FAQs

Are there any City laws regarding alcoholic beverages?: Yes, open containers containing alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public places. A permit issued by the City's Recreation Department may be obtained for certain group activities within the Greenbelt Park.

▼
Police

1. Does the Police Department accept and discard expired prescription medications?: Yes, the Police Department participates in the community drug take-back program. Please drop off any expired prescription medications at 800 Park Street, Ogdensburg, NY.

2. Are there any City laws regarding alcoholic beverages?: Yes, open containers containing alcoholic beverages are prohibited in public places. A permit issued by the City's Recreation Department may be obtained for certain group activities within the Greenbelt Park.

3. Is there a noise ordinance?: Yes, unreasonable amplified sound is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am of the following day. Additionally, loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise is prohibited at all times when taking into account volume, time of day, type of neighborhood, and other factors.

4. What other local laws should I know about?: The Police Department heavily enforces quality of life offenses, in addition to open container laws. Some include prohibitions on littering, public urination, squealing vehicle tires, and swimming off of municipal property.

5. Does the City of Ogdensburg have a Dog Control Officer?: Yes, the City has a part-time Dog Control Officer, who has summons issuance authority. He also removes dead animals from public thoroughfares.

6. Is there a leash law?: Yes, it is unlawful for dogs to be allowed to run at large. If a dog is not leashed, it must be attended by a person of adequate age and discretion to be able to control its actions.

7. What other local laws pertain to dogs?: Local ordinance prohibits dogs from constantly barking, causing personal injury, damaging property, transporting trash, or impairing lawns. Additionally, all dogs older than six months old must be licensed pursuant to the Agriculture and Markets Law. Licenses can be obtained at the City Clerk's Office.

8. Does the Dog Control Officer handle stray cats?: No. Inquiries regarding stray cats may be directed to the St. Lawrence County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at (315) 393-5191. The Police Department may handle injured cats, however, when the SPCA is closed.

9. Does the Police Department handle nuisance wildlife?: Problems with wildlife, dependent upon type of animal and circumstances, may be handled by an officer, or referred to the nuisance wildlife contractor. Inquiries should be directed to the Police Department at (315) 393-1551.

Some of the violations that you can be ticketed for are:

Parking where signs are posted prohibiting standing, parking, or limited time parking

Parking on a City street or municipal parking lot between the hours of 1:00 am and 7:00 am from December 1 through March 31

11. How much are parking tickets?: The fines range from $20 to $85. The amount of the fine will be noted on the parking ticket. Fines automatically double if not paid within 10 days of issuance.

12. How do I pay a parking ticket?: The ticket and fine may be paid via check or money order by mail to the Police Department using the ticket / envelope, which has a pre-printed address, or paid in person at the Police Department dispatch area. If paying in person with cash, please have exact amount as we are unable to make change. We apologize for any inconvenience.

13. Does the Police Department issue picture identification cards or offer fingerprinting for citizens?: The Police Department does not issue picture identification cards, but does do fingerprinting as a public service.

14. Does the Police Department have a Crime Prevention Program?: Contact Crime Prevention Officer Danielle Harte at (315) 393-1555.

15. If I am involved in an accident, when do I need to file a report?: You need to file an accident report with the Police Department if the accident resulted in personal injury to any involved party, the physical damage to any one vehicle is greater than $1,000., or if one of the parties requests that an accident report be taken. If the accident does not meet one of the above criteria, a police officer will assist the parties in the exchange of license, registration, and insurance information. For your protection, law enforcement should be called to the scene of any accident.

16. How do I obtain a copy of my accident report?: You may pick up a copy of your accident report at the Police Department dispatch area. There is a $3 fee.

17. What if I have a question about non-parking fines or my court appearance?: Questions should be directed to the Ogdensburg City Court Clerk’s Office at (315) 393-3941.

18. How do I recover my stolen property or evidence?: Contact the evidence custodian at the Ogdensburg Police Department at (315) 393-1555 to schedule an appointment.