Frequently asked questions

FAQ's

Throughout the years, the Lake Placid Police Department has received many calls from the community with questions about various different topics. This section contains answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Traffic Ticket Questions

How do I answer a traffic ticket?
You can either appear in person on the date shown on the ticket or you can plead to the ticket by mail. Follow the instructions on the ticket. You MUST respond to the ticket to prevent a suspension of your driving privileges.

How do I apply for a reduction?
You can apply for a reduction by filling out a reduction request form and submitting it to the court. Forms can be obtained from the Village court, the Police Department, or online on our online forms page.

I lost my citation, what should I do?
If you lost your traffic citation, you need to contact the Village Court for information on how to resolve the issue. For court information visit the Village Court page.

Who do I contact with questions regarding my ticket?
The Lake Placid Police Department is not authorized to give legal advice regarding any ticket. If you have questions on how to answer the summons contact the Village Court. Court Information can be found on the Village Court page.

Parking Ticket Questions

How can I contest my parking ticket?
If you wish to contest the parking ticket, you must appear in court during normal court hours. For court information visit the Village Court page. You must respond to the ticket to prevent immobilization or the suspension of your vehicles registration.

How do I pay a parking ticket?
The fine for your violation is displayed on the front of your ticket. Place a check or money order inside the envelope, DO NOT mail coins or currency, seal and stamp the envelope and place it in the mail. Sealed envelopes can also be turned over to any member of the Lake Placid Police Department.

I lost my parking ticket, what should I do?
If you lost your parking ticket, you need to contact the Lake Placid Village Court. For court information visit the Village Court page. You must respond to the ticket to prevent immobilization or the suspension of your vehicles registration.

Motor Vehicle Accident Questions

What should I do if I've been involved in an accident?
If you have been involved in a traffic collision you should immediately stop, regardless of the damage. It is against the law to leave the scene of ANY traffic collision. You are required by law to provide your information to other drivers and police at the scene. The LPPD will make an accident report when:
-    Damage is excess of $1000.00
-    Damage includes any Village or public property (Village vehicle, sign post, etc)
-    Accident resulted in injury or death
           *complaining of pain is considered an injury
-    One of the parties involved left the scene of the accident

What if I have already left the scene of a minor accident?
If the party(ie's) of an accident left the scene, the Lake Placid Police Department can no longer investigate the accident at the scene. Citizens who wish to have an accident report completed after leaving the scene will be given a civilian accident report form. This form can also be found online by clicking here. Additional accident information can be found by clicking here, for the NYS DMV website.

How do I obtain a copy of my accident report?
To receive a copy of your accident report you need to send your request by mail.
Traffic reports will only be released to authorized persons, such as parties involved or a parties representative. Your request must have the following information:

-    The names of parties involved.
-    A release from the party involved (if other than party involved)
            *does not apply to insurance companies
-    Date and location of occurrence
-    Accident report number or LPPD case number (if known)

        -Mail to:
            Lake Placid Police Department
            Admin. Asst. to Chief of Police
            2693 Main St. Suite 104
            Lake Placid, NY 12946

Crime Related Information

Where can I get information on crime prevention?
You can obtain crime prevention information by contacting the Lake Placid Police Department crime prevention officer at:
    Lake Placid Police Dept.
    Attn: Patrolman J. D. Staats
    2693 Main St. Suite 104
    Lake Placid, NY 12946
    staats@lakeplacidpd.com
    Voicemail (518) 523-2862 Ext: 212

Where can I get information on Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence information can be obtained by contacting the Police Department either in person or by phone. The Lake Placid Police Department recognizes the severity of domestic violence and wants to help you. Hotlines, shelters, and counseling is available. Contact the Police Department for further information or use the following resources:
    -NY State Office for Prevention of Domestic Violence
    -Stop Domestic Violence - Behavioral Health Service North
    -NY State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
1-800-942-6906
Stop Domestic Violence Hotline / BHSN
1-888-563-6904

Miscellaneous FAQ's

Can I have my residence checked by LPPD if I'm leaving town?
Yes. If you plan on being away for any reason the LPPD can periodically check on your property. This service is for Village of Lake Placid residents only and can be requested by simply filling out this online vacant residence form and bringing it to the Lake Placid Police Dept. If you would rather call, dial 518-523-3306 and someone will assist you in submitting your property to our list.

I need to have fingerprints taken. Where can I have that done?
Fingerprinting services are no longer available at the Lake Placid Police Department. To locate the nearest electronic fingerprint (live scan) network, visit www.L1enrollment.com or call 1-877-472-6915.