How do I ...

The Metro Transit Police Department offers introductory answers to "How Do I..." questions. Click on a subject heading below to view questions and answers relating to your selection. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. Should you have any further questions, please consult our Contact Us page.

How do I apply for employment?
For questions regarding employment please visit our Recruiting page

How do I recommend commendation/file complaint?
To recommend commendation/file complaint please visit Commendation/Complaint page and fill out the form.

How do I file a police report?
For questions regarding filing a police report contact MTPD communications 24 hours a day at (202)962-2121

How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
Individuals and/or their insurance companies requesting reports shall be instructed to mail the Office of the Crime Analysis Division a:

written request to include report number, and
check or money order for $5.00, made payable to WMATA, along with
a self addressed, stamped envelope.

Individuals who appear in person at the MTPD Office of Records for copies of reports permitted for release, shall receive same, free of charge. As a general rule, the Crime Analysis Division will not fax police reports. The MTPD Office of Records is located at

600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001

The checks, along with a copy of the request shall be processed by the MTPD Administrative Office of the Office of the Treasury.

Individuals must call (202)962-2125 prior to responding to 600 Fifth Street NW to ensure the report is available.

How do I pay for a citation?
You are directed to report to any Metropolitan Police District Station listed on the reverse side of your citation within fifteen [15] days and post required collateral for the listed offense. You have the option to forfeit collateral, request a date for your appearance in court or mail a copy of your ticket and a check or money order (Payable to "DC Treasurer") to:

   Metro Transit Police Department
   600 Fifth Street, NW
   Washington, DC 20001

Failure to deposit collateral within fifteen [15] days from the date you received your citation will cause this matter to be presented to the DC Superior Court and will result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest. For further questions please contact Officer David Mckenzie at (202)962-2173.

How do I inquire about a parking ticket?
For questions regarding parking tickets received on your vehicle within fifteen [15] days of receipt call (202)962-2193.

How do I inquire about an impounded auto?
For questions regarding impounded autos contact MTPD communications 24 hours a day (202)962-2121.

How do I recover personal property?
The MTPD has procedures to retain, safeguard and eventually dispose of evidence and prisoner property. To have this property released back to you please follow the below procedures:

Evidence - After evidence is released by the prosecuting attorney (usually after trial), the owner must call the property clerk, Officer Charles Ullmann, at (202)962-2134 to make an appointment. The owner will need to come to
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
and will need to provide indentification.
Prisoner Property - The owner must call the property clerk, Officer Charles Ullmann, at (202)962-2134 to make an appointment. The owner will need to come to
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
and will need to provide indentification. Please note: your prisoner property may be located at the processing center where you were transported.
Found Property - is generally turned over to Metro's Lost and Found. To determine if your property has been located by any Metro employee please call (202)962-1195.

Any property questions or if you are unsure of the status of your property please call Officer Charles Ullmann at (202)962-2134.

How do I apply to "Ride Along"?
It is the policy of the MTPD to provide a patrol observation program, permitting interested persons to accompany members performing their duties, thereby providing a realistic view of the responsibilities of a Metro Transit Police patrol officer. Participation is limited to applicants who are eighteen years of age and must meet one or more of the following criteria:

a resident within the Transit Zone,
a student of Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice,
an applicant for Metro Transit Police employment,
a visiting guest of the MTPD,
a member of federal, state, local or a military law enforcement agency,
a relative or friend of a member of the MTPD, or
any person whose participation would be in the best interest of the MTPD, as determined by the Chief.

How do I collect a uniform patch?
Due to security concerns, the Metro Transit Police departmental patch is not distributed to the public.

How do I email key members of the department?
To email key members of the department please visit our Contact Us page.