Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I get pulled over?

  1. Moving violations: The most common reason a vehicle is stopped is for a moving violation. Some examples include speeding offenses, failure to stop at a red light or stop sign, or failure to use a turn signal.
  2. Registration/Equipment Violations: Examples of these include expired vehicle tags and defective head or tail lights. The laws governing driving privileges in Kansas consist of 120 pages. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of a law without knowing it.
  3. Courtesy or Safety Concerns: These are other reasons an officer might stop your vehicle. For example, your trunk may be open, something may be hanging from under your vehicle, or an article of clothing might be caught in the door.

Steps to follow if you are stopped

  • Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. Make sure you turn your flashers on, and motion to the officer that you are going to comply.
  • Stay in your vehicle and turn on the interior light if it is after sundown. Good lighting assists good communication. Relax and remain in your vehicle. If you leave the vehicle, you subject yourself to the dangers of traffic.
  • Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license and proof of insurance.
  • Police officers are trained to ask for identification first and provide an explanation second. First, provide the requested documentation. Second, give the officer a chance to explain the reason you were stopped.
  • If you do not agree with the citation or the officer's demeanor, do not argue at the scene. All citizens have the right to question their citation before a judge. The Newton Police Department has an internal affairs system to investigate citizen complaints.

Why did two or three officers show up when I was pulled over?

Officers in the vicinity frequently back each other up whenever possible.

What State statutes do Newton officers use?

The majority of the criminal statutes officers use on a daily basis are listed under Chapter 21 - Crimes and Punishments of Kansas State Law. The majority of traffic statutes are under Chapter 8 - Automobiles and Other Vehicles. Chapters 8 and 21 are not all inclusive; additional laws do apply to criminal and traffic offenses and are found elsewhere in the Kansas State Statutes.

What are Newton's noise regulations?

You can find noise regulations in Chapter 17 Article 2 of the City Code:

Subject to the exceptions below described, the following acts are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises and constitute violations of this Section:

(a)   No person shall operate or cause or permit the operation of any Sound-Producing or Sound-Reproduction Device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., whether from inside or outside a building, in such a manner or with such volume so as to emit sound which can be heard fifty (50) feet beyond the property line of any residential property. For purposes of these regulations, the term “residential property” is defined as any property upon which a residence or a residential living unit is located, and which is located within any of the following zoning districts: R-S, R-1, R-2, R-3, PUD, M-H, M-P or P-O.

(b)   No person shall operate or cause or permit the operation of any Sound-Producing or Sound-Reproduction Device which is located within, upon or about any motor vehicle which is located on any public street, public parking lot or other public right-of-way by the playing of a sound-producing device so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) or more feet from the vehicle. Measurement standards shall be by the auditory senses, based upon direct line of sight. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included.

(c)   For purposes of these regulations, the terms “Sound-Producing Device” and “Sound-Reproduction Device” is defined as including any of the following: (i) radios; (ii) record, tape and CD players; (iii) sound amplifiers; (iv) musical instruments; (v) loudspeakers; and (vi) any other similar device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound.

(d)   No person shall allow to be made or continued, any excessive, unnecessary, unusual or loud noise which creates a nuisance or injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of others, or which interferes with the use or enjoyment of property of any person of reasonable sensibilities residing in or occupying the area unless the making and continuing of such noise is necessary for the protection and preservation of property or the health and safety of some individual.

(e)   The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any of the following:

(1)   Any activities conducted as an approved part of a public activity, such as parades, fireworks, sports events, festivals, musical productions and other activities which have the approval within the scope of their authority as conferred by law on any local, state or federal governmental entity, or by any state accredited public, private or parochial school.

(2)   Any activities which are reasonably related to the conduct of any business, commercial or industrial enterprise upon property that is zoned for such use or upon which such uses are otherwise lawful.

(3)   The normal and customary engine noises produced by any motor vehicle that is otherwise being lawfully operated upon the public ways or in private driveways or parking lots.

(4)   The normal and customary noises produced by machinery or equipment that is being used on public or private property in order to remedy property damage or while being used during an emergency or other exigent circumstances.

(f)   Nothing in the exceptions set forth in subsection (e) above shall serve to allow or authorize any activity which would otherwise be regarded as a public nuisance other than by the provisions of this Section.

(g)   Violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable as an unclassified violation under the Uniform Public Offense Code as adopted by the City and shall be punished with a fine of at least $50.00, but not exceeding $500.00.

 

Does Newton have a curfew for juveniles?

Yes. The curfew for the City of Newton pertains to anyone under 18 years of age. The juvenile must be accompanied by an adult relative who is 21 years of age or older if they are out after curfew, which is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

This does not apply when the juvenile is traveling the most direct route to or from their place of employment, to or from a church, school, or organized recreational activity that is sponsored or supervised by one or more adults, or when engaged in normal travel through the city, to the city by a direct, continuous route, or when traveling due to circumstances of an emergency nature.

 

How do I find out whether my driver's license is valid?

For questions regarding your driver's license, please contact the Driver's Control Bureau at 785-296-3671 or visit the Kansas Driver's License Status Check page.

 

How do I get a copy of my driving record?

To obtain a copy of your driving record, please contact the Driver's License Office in the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main. You will need to show your driver's license for identification purposes and pay a fee of $13. If you have any other questions, please contact the office at 316-284-6944.

 

How do I make a report?

If you need to make a report of any type, please call 911 or 316-283-4190. Officers are dispatched through Harvey County 911 for emergencies as well as non-emergency reports.

 

How do I submit a crime tip?

If you have a Crime Stoppers tip, please call the Harvey County Crime Stoppers hotline at 316-284-2400. If you have any type of criminal or suspicious activity you would like to report, please complete an online Suspicious Activity Form. In order for the information to be taken seriously, contact information must be provided on the form. The information provided will be confidential.

How do I file a complaint about an officer?

Any person who believes they have been subjected to biased-based policing or had their rights violated may file a complaint with the Newton Police Department and/or the Attorney General's Office.

Complaints may be made using our online form or by delivering a written statement, signed by the complaining party or parties to any of the following: City Manager, Chief of Police, Deputy Chief, any Lieutenant or Sergeant with the department. Complaints also may be brought to the Utility Billing Office at City Hall.

No person will be discriminated against or subjected to retribution because they have filed such a complaint.

How do I find out whether my car registration is current?

If you have questions in regard to your vehicle registration, please contact the Harvey County Treasurer's Office at 316-284-6970.

 

If my vehicle is towed, how do I get my vehicle released?

To get a Vehicle Release, the registered owner must bring to the Newton Police Department a valid driver's license, proof of current insurance, and proof of current registration. Vehicles are only released to the registered owner or a notarized signed statement from the registered owner stating who the vehicle can be released.

If it is after business hours or the weekend, officers on duty will be able to issue a vehicle release. Upon arrival at the police department, you will need to use the phone in the lobby to contact 911. They will dispatch an officer to the lobby to help you obtain the vehicle release.

How can I obtain a copy of my accident report or other reports?

Reports can be obtained by calling or coming into the Newton Police Department lobby during business hours. The reports can be mailed or picked up in person. We do not fax report copies.

All requests made by an individual for copies of police reports will be provided at no charge. Only open public record information will be provided. Not all reports involving juveniles are open public record and will be reviewed prior to being released. The following information will not be provided, and will be blacked out on the report to protect the victim(s) from identity theft:

  • Date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license number

Requests for records made by an attorney or insurance company will be subject to the following fees:

  • $15 per offense or accident report
  • $25 per Police video (burned to DVD/CD)

Additional items needed when an attorney is making a request for copies of police video(s) include the following:

  • Blank DVD/CDs required for copying
  • Postage-paid return envelope for DVD/CDs
  • Discovery order signed by the judge

Can the Police Department help me obtain a Restraining Order?

No. If your situation is a domestic situation, you can contact the Harvey County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Office located in the Harvey County Courthouse. Their office staff can help you obtain a PFA Order (Protection From Abuse). In any other type of situation, you will need to contact a private attorney for assistance.

 

How do I obtain a record of all my prior convictions?

Anyone needing a copy of their personal criminal history record will need to make contact with the court(s) where the case(s) were prosecuted.

 

Can I sell something door-to-door?

All solicitors and peddlers must have a peddlers license prior to being allowed to sell in the city limits. The license can be obtained at the Utility Billing Office at Newton City Hall, 201 E. 6th St. Solicitors or peddlers working without a license are subject to fines and court costs that can exceed $100 a day.

I locked my keys in my car. Can the Police help me?

The Police Department only responds to assist with vehicle lockouts when someone's health or safety is in jeopardy. If it is determined the situation is not life-threatening, we can ask to have a locksmith contacted for you, but you are responsible for the cost of the locksmith service. The Department is not responsible for the damage which may occur while attempting to open your vehicle.

How do I find out whether any sex offenders are living in my area?

The website listed to look up registered offenders is for informational purposes only. All subjects listed on the registered offender websites are there due to convictions of certain types of violent, sexual or drug crimes.

Kansas Bureau of Investigations Registered Offender Search

 

How can I get my fingerprints taken?

The Newton Police Department does not provide fingerprinting services. Anyone in need of having their fingerprints taken for employment, concealed carry or adoption purposes will need to contact the Harvey County Detention Center. They do not provide fingerprinting for children.

The Harvey County Detention Center does not currently have a schedule for fingerprinting. Walk-in customers will be fingerprinted as soon as possible.  If Detention Center staff is busy, you may be asked to wait or return at a later time.

Harvey County Detention Center
800 N. Main
Newton, KS 67114
316-284-6959

(The Harvey County Detention Center is located behind the Harvey County Courthouse.)