Frequently Asked Questions

On this page we will try to answer some of the more commonly asked questions posed to us.

Are skateboards and long boards legal to use in Fontana?

By law these items are considered "toy vehicles" and are not allowed on any public street or parking lot. They are allowed on the sidewalks if they do not interfere with pedestrian traffic. The police department will and has confiscated boards when the user was warned previously and is found violating again. The board will then be turned over only to a parent if a juvenile is involved or by the court if an adult. Tickets have been issued.

How soon can I get a copy of a police report?

That depends on the report. If the investigation is still ongoing it can not be released. If the case is completed it can be released. during normal business hours. A completed report such as an accident report, is usually done within three normal business days. We urge you to call first during normal business hours to save yourself a trip. Certain reports, as permitted by law may not be released or will be released with sensitive information deleted. These types of reports usually involve juveniles.

Can police search people or vehicles without a warrant?

Yes, depending on the circumstance the Supreme Court has ruled that some searches are legal. Our officers routinely receive legal updates on current rulings regarding this and many other legal subjects.

Are fireworks legal in Fontana? They sell them around the area.

They are legal IF you have a permit issued by the Fontana Village Board. Without such a permit it is illegal to posses or use fireworks. Fireworks are anything that flies or explodes.

When do we have pay to park in the lake front area?

Pay to Park is enforced from 4/14-10/15 seven days a week (including holidays) from 8:00 AM till 8:00 PM. If you have a village parking permit it must be applied to the driver's side lower window so the parking enforcement personnel can see it. If it is not properly and clearly attached you will be ticketed. Vehicles with employee parking stickers can park for free only in Lot #2 by the Abbey Harbor or Lot #3 across from the Abbey. There are four pay to park stations located in or near these lots.

Can I make a cash donation to the PD or a cash gift to a particular officer?

You can make a donation to the department as a whole and they are tax deductible. The funds will be put towards either training for the officers or a piece of equipment. We have had a number of individuals make donations for such items as Tasers or defibulators and you will be given a receipt so you can claim the donation on your taxes. Monetary and some other individual gifts to officers are prohibited by department rules. While we appreciate the thought, the public perception of such action and our law enforcement code of ethics compel us to only allow gifts to the department in general.

 Can I turn in  some old ammunition or a firearm to the police to dispose of?

Yes. We know its difficult to find a safe manner to dispose of old ammunition and guns so we will take these items in and then turn them over to the state crime lab for safe destruction.

 Does the FPD carry the Tasers I have heard about and are they safe to use on people?

The FPD has carried Tasers which are a CEW (conducted energy weapon) for several years now. They were purchased after several of our officers were injured arresting suspects. Every officer has had to be shocked (50,000 volts) once during their training and certification, which was not fun.  There have been a number of news stories about people reportedly dying as a result of being shocked, but to date after all the inquires and lawsuits the Taser has not been found at fault. The State of Wisconsin held a detailed inquiry into the use of the Taser by police before approving it. To date we have only had to use our Taser several times and our injuries to officers have declined dramatically which not only ends the pain the officers suffer but also saves your tax dollars.

Can my kids drive their powered scooters, electric bike or mini motorcycles on the streets, they don't go any faster than a bike?

No, not on any "public" roadway or parking lot. These types of transportation are considered "play vehicles" since they are not street legal with lights, licenses etc. Since they have motors on them, whether the motors are used or not, they are considered "motorized" and hence required to have everything an auto, motorcycle or truck would have to be operated. These play vehicles can be operated on private streets and lots with the property owners consent. We encourage users to wear a helmet and pads if they do.

Can I drive a golf cart on the streets?

No, golf carts are not recognized by the State as a motor vehicle and as such are not legal on any "public" streets, alleys, sidewalks or parking lots. However you can operate them on any "private" road if you live in one of the designated private subdivisions. If you do, I would suggest you check your association's rules before you do and strongly urge you to use extreme caution. The golf cart will always lose in a car vs. cart collision.

What is a CSO (Community Service Officer)?

Community Service Officers (CSO) are a part-time, limited term, non-sworn uniformed employees who assist the Department by handling duties such as animal control, parking enforcement, pick up and delivery duties and traffic control that don't require a sworn officer. Our CSO only works in the summer months when Fontana's population increases dramatically. They are required to adhere to many of the same rules of conduct that apply to our sworn officers on and off duty.

Preferably CSO's are enrolled in college level law enforcement studies. Most of our previous CSO have become full time officers with this or other departments.

Where can I find out the boating and fishing laws for Geneva Lake?

Visit our links page and go to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) web site. You can also pick up some information at the GLLEA offices in Williams Bay. There are some rules unique to Geneva Lake and those can be found in the Geneva Lake Use Ordinance and copies are available at the PD and Village Hall.

What is the law about booster seats for kids in vehicles?

Please visit our NEWS page for all the details.

 Can breath tests for drunk drivers be fooled using mints, mouthwash or other gimmicks I have heard about?

None of these supposedly "foolproof" tricks will fool an Intoximeter. The TV show Myth Busters had an excellent program dealing with this very subject. The show's hosts tried numerous products to try and fool a true police Intoximeter and an officer, none of them worked. If there is any doubt about the test a police officer will probably take a suspected drunk driver for a blood test which is extremely more accurate in determining  a person's blood alcohol level (BAC). The legal limit for a driver's BAC is below .08%

I've been told by friends or a lawyer I should never take any of the tests requested by a police officer if I get pulled over and I have been drinking because it will only hurt my case and it will help my insurance record, is this true?

Bad advice and I am not saying that because I am a cop. If you drive in Wisconsin whether you hold an out of state license or not, you have consented to give a test should you be asked by a police officer. This is the same in all 50 states. By refusing to take a test you will automatically be suspended for refusing and you can still be charged and convicted for OMVWI based on other evidence the police officer presents such as your driving ability, odors of alcoholic beverages on your breath and speech etc. In Wisconsin if you refuse the test, the police can still have a blood sample taken at a hospital against your will and have it tested at lab. If you do get charged for refusing to take a test and not for OMVWI, the penalties are the same. If you think it will fool your insurance company when it shows up on their records think again. The insurance companies know what a "refusal" conviction means on the DOT record and count it the same as a OMVWI/DUI. My suggestion, if you get stopped, take the tests and hope they show you are below the legal limit, which does happen, that's why they have the tests. If you are below the limit you will not get a ticket and be on your way. But if you refuse even if your below the legal limit, your only hurting yourself, your bank account and your insurance rating.

What is the difference between an ordinance violation and a criminal law?

Ordinances are laws passed by a local government (village, county or township) only the state can pass a criminal law. An ordinance is a civil violation which means that the worst punishment you can receive is a fine and you can only go to jail if you do not pay the fine. If you are found guilty of a crime you can be fined AND put in jail/prison. Another difference is that an ordinance conviction normally only stays in the local police agency/court's records and does not go in the state's offenders data base. One other difference is that officers do not need to give a suspect in an ordinance violation their "Miranda Rights" warning since those only apply to crimes.

I saw a police car with it's emergency lights on and/or using its siren driving down the road when it suddenly turned them all off and drove normally, why?

Police are authorized to use their emergency lights and/or siren when responding to certain situations that justify an emergency or expedited response such as medical emergencies, intrusion alarms or crimes in progress calls. If an officer is advised while they are enroute to the call that there is no longer an emergency situation they are obligated to turn off his emergency equipment.

Can I talk on my cell phone while driving?

Under current Wisconsin law, yes. However, if you have an accident while talking on your phone you could be in trouble for 'Inattentive driving'. We recommend you pull safely over and talk so you can give 100% attention to your driving.

Can I call in an anonymous complaint about my neighbor making noise that keeps me awake?

Yes you can, once. On a first time complaint an officer will go to your neighbor and tell them someone has complained and ask them to quite down. Most of the time they comply however if they disturb you again and you want action taken you will have to agree to be identified as the complainant and appear in municipal court if a ticket is issued.  Police can not repeatedly go to a person's house on anonymous complaints or they will be accused of harassment. We encourage you to first speak with your neighbor and discuss the problem before involving the police, there will be less hard feelings if it is resolved without the police having to step in.

Why doesn't the PD enforce the speed limits and stop signs in the private subdivision I live in?

This is a commonly asked question. Because you live in a private subdivision there are only a few traffic laws the police can enforce under Wisconsin law. The State of Wisconsin has authorized police to enforce OMVWI, reckless driving and a limited number of parking laws on private property since they consider these to be very serious offenses. The speed limits and traffic control signs in your subdivision are placed there by the association and not the Village therefore they are not enforceable.  Private subdivisions can enter into an agreement with the Village to enforce all or some of the traffic code but currently none of Fontana's private subdivisions have this in place.

Doesn't speeding and not stopping at stop signs constitute reckless driving?

Not in all cases. Reckless driving has to constitute a serious threat to life or property. Going 15 mph over the speed limit when no one is near the road and on good roads is not reckless. Speeding 15 mph over with people on or near the road in foggy weather may constitute reckless driving. We have to look at the totality of the circumstances.