Police Services

Records Division

The Records Division administers data entry of cases, citations, warrants, and subpoenas in addition to interfacing with the Department of Justice and dispersing copies of reports. Additionally this unit prepares and distributes crime prevention materials, maintains social media outreach, and staffs the front counter of the business office. Records is staffed Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, excluding weekends and holidays. For additional information, or questions regarding our full list of services (including questions about parking citations, livescan fingerprinting appointments, or ABC licenses), please contact the Records Division by email at wipd.records@winterspolice.org or by phone at (530) 794-6720.

Copies of police reports are available from the Police Department per the terms of the California Public Records Act 7920.000 and Section 7923.605 of the California Government Code. Copies of reports must be obtained (with photo ID) during Winters Police Department business office hours. Please be advised that not all police reports are available for immediate release and may have information relating to identity or active investigations redacted. Please note copies of court disposition for arrest reports must be obtained from the Yolo County District Attorney's Office. If you have a question regarding obtaining a copy of a report please call (530) 794-6720.

 

Property and Evidence

Property/Evidence division administers property and evidence collection, storage, and disposal. Property seized by the Police Department, is under the protection of the Police Department and released by appointment only. To make an appointment or for or questions regarding property, evidence or lost items please contact our Property/Evidence Division by email at tips.winters@winterspolice.org or by phone at 530-794-6725.

Although legal for recreational and medical use in California, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug under federal law. Return of medical and marijuana property sized during a criminal case or for safekeeping will require a court order. In storage, marijuana can become contaminated and is especially subject to mold contamination. Ingestion of molds can be harmful to your health. If you insist on using previously stored marijuana, it is strongly recommended that you have it analyzed to ensure it is not contaminated.

Please note that to claim firearms you will have to obtain a Law Enforcement Gun Release and a mandatory criminal record check by the Department of Justice before your firearm can be released. Firearms must be registered before they can be released. Depending on your case, you may not be eligible to own, possess, or purchase a firearm for a period of time as firearms may only be released providing that no other legal restriction exists. Beginning December 1, 2021, applicants must electronically submit a Law Enforcement Release (LER) application for the return of firearm(s), ammunition, and/or ammunition feeding device(s) via the California Firearms Application Reporting System (CFARS) web page. Applicants that do not already have a CFARS account will be required to create an account in order to directly communicate with the Department and to check the status of an application. The Department will no longer accept paper LER application (BOF 119) submissions. Firearms must be picked up from the Police Department within 30 days of receiving the result of the Department of Justice criminal records check.

ITEMS BOOKED AS EVIDENCE: Items will be kept for the duration of the court case (including sentence and appeals) and can only be released with permission of the District Attorney's Office. When evidence items are ready to be released, we will make one attempt to notify the owner via mail. Property will be held for 20 days from the date the notification is mailed and if unclaimed, the property will be disposed of or destroyed according to the law. A friend or relative may pick up items with a written and signed note from the true owner of the property.
Items used in the commission of a crime and illegal items will not be returned. Electronic items (such as cell phones and computers) that are found to hold illegal images (such as child pornography) will be factory reset in order to ensure the removal of the illegal items. If no arrest has been made and/or no suspects identified- Items may be held up to 1 year or longer depending on the status of the case.

Items booked as evidence may be the subject of forensic investigation methods including but not limited to photographs, computer downloads, fingerprint powder, or chemical fingerprint development which might alter or damage the item.

  • Felony Arrest- Items will be held for 60 days from the date of sentencing.
  • Misdemeanor Arrest- Items will be held until the date of sentencing

ITEMS BOOKED AS SAFEKEEPING: Items will be held 60 days. Unclaimed items will be disposed of according to the law. A friend or relative may pick up items with a written and signed note from the true owner of the property (cell phones, computers, or other property which contains or may contain private or identifying information in addition to weapons cannot be released).

ITEMS BOOKED AS FOUND PROPERTY: Items will be held for 90 days. After 90 days, finders may contact the Property Officer for information on how to claim the property (cell phones, computers, or other property which contains or may contain private or identifying information in addition to weapons cannot be released).

ITEMS BOOKED WITH A SEARCH WARRANT: Contact the Property Officer regarding the return of items, 1536 P.C. requires a court order to release property held by a search warrant.

 

 

Patrol

Officers are assigned to a patrol shift under general supervision with the expressed goal of providing public assistance; answer calls related to traffic incidents and other emergencies; enforce laws and ordinances; maintain order; prevent crime; prepare reports on activities performed; testify and present evidence in court; provide backup assistance for other officers and personnel; collect, preserve, and maintain evidence, found property and property for safekeeping; serve warrants and subpoenas and performs other related activities as needed or required. Officers are required to complete follow-up investigations on their cases and investigate each incident thoroughly.

For more information regarding this unit or if you have any questions, please contact our Patrol division by email at tips.winters@winterspolice.org

Reserve Officers are on call for emergency situations where additional manpower is necessary. In addition to emergency use, reserves can be used for general law enforcement duties, projects, and assistance with special programs. All duties can be performed on a day to day basis, or scheduled in advance.

For more information on this unit or to join our reserve program, please contact Reserve Coordinator by email at tips.winters@winterspolice.org

Investigations

The investigations division conducts follow-up criminal investigations on crimes reported to the Police Department. Often, investigations are started by patrol officers who, after responding to a call for service, prepare a police report which requires follow-up investigation. Once assigned to conduct the follow-up, a Detective will review a case and conduct an investigation before an arrest is made or a case is closed. A Detective will often use additional specialized training and/or outside agency resources when conducting an investigation. Investigation staff will also provide backup assistance for other officers and personnel; collect, preserve, and maintain evidence; serve warrants and subpoenas and performs other related activities as needed or required.

For more information regarding this unit or if you have any questions, please contact our Investigations division by email at tips.winters@winterspolice.org.