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Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650/903-6344
Directions & Map
Hours
General Business:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
Walk-in Crime Reports:
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (7 days)
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The security of our home and neighborhood is essential to our well being. MVPD provides information about Neighborhood Watch, tips for home security, and on this page, suggestions for dealing with noise problems and advice on when to call the police for neighborhood problems.
Noisy Neighbors
At present, Mountain View has no city ordinance prohibiting loud noise. The California Penal Code gives limited authority to enforce "disturbing the peace."
Many times the best way to resolve noise problems, or other neighborhood issues, is to create an open dialogue with neighbors. If the noise is coming from rental property, you can also speak with the landlord or apartment manager. If you don't feel safe or comfortable initiating these conversations, or if they haven't helped, you're welcome to call MVPD (non-emergency, 650/903-6395). It's best to call when the noise is happening. We'll send an officer to talk to the neighbors. If the problem reoccurs (even the same day or night), call us again.
In most situations, people will adjust their behavior in the interests of community harmony. When this is not the case, there are non-profit mediation groups with a good track record of resolving noise complaints and other neighborhood issues. See Project Sentinel Fair Housing on the Community Resources page.
We encourage apartment managers and property owners to put excessive-noise stipulations into leases or rental agreements. This allows the owner or manager to take civil action for noise complaints.
Noise issues related to commercial enterprises, such as heavy machinery on industrial property, are handled by the City Code Enforcement Unit.
Barking Dogs
Though there is a city ordinance for barking dogs, these situations are handled similarly to noise complaints. See Pets & Animals for more information.
Construction Noise
According to Mountain View City Code, "No construction activity shall commence prior to 7 a.m. nor continue later than 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, nor shall any work be permitted on Saturday or Sunday or holidays unless prior written approval is granted by the building official." For more information, see: City Code, chapter 8, article 1, or contact City Code Enforcement, 650/526-7713.
"What sort of suspicious activities or persons should I report to the police? I worry about bothering the police with minor complaints."
Use your best judgment or gut feeling about whether or not it's something the police need to know about. When in doubt, call the non-emergency line (650/903-6395). It's our job to filter the information we receive.
Loitering person? Person going door-to-door who doesn't live there?
If suspicious, call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Vehicle parked in neighborhood (occupied or not) that is there for an extended period of time?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Vehicles driving without lights on at night?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Residences with excessive amount of visitors and foot traffic—coming and going for short periods of time?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Solicitors selling or seeking donations that you feel may not be legitimate?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Persons who appear to be making exchanges or money or property or other items?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395). If you believe a crime is occurring right now, call 9-1-1.
Someone who doesn't belong looking in windows?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395). If you believe a crime is occurring right now, call 9-1-1.
Someone is going into a window or residence through back yard?
Call MVPD via 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line (650/903-6395), whichever seems most appropriate.
Suspicious adults around children, schools, playgrounds?
Call MVPD via 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line (650/903-6395), whichever seems most appropriate.
Alarm going off at a school?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
People on school grounds during unusual hours?
Call the MVPD non-emergency line (650/903-6395).
Person screaming for help?
Call 9-1-1.
Screaming children?
Call MVPD via 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line (650/903-6395), whichever seems most appropriate. Gut instinct may tell you whether it's a true emergency or just children playing.
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How do I find out about crime in my neighborhood?
There are several ways to do this. You can attend a Neighborhood Watch meeting.
Both the Mountain View Voice and San Jose Mercury News offer crime columns that include Mountain View.
Our Crime Statistics page features an overview of crime in the city. Reporting District Statistics offers monthly crime reports by neighborhood.
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Is there a Neighborhood Watch in my area?
Mountain View has more than 100 Neighborhood Watch groups. To find out if there's one in your area, contact: Jennifer Crist: 650/903-6186.
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What does the police department do about graffiti?
Notify MVPD (650/903-6395), so we can take photos. Often graffiti arrestees are responsible for many cases. It's crucial that we have the photos for prosecution. In some cases, property owners can receive restitution.
City code requires that graffiti be removed within 10 days. The city is responsible for removing it from public property. However, on private property, the property owner is responsible for removing graffiti.
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