FAQs • Clearlake, CA • CivicEngage

Why do you charge $100 for a vehicle release form?: The $100 release fee is an administrative fee applied to the release of an impounded vehicle as authorized by local city ordinance and 22850.5 of the California Vehicle Code.

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Police Department Records Bureau

1. How much do police reports cost?: Police reports are $10, cash only. You must provide exact change.

2. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?: You may complete an application for release of information and bring it or fax it to the police department. You can also submit a request on this website clicking here.
We need the case report number, or the date and location of the incident, and the names of the parties involved in order to process your request.
You may mail or drop off your application. The Records Bureau has 10 days to determine if copies will be provided. There is a $10 (cash exact change) fee due for each police report at the time it is picked up.

3. How can I obtain a copy of a police report I have already filed?: You may complete an application for release of information and bring it or fax it to the police department. You can also submit a request on this website clicking here.
We need the case report number, or the date and location of the incident, and the names of the parties involved in order to process your request.
You may mail or drop off your application. The Records Bureau has 10 days to determine if copies will be provided. There is a $10 (cash exact change) fee due for each police report at the time it is picked up.

4. How do I obtain copies of crime statistics?: Annual crime statistics from prior years are available on the California Department of Justice Website. Additional statistics may be available by contacting the Records / Communications Supervisor at 707-994-8251. Press 1, then the extension 316.

5. How do I get a release for my vehicle if it was towed by the Police Department?: All impounded vehicles and recovered stolen vehicles require a vehicle release form. Vehicles towed by the police department will only be released to the registered owner. If you are not the registered owner, you will need to obtain a notarized letter authorizing release of the vehicle to you. The registered owner will need to identify you and the vehicle in the notarized letter. The letter must include your driver's license number, description of the car (make, model, year) and either the vehicle license plate number or vehicle identification (VIN) number.

The registered owner or authorized person picking up the car must have a valid driver's license or identification card issued by a State Department of Motor Vehicles. If you only have an identification card you must be accompanied by a person with a valid driver's license.

The Clearlake Police Department will not charge a fee to those persons retrieving a vehicle that has been stolen and recovered. There is a $100 release fee required for all stored and impounded vehicles due at the time of release in cash, exact change only. All towing and storage fees are payable to the towing company storing your vehicle. All registration fees on impounded and stored vehicles must be current prior to release.
The owner of a vehicle has the right to a post storage hearing at the Police Department.

6. Why do you charge $100 for a vehicle release form?: The $100 release fee is an administrative fee applied to the release of an impounded vehicle as authorized by local city ordinance and 22850.5 of the California Vehicle Code.

7. How do i get a release for my vehicle repossession?: If your vehicle is repossessed, your bank requires you to first come to the agency whose jurisdiction it is where the vehicle was repossessed in order to pay an administrative fee. This is a $15 fee. After you pay the fee, you then take the original receipt to where the vehicle is being held and show them in order to get your vehicle back and in good standing with the lien holder. See government code sections 26751 and 41612.