PPD Faqs

Residents often ask when to use 9-1-1. The Pottstown Police Department's regular number (610-323-1212) handles non-emergency situations - traffic problems, vandalism, noise complaints, stray animals, etc. But, if you are calling when a crime is in progress, to report a fire or to request emergency medical assistance, call 9-1-1. Hearing impaired residents can dial 9-1-1 TDD (telephone device for the deaf).

Back to Top

What if a caller feels more comfortable communicating in a language other than English?

For callers who feel more comfortable communicating in a language other than English, the Pottstown Police Department has contracted with Language Line^® Services. This service provides interpreters for over 140 languages (24 hours a day / 7 days a week). Interpreters are available for both emergency and non-emergency calls. If needed, Language Line^® Services can also provide written translation services.

Here is how the process works:

The call is received at our dispatch center by a call taker. (The call is answered in English.)
The call taker determines the need for interpretation and establishes a connection with an interpreter who speaks the requested language. This process takes very little time - callers should remain on the line.
Once the interpreter joins the conversation, the call taker will continue to lead the conversation - providing any special instructions or police assistance. (Note: The interpreters are trained only to repeat what is said by both parties, not to provide instructions or advice.)

Back to Top

How do I get a copy of a Police Report ?

You can request a copy of a police report in person from our RECORDS DIVISION between 6:00 Am and 4:00 Pm, Monday through Friday. For more details please click on the above link.

Back to Top

How do I register a commendation or complaint regarding the Police Department ?

If you have a commendation or complaint regarding any Pottstown Police Officer, you may submit your commendation or complaint in person, by telephone, by Fax, by e-mail, or by conventional mail*. It is best to register your commendation or complaint as soon after the incident as possible. All commendation or complaint will be thoroughly investigated.

*If you wish to register a complaint: For your convenience you may access a Pottstown Police Department Civilian Complaint Report Form for submission. You will first need to have Adobe^®Acrobat Reader™ installed on your computer.

To register / submit a commendation or complaint:

Call Police Administration at 610-970-6572,
TDD (telephone device for the deaf) at 610-323-1212,
Contact any Police Supervisor in person at the Department,
Administrative Fax at 610-970-6588,
e-mail, or
Mail your comments to the Chief of Police:

Mark D. Flanders, Chief of Police
Pottstown Police Department
100 East High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464-9525

Back to Top

What can a motorist expect during a traffic stop ?

(Follow this link for more information on this topic)

Officer may activate red lights, horn/siren to gain your attention
Additional officers may arrive as back-up
Officers will state their name/department and advise you why you are being stopped
Officer will request your license, registration and insurance card
Officer may search your vehicle if (1) you cannot produce proof of ownership or registration for the vehicle, (2) probable cause exists that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime or illegal materials, (3) you are arrested or your vehicle is impounded
Officer may issue a traffic citation
Motorists can expect to be treated fairly, courteously and in a professional manner

Back to Top

What can a police officer expect during a traffic stop ?

(Follow this link for more information on this topic)

Driver should safely operate a vehicle to right side of roadway and stop
Driver/occupants should keep hands in plain view and stay in car unless told otherwise
Driver should have license, registration and insurance card ready for the officer
Driver should not make any sudden movements
Driver should tell the officer if he/she needs to enter the glove compartment or console to retrieve license, registration or insurance card
Driver should not debate the issuance of a citation on the highway; any disputes will be settled in court

Back to Top

What do I do when stopped by police? (While driving, on the street, at my home)

The following link will provide you with a Microsoft PowerPoint^® presentation entitled:

What To Do When Stopped By The Police

The information provided is a product of a collaborative effort by the Police Chiefs Association of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, and the Montgomery County Advisory Council of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. The information contained in the presentation is intended to encourage cooperation and improve relations between the police and the citizens we serve in our culturally diverse county.

The information contained in this presentation is for your information and assistance. If you should have any additional questions about what the police can and cannot do, please contact us or the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Click here to access:

What To Do When Stopped By The Police

Back to Top

How do I renew my PA Drivers License?

You can renew you PA Motor Vehicle Registration and/or your PA Drivers License on-line by following the link to the Pennsylvania Driver & Vehicle Resources web site.

Back to Top

What are the PA Rules of the Road?

The following link will provide you with a Microsoft PowerPoint^® presentation entitled:

Rules of the Road

The information contained in this presentation is for your information and assistance. If you should have any additional questions about Pennsylvania Vehicle Laws, please contact us.