FAQs • Victoria, TX • CivicEngage

How can I find out if something is against the law online?

Texas Laws

View the Texas Laws and Statutes - found on a website maintained by the Texas Legislature. Most of the Criminal Laws are found in the Texas Penal Code, however some are within other codes such as the Health and Safety Code for drug/narcotics violations. Most traffic laws are found in the Transportation Code beginning primarily at Chapter 501.

Victoria City Ordinances

View the City of Victoria Code of Ordinances - found at Municode.com. The information here is provided to Municode by the City Secretary’s Office. You can look through the chapters in the left navigation or use their "Search" for a specific topic.

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Police

Show All Answers

1. Where do I call in the case of a non-emergency?: Instead of calling 911, feel free to contact our non-emergency line at 361-573-3221 and the call takers will determine if it is appropriate for an officer to respond or return your call. They may also be able to help you or refer you to the right place. View our Police Department Staff Directory for more contact information.

2. How do I obtain a criminal history or background check of myself?

Often times individuals will request a "Clearance Letter" on themselves for business, work, travel, etc. The Victoria Police Department (VPD) Records Section only provides the information found in the VPD records management system.

An individual can only request a background check for themselves and in person. They have to fill out a form, provide a valid Texas drivers license or ID and must have lived in Victoria for the past 4 months or have been a resident of Victoria at one time. The cost is $7.50. The background check will only cover the City of Victoria and does not include Victoria County or the State of Texas. The only charges that go on the background are arrests that resulted with a conviction.

Records Section Contact Information

VPD Records Section is located in the City Hall building at:
105 W Juan Linn Street
Victoria, TX 77901

The telephone Number for VPD Records is 361-485-3700.

Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Searches

Arrests, prosecutions and the disposition of the case for persons arrested for Class B misdemeanor or greater violation of Texas criminal statutes are available for purchase by visiting the Texas Department of Public Safety Website.

3. How can I compliment a Police Officer or employee for quality service?: We are interested in hearing about what we are doing right so we may continue quality services. You may visit our Service Request page to share information regarding any compliments you have for our employees. You may also email the Office of the Chief of Police or call at 361-485-3714.

4. How can I make a complaint on a Police Officer or employee?: To file a complaint against a member of the Victoria Police Department you may email the Internal Affairs Unit, talk in person during business hours, or call at 361-485-3714.

5. Can I get a Police Department speaker for Crime Prevention or some other topic?

The Victoria Police Department is always happy to provide a speaker for your event when possible. If you are interested in having a speaker for your organization or would like to request a course be offered for your organization email the Police Department or call 361-485-3808.

All courses are offered completely free of charge. Courses are scheduled and held periodically in the Community Room at Victoria Mall. Due to limited seating in the Community Room, we do ask that anyone planning to attend a course, register by calling the Community Engagement Unit.

Courses are also available upon request for civic organizations, churches, or businesses, that would like an officer to come to their location and deliver one of these courses.

Topics Available

Some of the topics offered are:

Active Crime Prevention
Avoiding Scams
Burglary Prevention (Residential Security)
Identity Theft Protection
Motor Vehicle Safety
Robbery Prevention

6. Can I talk to someone at the Police Department about gangs?: Yes - feel free to call our Investigations Division at 361-485-3730 and they should be able to refer you to the right person. But remember that if you have information you can submit an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers.

7. Who can I talk to if I suspect drug / narcotics activity in my neighborhood?: Feel free to call our Investigations Division at 361-485-3730 and they should be able to refer you to the right person.

8. How can I get a Street Blocking Permit?

Download the Street Blocking Application/Permit (PDF). Feel free to contact our Chief’s Administrative Assistant at 361-485-3714 with any questions.

In compliance with the Code of the City of Victoria, Sections 22-7 - the information shown below shall be furnished in writing and the Street Blocking Permit Application shall be submitted at least ten days in advance of the proposed event to the Victoria Police Department if the event is on a public street or to the City Parks and Recreation Department if the event is within Riverside Park.

Where to Submit the Application

Submit the Application to the following as appropriate:

Public Street
Victoria Police Department - Chief of Police
P.O. Box 2086
Victoria, TX 77902-2086

Riverside Park
Victoria Parks and Recreation
476 McCright Drive
Victoria, TX 77901

9. How can I get a Parade Permit?

The Parade Permit Application (PDF) can be found here.

Code

In compliance with the Code of the City of Victoria, Sections 22-30 through 22-39 - the information shown below shall be furnished in writing and the Parade Permit Application shall be submitted at least ten days in advance of the proposed parade to:
Victoria Police Department - Chief of Police
P.O. Box 2086
Victoria, TX 77902

10. How do I get an off duty officer to work an event or for another security concern?: Persons wanting information on obtaining Off-Duty Police Officers for security work may contact the Chief’s Administrative Assistant at 361-485-3714 regarding off-duty work. There are some jobs or events that our officers are not allowed to work. Also the number of officers required may change based on the type of event, location of event, or the number of guests expected.

11. How can I sign up for defensive driving after getting a ticket?: Visit the Defensive Driving webpage for the City of Victoria Municipal Court to see if you are eligible and for more information.

12. Can I ride along with a police officer on duty?: The Victoria Police Department (VPD) does have a Ride-Along Program where interested citizens may ride with an on-duty police officer. The restrictions can be found on the VPD Policy. For more information on the VPD Ride-Along Program as well as the Application form and the VPD Ride-Along Policy.

13. Is Crime Stoppers really anonymous?

Yes - absolutely! All callers remain anonymous and will receive a code number for identification purposes when he\she contacts Crime Stoppers anytime of the day or night - 7 days a week. Tips to Crime Stoppers may be submitted by telephone call, through the web or with the P3 Tips smartphone app.

The anonymous tip line for Crime Stoppers is 361-572-4200 - do not give your name! The Investigations business line where you can ask to speak with our Crime Stoppers Detective (not anonymous) is 361-485-3730.

14. What type of Crime Victim Services does the Police Department offer?

The Police Department has a full-time Crime Victim Liaison who assists victims of violent crimes through our Victim Assistance Program. The goal of this program is to:

Assist victims of crime
Protect and advocate the rights of victims
Provide resources and referrals in our area
Prevent further victimization

Victims are notified of their victim rights through our Victim Assistance Information Booklet which in most cases is provided by the responding officer at the scene of the incident.