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Welcome to the News and Information section of our website. Within these pages, you will be able to read the latest news and informational stories from the Tacoma Police Department, read our Department's history, view crime statistics,  learn about our Homeland Security measures, our Public Relations Unit, and other useful information. Click on any of the links to learn more. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to view Annual Reports from previous years.

Understanding The Police Traffic Stop - Traffic stops can be a stressful event. There are several reasons why you might be stopped by the police. In this brochure, we offer some general tips and advice for the motorist that can help make a traffic stop safer and less stressful for you and the police officer. The brochure is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, and Cambodian. Click here to view the brochure.

NOISE ORDINANCE: A comprehensive noise ordinance is in effect for Tacoma. The noise ordinance was created to help regulate the noise levels that exceed the recommended day and night time levels that are considered disruptive to the health and welfare of the community. The noise ordinance will prohibit the following:

• General Prohibitions: The general prohibitions limit night time noise from any source to be no more than five decibels above the background noise levels, and day time noise is limited to no more than ten decibels above background noise levels.
• Commercial Music: Sound levels associated with commercial music cannot be more than six decibels above background noise levels as measured within a dwelling. In addition, commercial music cannot be plainly audible from a distance of 100 feet or more from the property line of the business.
• Construction: The ordinance limits construction hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays.
• Public Disturbance Noise: Music from instruments, stereos, or car stereos that is plainly audible 50 feet from the source, or any sound that is plainly audible within any dwelling unit that is not the source of the sound, is prohibited.

Frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds such as horn honking (except for emergency purposes) or revving engines is also prohibited.

Residents wishing to report a noise issue can call Tacoma CARES at (253) 591-5001; emergency situations should be reported to 911. Civil complaints will be investigated by Building and Land Use Services, and criminal investigations will be performed by the Tacoma Police Department. Click here to read Ordinance Number 27673