Community FAQs

Can a citizen ride along with a Florence Police Officer?

Yes, at times citizens are permitted to accompany a patrol officer and observe them performing their duties. If you are interested in such a ride along you are asked to contact one of the two patrol sergeants at 541-997-3515 after 4pm to make those arrangements. Please note there are some restrictions and requirements that are involved.
 

Can citizen groups tour the Florence Police Department?

Yes, depending upon the availability of staff and the operation needs of the department, tours can be made available to various groups. Should groups want to tour the Florence Police Department they are asked to contact Ms. Sarah Huff, Administrative Assistant, at 541-997-3515.
 

Do police officers speak at public or private events or meetings?

Yes, they are able to and have been permitted to speak at public and private events. People seeking to have an officer, a sergeant, the lieutenant or the Chief of Police to speak are asked to contact Chief Raymond Gutierrez with the request via email. 

I have heard about the Florence Police Department's Citizen's Academy. Where do I obtain information on that program?

People can come to the Florence Justice Center and pick up an application and class schedule about 2 to 3 months prior to the beginning of a scheduled Citizen’s Academy. The Florence Police Department will generally hold a Citizen’s Academy class once every one to two years. The program has been created in our effort to more approachable and transparent in the operation of the Florence Police Department.

The Citizen’s Academy consists of thirteen (13) four hour training blocks with two 4 hour ride-along for a total of 60 hours. It is put on by Florence Police Officers, Communications Officers, Florence Reserve Officers, Florence Code Enforcement Officer, and Florence Police Auxiliary members with the assistance of the Lane County Sheriff’s Officer, Lane County Parole and Probation, Siuslaw Outreach Services, Western Lane Ambulance, Suislaw Rural Fire and Rescue District, and other agencies.

This program is open to citizen’s who are over 18 years of age with a clean criminal history. Some exceptions will be considered depending on the crime and the years that have passed with a clean record. Residents of the City of Florence are given priority to attending this program, however out-of-city are welcome to attend.

For additional information about the program, please contact Sergeant Harry Johnson by email or at 541-997-3515.
 

How do I commend or complain about an employee of the Florence Police Department?

We are always appreciative of those notes and calls we get praising an employee for performing their duties well or going above and beyond. We also equally appreciate knowing when we have not met the needs of our citizens as well. We have forms that you can print out and fill out from your home or business to make certain reports only, then fax to our department. Our fax number for the Florence Police Department is 541-997-4104. You may also mail in the complaint or commendation to the Florence Police Department. Those will be forwarded to the appropriate member of the organization. Please be certain to include your phone number as you will receive a response.