Forms & Permits

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office offers a free Active Assailant Readiness Program to local businesses, schools, and community organizations. In addition to providing education on how to respond to an active assailant, as part of this program we also offer risk assessment and help organizations to create response and mitigation plans.

Download the Active Shooter Presentation Request Form below. Your completed form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Email to: kmiller@co.humboldt.ca.us

Pursuant to Humboldt County Code Chapter 916, all persons with monitored alarm systems - any residential or business security system that requests law enforcement response with activation-  are required to obtain an Alarm Permit for the system every two years. 

Permitting requirements only apply to monitored alarm systems. Residents owning cameras or other security devices that are not monitored by a security company or trigger a law enforcement response upon activation are not mandated to obtain a permit under County Code Chapter 916. 

Apply for an Alarm Permit

To apply for an Alarm Permit, residents should first download the Alarm Permit Application Form. The application should be completed and returned to the Sheriff’s Office Main Station with payment of the New Alarm Permit Fee ($50). Residents must apply for a permit prior to installing a monitored security system or be subject to a $200 fine. Permits must be renewed every two years for a renewal fee of $25.

Under the current approved fee schedule, residents with an Alarm Permit on file are granted two free false alarms per 12-month period. A third false alarm within that timeframe will subject the alarm owner to a $50 fine, with each subsequent false alarm fee increasing in cost, maxing out at $200 per false alarm for six or more false alarms in a 12-month period. Residents may also be subject to late penalties for failure to pay any of the above alarm fees.

For more information and a full list of applicable fees, visit our Alarm Permits webpage. 

Download the Alarm Permit Application Form below. Your completed form and fee can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
ATTENTION: Administrative Services Bureau
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

California State law requires that any domestic mammal that has bitten a person, or that has potentially been exposed to rabies through contact with a wild animal, be quarantined and observed for signs of rabies infection. Domestic animal bites should be reported to the local animal control or law enforcement agency for your location.

Download the Animal Bite Report Form below. Your completed form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Fax: 707-840-9185

Email: hsoanimalshelter@co.humboldt.ca.us

California Penal Code sections 26150 and 26155 provide that a Sheriff of a county or the Chief  or other head of a municipal police department of any city, or city and county, may issue a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person (Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license). Please visit our CCW webpage for additional information prior to completing the CCW Permit Application. 

Residents are encouraged to use the online application. Paper applications may only be returned in person to our Main Station, located at 826 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501.

Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Application

• Click here to complete the online application    Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Application
• Click here to download the paper application  Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Application  Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Application  Carry Concealed Weapon Permit Application

The law requires that all civil processes brought to the Sheriff's Office for service must be accompanied by adequate legal instructions. The instructions must state the process to be served, the person or entity to be served, the location for service, and be signed by the attorney of the party if he or she has no attorney. Please visit our Civil Services Webpage for additional information prior to completing the Civil Service Instructions to the Sheriff Form.  

The Civil Service Instructions to the Sheriff Form can be downloaded below. This form may only be returned in person to our Main Station, located at 826 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501. 

If you have received a parking citation and would like to contest this citation, you must complete and submit a request for an Administrative Hearing regarding your citation. Download and complete the below Contesting Parking Ticket Form. Your completed form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
ATTENTION: Administrative Services Bureau
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Extra-Help is defined as employment in an approved classification intended to be less than year-round to cover seasonal peak work loads, emergency or other work loads of limited duration, necessary vacation and sick relief, and other situations involving fluctuating staffing. Extra Help Employees are not be eligible for sick leave, holidays, vacations, group insurance or other benefits except as required by law. Employees hired as Extra Help can serve continuously or intermittently so long as needed to cover work load, but in no case may the employee work one thousand (1000) hours or more in a fiscal year. 

Please visit the county's Human Resources webpage for additional information prior to completing the Extra Help and Reinstatement Application. 

Residents are encouraged to use the county's online application system, when possible, for applying to all jobs, including Extra Help positions. 

Your completed paper application can be submitted in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Email to: hso@co.humboldt.ca.us

Humboldt County False Alarm Ordinance, Chapter 6, defines a false alarm as: "An alarm signal that prompts a response by the Sheriff’s Department when an emergency does not exist."

If you would like to appeal a false alarm fee notice submit a written appeal to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. Return it to the office within twenty (20) business days after the assessment of false alarm fee, revocation, or suspension is issued. You may file an appeal by using the False Alarm Appeal Request Form or submit a written letter containing the following information:

• Your name, the alarm location, date(s) of the false alarm(s), your permit number.
• A description of the action taken to discover and eliminate the cause of the false alarm(s);
• The specific reason(s) if any, why the false alarm(s) should not be subject to an assessment.

Send your appeal request to:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
Alarm Enforcement
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Non-emergency Crime Reports can be made online or mailed directly to our office. 

Online Crime Report

Using this online citizen police report system allows you to submit a report immediately and print a copy of the report for free. Non-emergency crimes can also be reported over the phone by calling (707) 445-7251.

The following must all be true to your situation to file an online crime report:

• This is not an emergency.
• This incident occurred within the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction.
• There are no known suspects.
• This did not occur on a State Freeway.

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, you are ready to file your report online. If you answered no to any of the questions please look at our Online Citizen Police Report Frequently Asked Questions section.

The following crimes / complaints may be reported using this form:

• Abandoned Vehicles
• Animal Complaint
• Barking Dog Complaint
• Fraudulent Use Of Credit Card
• Garbage Dumping
• Harassing Phone Call
• Identity Theft
• Illegal Fireworks
• Lost Property
• Public Nuisance Or Noise Complaint
• Theft
• Theft From A Vehicle
• Vandalism

Please Note:

• All cases filed using the Online Reporting System will be reviewed.
• Upon review, if further investigation of your case is needed, you may be contacted.
• Filing a false police report is a crime per California Penal Code 148.5(a).
  
  

Mail-In Crime Report

Residents are encouraged to use the online crime report form. However, if you'd like to submit a crime report via mail, please download the below form. Once completed, this form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Email to:
sheriffrecords@co.humboldt.ca.us

As with all press-related inquiries, a media staff member of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office must review and approve all requests for our employee’s participation in media projects. 

This form should be submitted for the following types of projects: 

• Television/Film Documentaries 
• Television Series (including multi-interview news media projects) 
• Radio Projects (consisting of several interviews)
• Educational Videos

Projects such as those listed above require significant time commitment and allocation of resources. Due to the scope of these projects, interview and filming requests must be submitted in writing for consideration. We require at least two weeks advance notice to assess and respond to these requests prior to filming or scheduling. News media requesting interviews for regular news content should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer by calling (707) 476-2448. 

Please complete all fields of the media project request form and return to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Forms can be emailed to skarges1@co.humboldt.ca.us, dropped off in person at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office’s Main Station, or mailed to: 

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
C/O Public Information Officer 
826 4th St. 
Eureka, CA 95501 

The law requires that all civil processes brought to the Sheriff's Office for service must be accompanied by adequate legal instructions. The instructions must state the process to be served, the person or entity to be served, the location for service, and be signed by the attorney of the party if he or she has no attorney. Please visit our Civil Services Webpage for additional information prior to completing the Personal Property Levy Instructions to the Sheriff Form.  

The Personal Property Levy Instructions to the Sheriff Form can be downloaded below. This form may only be returned in person to our Main Station, located at 826 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501.

The law requires that all civil processes brought to the Sheriff's Office for service must be accompanied by adequate legal instructions. The instructions must state the process to be served, the person or entity to be served, the location for service, and be signed by the attorney of the party if he or she has no attorney. Please visit our Civil Services Webpage for additional information prior to completing the Real Property Levy Instructions to the Sheriff Form.  

The Real Property Levy Instructions to the Sheriff Form can be downloaded below. This form may only be returned in person to our Main Station, located at 826 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501. 

The Ride-Along Program provides an opportunity for citizens to experience the law enforcement function first hand. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Ride-Along Program is offered to residents, students and those employed within the County. Every attempt will be made to accommodate interested persons however any applicant may be disqualified without cause.

The Ride-Along Program is available on most days of the week, with certain exceptions. The ride-along times are from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Exceptions to this schedule may be made as approved by the Sheriff, Division Commander, or Watch Commander. 

All Ride-along applicants are subject to a criminal history check. The criminal history check may include a local records check and a Department of Justice Automated Criminal History System check through CLETS prior to their approval as a ride-along with a law enforcement officer (provided that the ride-along is not an employee of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office) (CLETS Policies, Practices and Procedures Manual § 1.6.1.F.2.).

Once approved, civilian ride-alongs are allowed to ride no more than once every six months. An exception would apply to the following: Cadets, Explorers, RSVP, Chaplains, Reserves, sheriff's applicants, and all others with approval of the Watch Commander. Normally, no more than one ride-along will be allowed in the deputy's vehicle at a given time. Ride-along requirements for sheriff's cadets are covered in the Sheriff's Cadets Policy.

Disqualifications

The following factors may be considered in disqualifying an applicant and are not limited to:

• Being under 15 years of age
• Prior criminal history
• Pending criminal action
• Pending lawsuit against the Office
• Denial by any supervisor

If the ride-along is denied after the request has been made, a representative of the Office will contact the applicant and advise him/her of the denial.

Attire for Ride-Along

Any person approved to ride along is required to be suitably dressed in collared shirt, blouse or jacket, slacks and shoes. Sandals, T-shirts, tank tops, shorts and ripped or torn blue jeans are not permitted. Hats and ball caps will not be worn in the sheriff's vehicle. The Watch Commander or field supervisor may refuse a ride along to anyone not properly dressed.

How to Request a Ride-Along

Please download, complete and return the Ride Along Request Form to the Sheriff's Office Main Station:

Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Records Requests

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has an established process for requesting copies of cases and other information gathered during a law enforcement investigation entitled to specific individuals as defined in California Government Code § 6254(f): the victims of an incident, or an authorized representative thereof, an insurance carrier against which a claim has been or might be made, and any person suffering bodily injury or property damage or loss as a result of the below listed crimes. Additionally, autopsy and toxicology reports may be requested by any member of the public utilizing this records request process.

If you meet the above criteria, please use our online Records Request Form, or download the PDF version of this form and return to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Main Station (826 4th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, or via email at sheriffrecords@co.humboldt.ca.us. Following completion of this form, your request will be processed by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Records Division within 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified when records are available for pick up. Please be advised that there may be a fee associated with the production of records. Fees must be paid upon receipt of records, in person or via mail, cash or check only. All fees are due at the time of pick up.

For more information regarding applicable fees and available records, visit the Records Unit's webpage. 

Records Request Forms

• Click here to complete the online Records Request Form 
• Click here to download the paper form 
  
  

California Public Records Act Requests

All requests for records in the possession of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, not accessible via the Records Request process as outlined above, should be directed to the Sheriff's Office or the County Administrative Office. It is preferred but not required that such requests be submitted via the County's website, or in writing and forwarded by regular mail, email, fax, or hand-delivery and state that the request is being made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Telephonic and in-person verbal requests will be accepted only during regular county office business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should be directed to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Requests for records should be as specific as possible so as to clearly define or identify the exact records to which access is sought. In most cases, the county will provide electronic copies or photocopies of the requested records to the requesting party. In some cases depending on the volume or nature of the records, arrangements will be made for supervised access to the requested records.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office needs your help in crime detection and prevention by taking part in registering your camera in our dispatch center. When a crime occurs in your neighborhood, HCSO will be able to quickly identify the locations of nearby residential video cameras and enlist the assistance of the community to help deputies collect video evidence and follow up on leads. Register your security camera using the below online form.

Working in law enforcement is a calling and we don’t do what we do for recognition, but commendations help our office know what we are doing right and allow our administration to recognize our staff internally for their good work. Commendations also help to boost morale and motivation to continue going above and beyond for the citizens of Humboldt County. 

We would appreciate your positive feedback regarding your interactions with our office. 

To make a staff commendation or general office commendation, please download and complete our commendation form. 

Your completed form can be submitted in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

Email to: jbraud@co.humboldt.ca.us

Complaint Process

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office welcomes constructive criticism of the agency or valid complaints about its members or procedures. Prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation of each complaint and criticism are essential if our agency is to maintain the trust and confidence of the people we serve. Although deputies must be free to use their best judgment and take action when necessary without fear of reprisal, they must at the same time, strictly observe the rights of all persons. 

The how and why of Deputy Sheriff/Correctional Officer decision-making is complex and is determined by the Officer’s perception of the situation based on very brief time periods and frequently limited and/or conflicting information. Most citizen concerns involve a belief that the conduct of an employee violates policy, procedures, orders or regulations. Often, this is not the case. In these circumstances, the Sheriff’s Office member’s immediate supervisor can provide an explanation to aid in understanding the reasons for the actions of the Sheriff’s Office member and resolve any outstanding issues. Most cases of misconduct that do occur involve mistakes of judgment or process not requiring severe discipline. You may wish to simply speak to a supervisor to resolve your concern. Please ask.

If your concern is that you were fully cooperative and were treated in a polite, professional and businesslike manner that still seemed abrupt, we apologize for the perception. Our personnel is expected to conduct themselves in appropriate ways while displaying good officer safety, as they were trained. Members of the public are expected to conduct themselves appropriately also. Courtesy, dignity, and respect are deserved by both members of the public and the Sheriff’s Office to the extent possible for the immediate situation. 

You may instead wish to have your concern resolved by simply speaking to a supervisor and having the supervisor explain your concern to the employee. This informal option is also available. Please ask.

Please be aware a court must adjudicate the legality of a complainant’s arrest citation, notice of infraction, the legality of a warrant, or the legality of seized evidence. These areas are not resolved through the formal Personnel Complaint Process.

How to Make a Complaint

A complaint may be made at any time, day or night. When you come into an office of this agency, any employee can assist you by answering questions and referring you to the Watch Commander or available on-duty supervisor. If you are under 18 and wish to file a complaint, please bring your parents or guardian with you.

This Personnel Complaint Form has been prepared in order to provide individuals with information regarding the complaint process and to facilitate a timely and thorough investigation. It is not mandatory that you complete this form or personally write out your complaint prior to contacting our agency. A supervisor may assist you in preparing your written statement. You should receive a copy of your statement at the time your complaint is filed. Also, you are required by law to read and sign the advisement on the reverse of this form.

The Citizen Complaint Form can be downloaded below. Your completed form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501

This Special Consideration Form is meant for community members to submit on behalf of a child, dependent adult, or themselves detailing special considerations law enforcement should take upon contact with that individual. This information will be used to by deputies to formulate a specialized response should the individual need to be contacted during a law enforcement investigation. Complete the online Special Consideration Form below.

Private property owners must give law enforcement consent in order to enforce trespassing laws on private property. If trespassing is a regular issue on your property, you may use the below form to give law enforcement authorization to enforce trespassing laws on your property on an ongoing basis. This Trespass Letter of Consent Form must be renewed yearly. 

Download the Trespass Letter of Consent Form below. Your completed form can be returned to our office in the following ways:

In person or via mail at:
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office
826 4th Street
Eureka, CA 95501