Did You Know?

The City provides a publication, "Welcome to the City of Oak Park, Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.” For a copy, please call (248) 691-7520. Here are a few of the general questions we hear most often - and the answers we provide.

General Public Safety Information

• Where do I go to find job openings?
  • The Public Safety Department will post notices of job openings via various media outlets including social media. The Job openings will list specific dates to submit applications.  Please do not submit applications outside the posted application dates as they will not be considered.                                        

• Where do I go to pick up a job application or submit a resume?
  • To obtain a printable online application, visit Employment Application. Complete the form online, print and sign it. Return forms to the Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau, City of Oak Park, 13800 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237. Or, fax your application to (248) 691-7161.

• What is a SNOW EMERGENCY?
  • A Snow Emergency is called when four or more inches of snow falls, or other hazardous conditions necessitate. NO PARKING is permitted on City streets during this time until City crews have cleared the snow from the streets. When a Snow Emergency has been declared all vehicles must be removed from curbside and parked off-street. Parking on City streets is prohibited until the snow emergency has been declared over by the Department of Public Works. Snow emergencies can be seen as an alert in the lower right corner of this website and on Channel 15 and 16 on Comcast Cable in the City of Oak Park.

• Where is the Public Safety Department located?
  • The Oak Park Public Safety Department is located at 13800 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237. City Hall’s and the Public Safety Department’s entrances are West of Coolidge, between 9 Mile Road and 10 Mile Road, on the north side of Oak Park Blvd., opposite Oak Park High School. From I-696, use Exit 14, turn south on Coolidge and travel one-half mile to Oak Park Blvd. Our non-emergency business phone is (248) 691-7520. For any emergency, dial 9-1-1.

• Where is the 45th District Court located?
  • The 45th District Court is located at13600 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, Mich. The court is in the Court House Building. The phone number to the 45th District Court is (248) 692-7440.

• What are the Public Safety Department hours?
  • The Public Safety Department, Uniformed Patrol, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The Administration, Investigations, Fire Inspection, Records, and Property offices are open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• My car was impounded, where is the tow yard?
  • Vehicles impounded by the Oak Park Public Safety Department are usually taken to Monaghan's Towing Company, located at 21680 Fern Street, Oak Park, Mich. Their phone number is (248) 546-0860. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,and on Saturday to Sunday, noon - 3:30 p.m.
  • Before impounded cars can be released, you must first stop at the Oak Park Public Safety Department and obtain necessary paperwork and an authorization for release of the vehicle. The vehicle will only be released with proof of ownership and payment of required fees.

• Can I pay a ticket at the Public Safety Department?
  • No. Tickets must be paid by mail or at the 45th District Court counter located in City Hall, 13600 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, Mich.

• I have an abandoned vehicle on my property. Will the Public Safety Department come out and tow it away?
  • No. The Public Safety Department does not routinely tow vehicles from private property. The property owner is responsible for the removal of the vehicle and may use the towing service of their choice.

• Does the Public Safety Department assist with keys locked in my car?
  • Yes, as long as you sign a waiver of liability. If the officer is unable to gain entry, they can assist you in calling a towing service or locksmith of your choice.

• What is the curfew for minors?
  • A youth under the age of 14 cannot be in a public place without a parent or guardian or some other responsible adult delegated by the parent between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
  • A youth under the age of 16 cannot be in a public place without a parent or guardian or some other responsible adult delegated by the parent between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

• Does the Public Safety Department know if schools are closed?
  • No, unless the closure is due to a police or fire emergency the Public Safety Department would not be aware of school closings. You must listen to radio and television news, or call your school district or school office.

• Does the Public Safety Department have the bus route and/or schedule?
  • No. You must call SMART transportation at (313) 962-5515.

• How do I get a permit to purchase a handgun?
  • Apply at the Public Safety Department's Records Bureau, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and every other Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must be an Oak Park resident qualified to purchase a handgun under state law, and possess a valid driver's license.
  • The fee is $5.00 for permit, and $1.00 for the application to be notarized.
  • Concealed Weapons Permits are available only through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
• Am I charged for false burglary alarms to my residence or business?
  • For either a business or a residence, you are allowed a maximum of three (3) false alarms per calendar year, after that, the current charge is $50.00 per each occurrence.

• What time do the parks close?
  • The Oak Park City parks are closed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., however, the lighted baseball diamonds and Shepherd Park tennis courts remain open until 11:30 p.m.

• I have a new business in the City, do I need to register it with the Public Safety Department?
  • No, but you must go to the Technical and Planning Department and confer with the City Planner. The Building Inspector and Fire Inspector must inspect each business. After which City Council approval is required. Most businesses must also obtain an Oak Park Merchants License. Information about the type of businesses that must be licensed may be obtained by contacting the City Clerk at (248) 691-7544.

• Where can I apply for a bike license?
  • You can come into the Public Safety Department, and apply at the Records Bureau. The cost for this service is $2.00. You can contact the Records Bureau (248) 691-7526 during business hours as to the information you may need to bring with you to get a license.

• Where can I view the Sex Offenders List?
• The Sex Offenders Registration Act, MCL 28.721et seq., directs the Michigan State Police (MSP) to develop and maintain a public registry and provides  guidelines on the type of offender information available to the public. For more information or to search their list,  visit online Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry. Or call (517) 241-1806.