Citizen Questions (FAQ)

Call 911 for emergencies, crimes in progress, situations involving immediate danger, serious injuries, or when police response is needed right away. 

Use the non-emergency number for situations that are not urgent and do not require immediate police response. 

Yes. Certain non-emergency incidents may be reported online if: 

• The incident occurred within Lorain city limits
• There are no known suspects
• A police officer does not need to respond to the scene

Please review the File a Report page before submitting an online report. 

Common incidents that may be reported online include: 

• Theft
• Lost property
• Criminal damage
• Harassing phone calls
• Private property accidents (non-injury)

Not all incidents qualify for online reporting.

Police reports may be requested through the Lorain Police Department Records Department once they are available. Most reports are available within 72 hours, depending on the type of incident and investigation status. 

See the Request Records page for details. 

Most traffic crash reports are available through the Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Retrieval System. Recent crash reports may not be immediately available online. 

Additional guidance is available on the Request Records page. 

• Most police reports are available within 72 hours
• Crash reports may take several days to appear in the state system
• Some reports may be delayed due to active investigations

Bicycle licenses are available through the City Auditor’s Office. 

Contact Information

Phone: (440) 204-2090 

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday

Civilian fingerprinting is handled by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. 

Contact Information

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office – Record Room 

Phone: (440) 329-3703 

Please contact the Record Room directly for available hours and fingerprinting times. 

Traffic citations must be paid at the Clerk of Courts Office, located on the 2nd floor of Lorain City Hall. 

Office Hours

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday 

The current waiver schedule and payment information can be found on the City of Lorain website: https://www.loraincountyohio.gov/384/Make-a-Payment 

If your vehicle was towed or impounded, you must first obtain a vehicle release from the Lorain Police Department Record Room. You will have 10 days from the date of notification to claim. 

Please bring:

• Proof of vehicle registration or title

Once you have the release, contact the towing company below. 

Towing Service Provider

Sugar Ridge Towing 

Phone: (440) 723-2615 

Address: 41524 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH 

Yes. Online reports and commendations may be submitted without providing personal contact information, depending on the type of submission. 

You may submit a commendation through the Commend an Officer page. Commendations are reviewed by department leadership and shared with the employee being recognized.