Show All Answers

1. How do I make a request for public records?

A request for access to records may be made in person, in writing, by telephone, or electronically, and should reasonably describe the records sought. The requester is not required to identify him/herself or give a reason for requesting a record. Requests should be made to the Custodian of Records, Administrative Support Manager Marcia Slycord by phone at 641.628.4921 or via email Marcia Slycord.

2. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report?

Accident reports can be obtained by contacting the communications center using the non-emergency line at 641.628.4921. If you know the case number linked to the accident, please refer to it when processing the request.

3. How do I obtain a copy of my driving record?

You can obtain a non-certified copy of your driving record online through the Iowa DOT website. You may purchase a copy of a certified driving record for $5.50 plus a processing fee of $3.00 through the Iowa DOT website as well.

4. How do I renew my driver’s license?

The Marion County Treasurer’s office operates a Pella driver's license office (712 Union Street, Suite 200) every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Appointments are REQUIRED; walk-ins are not accepted.  

You may schedule an appointment online at www.marioncountyiowa.gov.  If you do not have internet access, you may call the Marion County Treasurer’s office at 641.828.2202.

Marion County Motor Vehicle Info

5. Does the Police Department conduct criminal background checks for employers?

The Pella Police Department is able to supply employers with local criminal activity, but you must contact the Department of Criminal Investigations for a state wide criminal background check.

6. Does the Police Department provide fingerprinting?

Yes, the cost will be $4.00 per individual fingerprinted. The Police Department will provide cards if not with the party requesting the fingerprints.

7. Where should I dispose of unused prescription medications?

You may safely dispose unused prescription medications at the prescription drug box located in the lobby of the Police Department (614 Main Street).

8. What do I do if I lock my keys in my vehicle?

First, evaluate the severity of the situation. If the weather presents a life-threatening risk from prolonged exposure, find shelter nearby if possible and call 911.

If at-risk children or adults are left in the car, call 911. 

If there is not an immediate risk, evaluate whether obtaining a spare set of keys is reasonable. If it is not, call the Pella Police Department at 641.628.4921. Officers will be able to attempt a vehicle unlock. Callers should expect to accept all risk (damages, etc.) involved with the vehicle unlock.

9. If I lose my pet, what should I do?

Contact the Pella Police Department at 641.628.4921 with a description of your pet. If your pet has been picked up by our department prior to your call, a fee of $35 is assessed. The fee is waived for those owners notifying the Police Department that their pet is lost prior to transportation to the animal facility, and the owner is available to reunite with the pet when it is located.

Dogs and cats are required to be leashed. Those pet owners that choose to allow their pets to roam at large will result in criminal charges being filed.

10. How do I pay a parking ticket?

You can mail your payment (check or money order only, not cash) in the yellow envelope provided for you to:

Pella Police Department

614 Main St.

Pella, IA 50219

You may also pay in person at the Police Department by cash, check, or money order. If you mail the payment, please do not send cash and be sure to include the envelope provided and/or the parking ticket number.

11. How do I become a police officer in the State of Iowa?

Please visit the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy for more information.

12. Is a left-hand turn into a diagonal parking space legal?

It is unlawful to make a left turn in order to park. Please refer to the City of Pella Ordinance:
64.04; Left Turn For Parking: "No person shall make a left hand turn, crossing the center line of the street, for the purpose of parking on said street.”

13. Are there parking restrictions on my street?

• A 48-hour restriction applies to all non-posted streets
• Unless otherwise posted, there is no parking on the east side of north / south streets
• Unless otherwise posted, there is no parking on south side of east / west streets

A $15 fine applies for parking violations. If the violation remains unpaid for more than 30 days, the fine will increase to $20.  Under Iowa Code, failure to pay restitution owed by you can be grounds for refusing to renew your motor vehicle’s registration.

14. Does the State of Iowa require vehicle insurance?

Iowa law requires a person to have financial liability coverage for their vehicles and be able, upon request of a peace officer, to present such proof. If a peace officer stops a vehicle and proof is not provided a fee of up to $397.50 may be charged. If they are involved in an accident and no proof is provided a fee of up to $735 may be charged.

15. May I burn within the city limits?

City of Pella Open Burning, Code 105.06 states: no person shall allow, cause, or permit open burning of combustible materials where the products of combustion are emitted into the open air without passing through a chimney or stack.

If you live outside the city limits of Pella, it is permissible to open burn. We request that if you are in the Pella Fire District and you plan a controlled burn, please call the Police Department before starting and let us know when you have completed the controlled burn.

16. How do I register my bicycle?

Registering your bicycle through the Police Department will help law enforcement identify your bicycle and the owner in the event your bicycle is lost, stolen, recovered, or involved in an accident. Bicycle registrations can be done at the Pella Police Department at any time. You will need to either bring your bicycle into the police department or have the following information with you at the time of registration:

• Make and Model
• Serial Number
• Brakes (hand / straight)
• Rims (chrome / painted)
• Frame type (male / female)
• Fenders (yes / no)
• Color
• Name, address, and phone number of licensee