FAQ

How do I get a Restraining Order/No Contact Order against someone?

If protection is needed from a relation, go to Superior Court, 3rd floor of the Yakima County Courthouse. If protection is needed from someone other than a relative, got to District Court, 2nd floor of the Yakima County Courthouse. You must provide information on all the persons involved, including birthdays.

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What can I do if my neighbor or a passing vehicle is making too much noise?

Call the Selah Police Department at (509) 698-7346. During business hours, 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and weekends, the office staff will answer your call. If after hours or on holidays, you will get the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department. Give the answering party as much information as possible. For instance, the address of the residence with the loud/offensive music/noise, which can be heard at least 50 feet or more from the point of origin, or if it is a passing vehicle, the description, color, license plate number, including the direction of travel and how many occupants in the vehicle. It can be a criminal offense. See City Ordinances 6.60.030 and 6.60.040.

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What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?

Call the Selah Police Department at (509) 698-7346. Obtain as much information about the vehicle causing the problem as possible. A license plate number is very helpful. The law does not permit a Police Officer to cite an individual for an infraction unless it was observed by a Police Officer. The exception to this rule is when an Officer is investigation a traffic collision, then he/she can issue a “Notice of Infraction” for whatever violation he/she believes to have occurred. However, in cases involving “Criminal Traffic” violations, such as reckless driving, negligent driving, 1st degree hit and run, and DUI, an Officer can issue a citation based on the information from witness(s) and other sources of information/evidence they have determined from their investigation, even though the violation did not occur in their presence. If you are a witness, you may be subpoenaed into court to testify.
To determine if there is a problem on any given street, we can set up our Radar Trailer, which monitors the speed of vehicles traveling down the street. This is an educational tool, for both drivers and residents. If this doesn’t curtail the problem, a marked patrol vehicle with a radar unit could be assigned to sit in an area to monitor the traffic and speeding vehicles. Enforcement action could be based on the Officer’s observations.

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What do I do if I get annoying “hang-up,” threatening, or obscene phone calls?

If this is a continuing problem, call the Selah Police Department at (509) 698-7346. If the call is captured on caller id, leave it for the Officer. If you activated *69 note the number given by the operator. On all calls note the time and date, anything that was said, if the caller was male or female and anything unusual or distinctive about the voice. If this is a continuing problem, contact the Selah Police Department. A report will be taken and a form will be given to you to deliver to the Ellensburg Telephone Company. The Ellensburg Telephone Company will then place a “tracer” on your line. There is a fee for this service by the Ellensburg Telephone Company. They will give you instructions and the fee amount at the time the form is delivered.

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Where can I get information on the laws dealing with firearms?

Contact the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section at (360) 705-5100.

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Where can I run criminal history checks?

Contact the Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section at (360) 705-5100.

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If I have a problem with skunks in my yard, what can I do?

You can purchase a trap from almost any hardware store. If you choose not to trap your own, you can call CHARLES VANDYKE, at (509) 307-2244, to supply the trap and/or dispose of the animal for a fee. You can also contact the Department of Fish & Wildlife for assistance.

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I am interested in becoming a Selah Police Officer, what do I need to do?

For Entry Level Police Officer or Lateral Police Officer, contact:
Human Resources Department
Selah City Hall, 115 W. Naches Avenue, Selah WA 98942
Phone (509) 698-7328; Fax (509) 698-7338
Visit the Employment Opportunities page

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When I was arrested, my property was seized/confiscated, how do I get it back?

If you had property (cash, vehicles, personal property, etc.) seized from a Narcotics arrest, you will need to notify the Selah Police Department within 45 days of the Notice of Seizure to file a claim for your property. If notification is made within the 45 days, you shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard as to the claim or right of property. If you fail to notify the Selah Police Department in writing within 45 days, the items shall be deemed forfeited.

Any items confiscated from any arrest , other than narcotics, shall be held in property at the Police Department. You will need documentation from the Judge or Prosecuting Attorney, in writing, giving the Selah Police Department the authority to release the property.
If charges are not filed (after investigation), contact the Selah Police Department Property Officer 509-698-7361, Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm, for release.

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