumption or possession of alcohol in Minnesota is 21 and the legal limit of impaired driving is .08. There are newer laws with serious repercussions for impaired driving such as felony level penalties, lifetime license revocation, and even forfeiture of your vehicle. Whether its alcohol or another substance that impairs your ability to concentrate and drive.... if your in doubt - just don't do it.

Local Taxi services (not always 24 hour service) may be reached dialing (218) 847-1414 or (218) 844-4404

What if I want to commend or complain about an Officer's conduct?

Via the internet, you may use our anonymous online survey form located on the main page or contact the Police Chief's Office by phone during regular hours.