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1. How do I recognize counterfeit money?

There are several ways money is counterfeited. One way is to photocopy money onto some type of unusual paper. Another way is to "wash" or bleach a regular bill and print a higher denomination onto the real bill.

Please visit our Counterfeit Money page for more information.

2. How can I report child abuse?

Call your local police department or social services department.

3. What can I do about annoying or threatening phone calls?

If you become a victim of annoying phone calls, you should report them to the Brevard Police Department. Comporium or your cell phone company may be able to assist in tracking the origin of the calls if they have a police report number. If you become a victim of threatening phone calls, report them to the Brevard Police Department immediately. Law enforcement takes threatening calls seriously, and so should you, especially if you are in a battering relationship or have been the victim of domestic violence. The general number to report criminal acts is 828-883-2212. If it is an emergency, please dial "911" and it will be routed to the Brevard Police Department.

4. How can I obtain a restraining order?

You can request a restraining order against a person who hurt or threatened you, or other family members, by appearing at the Superior Court. A restraining order may be requested whether or not an arrest has been made or the police have been called.

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order is always free. In many courts, free legal assistance is available or you can represent yourself.

Emergency Protection Orders are available through the Police Department on a 24 hour basis, and are valid for only 5 court days.

Request A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) At The Superior Court.
Your TRO should be granted the same or next day. Serve the defendant with a copy of the TRO. (Anyone over 18 years of age, except you, can hand the order to the defendant.) Deliver a copy of the TRO, Proof of Service, and Law Enforcement Information form to your local police station. Retain the originals of all documents. You must return to court in approximately 3 weeks to obtain an order that is valid for 3 years. This order must also be served to the defendant and copies delivered to the police station.

You can be ordered to see a mediator to try to work out visitation of any minor children involved. The law gives you the right to see the mediator alone, in a separate meeting. After any agreement with the mediator regarding visitation, be sure to return to court to obtain the 3 year restraining order which protects you!

5. How can I report elder abuse?

Elder and dependent adult abuse is a serious issue. Coupled with the increasing numbers of reports of such abuse, has made it vital to raise awareness within the community.

"Elder physical abuse" is defined as a situation where any person who has the care or custody of, or who stands in a position of trust with an elder, willfully inflicts upon that elder any cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or injury. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, direct beatings, sexual assault, unreasonable physical constraint, or prolonged deprivation of food or water.

Any elder or dependent adult care custodian, health practitioner, or employee of a county adult protective services agency or a local law enforcement agency is a mandated reporter.

Any person who is not a mandated reporter under WIC Section 15630, who knows, or reasonably suspects, that an elder or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse, may report that abuse to a long-term care ombudsman program or local law enforcement agency when the abuse is alleged to have occurred in a long-term care facility. Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15631(A).

Any person who is not a mandated reporter under WIC Section 15630, who knows, or reasonably suspects, that an elder or a dependent adult has been the victim of abuse in any place other than a long-term care facility may report the abuse to the county Adult Protective Services (APS) agency or local law enforcement agency. Welfare and Institution Code Section 15631(B).

6. I live in Brevard. Who do I call if I am having problems with a dog or cat in my neighborhood?

The city used to contract for animal services with the county. As of July 1st, 2011, the Brevard Police Department began to respond to animal calls within the city limits. This arrangement allows the County Animal Services staff to run the animal shelter and concentrate on calls in the unincorporated areas of the county while the Brevard Police Department blends the animal calls into our regular patrol officer’s daily calls for service. The telephone number to call is still the non-emergency phone number at the Brevard Communications Center, 828-883-2212. If the call is urgent, dialing “911” will still be the best way to receive an officer.

7. I see a speed sign trailer around town parked on the side of the road. The sign registers the speed of my vehicle as I drive by. What is its purpose? Could I have it placed in my neighborhood?

When the Brevard Police Department receives a speeding complaint, we will send officers to run radar, place the speed sign trailer in that location, or conduct a vehicle speed survey with equipment we have acquired over the years. There are 2 objectives: The first is to find out if there is, in fact, a speeding problem. The second is to reduce speeds to a safe level if necessary. You may request the Brevard Police Department check your neighborhood for these issues by calling our main number at 828-883-2212. We will come to your location as soon as we are able to check your neighborhood.

8. In the downtown area there are spaces that seem ideal for parking, but are not marked with brackets like the other spaces. Is it okay for me to park here?

The answer is “no”. The downtown area has been carefully measured and marked for all appropriate parking spaces on Main Street and the surrounding streets. There are some emergency loading and unloading spaces that are marked as such, and there are other Fire Only lanes for the Fire Department. Any other spaces that are not marked are either too close to fire hydrants, intersections, driveways, or crosswalks. There are new “Public Parking” signs in the downtown area that do an excellent job of directing the public to open parking spaces.