The Norton Shores Police Department is a 24/7 operation; however, the business office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays).
You can reach an officer 24 hours a day from the emergency phone located outside the front doors to the department or by calling 9-1-1.
The Police Department will provide copies of police reports in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. If we are able to release the report to the public, you can obtain a copy at the Police Department. The current charge for copies is $5.00 for the first page and $.25 for each additional page (note: if a color copy is needed, add $.25 more per page).
Accident Reports may also be obtained on-line through the Michigan Traffic Crash Purchasing System.
It is illegal to purchase, carry, possess, or transport a handgun in the State of Michigan without first having obtained a license to purchase.
If purchasing from a Retailer, the Retailer will provide the purchase permit. If purchasing from an individual a license must be obtained from your local law enforcement agency. A license is not required for a shotgun, rifle, or black powder rifle.
Norton Shores residents must come into the Police Department with a valid Driver’s License or ID and submit an application to purchase a pistol or revolver.
After the completion of a background check, a license to purchase will be issued, unless you are prohibited from purchasing a firearm according to State law. You will receive three copies of the permit. There is not charge for this service; however, the permit is required to be notarized. There is a $5.00 fee for the notarization if you choose to use a City Employed Notary, or you may use a Notary of your choice.
NOTE: Concealed Weapons License holders and Licensed Firearms Dealers may obtain a Pistol Sales Record at the Police Department or may print their own Pistol Sales Record from the State Website (form below) in lieu of the above procedure.
YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BRING THE WEAPON INTO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
NOTICE: You may be criminally and civilly liable for any harm caused by a person less than 18 years of age who lawfully gains unsupervised access to your firearm if unlawfully stored (Public Act No. 265 of 2000).
A concealed weapons permit application can be obtained at the Police Department; however, this permit is processed by the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department.
It is prohibited to ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks except of the type and under the conditions permitted by state law on the following days after 11:00 a.m.:
December 31 until 1:00 a.m. on January 1.
The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
The Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.
A violation of section 22-1(b)(5) shall be deemed a municipal civil infraction and a $1,000.00 civil fine shall be imposed for each violation. Five hundred dollars of the fine collected shall be remitted to the city police department.
Many citizens like to ride bicycles or walk around the city as a pleasant form of exercise. It is important to follow the rules of the road as required by State law and City ordinances for their safety. Pedestrians who are walking in areas that lack sidewalks, walk outside the travel lane, facing traffic, as far to the edge or shoulder as possible. If there is a sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk and not in the roadway. Pedestrians are subject to traffic-control signals at intersections, and must walk in marked crosswalks to cross roadways. Drivers of motor vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The Police Department strongly suggests bright colors or traffic safety vests for visibility reasons.
Bicyclists are to travel with traffic (same direction as cars) as far to the right as possible. They are required by State law and City ordinance to obey all traffic control devices as practical (red lights, stop signs, etc.). All bicycles owned by city residents must be registered at the Police Department and display a City license. This is for theft reasons and the ordinance is strictly enforced. Bicycles are not to carry more persons than they are designed to carry. If there is one seat on the bike, only one person can be on it at a time. Bicyclers should not carry items that prevent them from having both hands on the handlebars. When riding at night, bicycles must have a white reflector in the front, red reflector in the back, plus one headlight and one red taillight, all clearly visible. Although not a law or ordinance, the Police Department strongly recommends the use of bike helmets.
These rules are paramount to ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones. Any questions or concerns may be directed to the traffic office of the Police Department.
Copies of the rules of the road for pedestrians and bicyclists, along with information on bicycle helmets, are available at the Police Department.
The Michigan Vehicle Code does not specifically define go-peds, pocket bikes or similar devices. They are considered "toy vehicles" and by definition, are motor vehicles. As such, they must be registered in order to be legally operated on public roadways and operators must possess a driver's license.
They are not considered mopeds because they do not satisfy the requirements or definition of moped. Also, the Secretary of State will not, nor can they, register them as they do mopeds. In summary, motorized scooters, go-peds, minicycles, and like items ARE NOT allowed to be operated on any public roadway, right-of-way or areas open to the general public, according to State law. They are only allowed on private property.
Any questions concerning this issue can be forwarded to the traffic office of the Police Department.
There is a curfew by State law.
