Mifflin County Regional Police Department

Every day police officers are asked many questions by the public concerning issues that they face. This page of Frequently Asked Questions is designed to provide an easy way for the public to find answers to those common questions. Please note that legal matters are often complicated. The information found here is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.

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Why do criminals have so many rights?

Why was I arrested when I didn’t do anything wrong?

Why was my name in the newspaper even though I asked the police that it not be printed?

How many arrests does a police officer have to make so he can keep his job?

Do the police run "speed traps" just to make money?

I just separated from my spouse. Will the police help me get my furniture?

I was involved in an accident. The other driver said it didn't have to be reported to the police. Is that correct?

Can I get my drivers license renewed at the Regional Station?

 

 

 

1.  Why do criminals have so many rights?    Back To Top

Persons that are arrested are afforded those same rights as law abiding people. Those rights are guaranteed by both the United States and Pennsylvania Constitution. The purpose of theses documents is to limit the power of government, including the police, from undue interference in the private affairs of the people. Without these documents everyone would live in fear that they may be arrested, their homes searched or their possessions seized without cause. The side effect of these guaranteed rights is the appearance that persons who violate the law are given special treatment. In truth, those who violate the law, only receive those every same rights enjoyed by law abiding people.
 

2.  Why was I arrested when I didn’t do anything wrong?    Back To Top

Being arrested does not mean you are guilty of a crime. The job of the police is twofold. First to determine, based on the facts known to them, if a crime occurred and if you are the person who committed it, secondly to bring that matter before the courts. The police do not decide if you are guilty. Depending upon the severity of the crime and how you decide to proceed, guilt is decided by a District Magistrate, a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas or a jury.

3.  Why was my name in the newspaper even though I asked the police that it not be printed?    Back To Top

The police have no control over what is and is not used by the news media. As a government agency the records of the police department are considered, with some exceptions, open to the public. Therefore the police can not keep your name from being used by the news media.

4.  How many arrests does a police officer have to make so he can keep his job?    Back To Top

In Pennsylvania quotas, the number of arrests a police officer must make, are illegal.

5.  Do the police run "speed traps" just to make money?    Back To Top

No. Because Mifflin County Regional Police is a regional police department, all monies collected as fines are returned to the municipality where the arrest occurred and not to the police department.

6.  I just separated from my spouse. Will the police help me get my furniture?    Back To Top

Not without an order from the courts. The police can not determine the rightful owner of property that may be considered jointly owned. In this case, consulting with an attorney before attempting to retrieve jointly owned property is advised.

7.  I was involved in an accident.  The other driver said it didn't have to be reported to the police.  Is that correct?    Back To Top

It's quite possible he was.  Pennsylvania law only requires police notification if there were injuries or a vehicle is damaged to the extent that it can not be safely driven.  All other accidents are classified as Non-reportable.  Pennsylvania law does require that drivers involved in any accident exchange driver, vehicle, and insurance information.  If the accident involves damage to unattended vehicles or property, the driver must leave written notification of the information.  Remember to protect yourself is such situations.  Always ask to see the other parties information.  It they do not have the information or will not let you see it, contact the police before leaving the scene.  If the other party attempts to leave, obtain the vehicle license number, a description of the driver and vehicle and contact police immediately.

8.  Can I get my drivers license renewed at the Regional Station?    Back To Top

No.  This is a mistake often made because of the Regional Stations proximity to the Drivers Examination Center.  The entrance to the Drivers Examination Center is along Ferguson Valley Road, just west of the Regional Station.  The days and hours of operation are:

Drivers Examinations	Thursdays	8:30 - 4:15
Photo License Center	Thursdays and Saturdays	8:30 - 4:15