Public Safety
7070 E. Ten Mile Road (map it) 586-757-2203


The Center Line Public Safety Department wants to ensure that our citizens are safe
and free from danger.  The Public Safety Department is offering some helpful information
and would like to update the public on the upcoming events.


PLEASE READ

Click It Or Ticket/You Drink You Drive You Lose 
In conjunction with the Michigan State Police and the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, the Public Safety Department will be issuing tickets to drivers who are not wearing their seat belts.  The Click It Or Ticket/You Drink You Drive You Lose Campaign has been extremely successful in the past and the department continues to arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol which poses a threat to citizens or visitors to our community. Remember to enjoy yourself during the holiday season, but always remember to arrange for a designated driver.

ABANDONED VEHICLES

The City of Center Line Public Safety Department will be issuing violations to any vehicles that are either unlicensed or has an expired plate and is on a public street. Vehicles that are abandoned for more than 48 hours will be towed away at the expense of the owner. If the vehicle is not claimed, it will be sold at an auction held by the towing company .

BLIGHT

The City of Center Line has recently adopted an ordinance with respect to the operation of roller devices upon public property and property open to the public. The ordinance states that rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards or scooters are not to be operated in such a manner in which to jeopardize the safety, health or well being of the citizens of the City of Center Line.

It everyone's job to help keep our neighborhoods clean and safe!

ROLLERBLADE/SKATEBOARD ORDINANCE

The City of Center Line has recently adopted an ordinance with respect to the operation of roller devices upon public property and property open to the public. The ordinance states that rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards or scooters are not to be operated in such a manner in which to jeopardize the safety, health or well being of the citizens of the City of Center Line.

It is unlawful for any person to roller skate or skateboard on any sidewalk or other paved surface intended for pedestrians or vehicular traffic in a reckless or careless manner.

Go-peds are gasoline operated machines. Residents should be made aware that these vehicles need to be licensed just like a moped.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Bicycle safety has become an increasing important issue due to the fact that there are more and more people riding bikes. Some tips to follow when riding your bicycle are:

  • Wear a bike helmet at all times. The most serious bike injuries are to the head.
  • Always signal when riding in the street.
  • Obey traffic signs.
  • Keep to the right when riding in the street.
  • Try to keep your bike in good condition.
  • Slow down and check traffic at all corners.
  • Walk across busy streets.
  • Keep both hands on the handle bars except when doing turn signals.
  • Don’t ride at night.
  • Never go between two cars.
  • Never go in and out of traffic.

    • Bicycle licenses are available at the Public Safety Department for a minimal fee of $1.00.

SNOW EMERGENCIES

When the City of Center Line announces a “Snow Emergency”, all residents are required to remove their vehicles from the city streets.  This will enable the snow plows to get the snow removed properly.  If a “Snow Emergency” is issued and a vehicle is in the path of a snow plow, the City of Center Line Public Safety Department will issue a violation to the owner of the vehicle.


DOG LICENSES

Macomb County Animal Shelter has been handling all dog licenses. You can still pick up an application at the City of Center Line Public Safety Department, but you must submit the application to the Macomb County Animal Shelter. Dog licenses expire on December 31st , but can be purchased through April 30th without a penalty.

SMOKE DETECTOR BATTERIES

As a fire safety concern, remember to check your smoke detector batteries when we "spring" ahead. An easy reminder is to always check your batteries when we "spring" ahead and "fall" back.

FIREWORK SAFETY
As a reminder, always proceed with caution when lighting fireworks. 
Fireworks are very dangerous and there are several injuries each year associated with fireworks.
Children should always be supervised when fireworks are being ignited.
 Never let children light fireworks.
SCAM ARTISTS
The Public Safety Department would like to make the public aware of some scam artists that have been harassing citizens, especially the elderly. Residents should be aware of contractors that approach homeowners regarding driveway replacement and home improvements that are not needed or unnecessary. Some of these contractors pose as city workers. Remember that all city workers carry identification. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of this identification and if you are suspicious of any contractor or city worker make a call to the Public Safety Department.
FIREARM SAFETY AND GUN LOCKS
The City of Center Line offers a hunter’s safety class which teaches young children about the safety and proper usage of firearms. The City of Center Line Public Safety Department also has free gun locks available to residents.
SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS
The Center Line Public Safety Department would like to remind parents to respect and obey School Crossing Guards. The School Crossing Guards are out near Center Line Public Schools to enable children to cross at heavily traveled intersections. When you see a School Crossing Guard creating a break in traffic for school children, remember to respect them and obey their signs for the safety of the children. Even though the School Crossing Guards are not sworn officers, they still put their lives on the line for children’s safety. Also, drivers are reminded to slow down in school zones.
PET OWNERS
All dogs are required to be licensed through the Macomb County Animal Shelter. Forms are available at the Public Safety Department, but must be returned to the Macomb County Animal Shelter. If your pet is not licensed, provide your pet with a identification tag so that if they are turned in or found, they can be identified and returned to the owner.
 
ANIMAL WASTE
When walking your dog or cat, it is necessary to carry a bag to clean up any feces that your dog or cat may deposit on public or private property. The City of Center Line has an ordinance (10-67) that states it is the owner or person in charge of the animal to clean up such animal excreta from public or private property.
GOODFELLOWS

The City of Center Line Goodfellows is a non-profit organization that holds several fund raisers throughout the year to help ensure that each child and family in our community has the opportunity to have a joyous Christmas despite any economic hardships they may have to face. The Center Line Goodfellows organization is comprised of people of all ages and backgrounds working together to help the less fortunate during the holiday season. Without the work of this selfless group, the Christmas season would be a bleak and empty time for the less fortunate. A heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers who have helped to make this past Christmas a joyous season for less fortunate families within our community.

  Halloween Safety
A reminder to parents and guardians, remember to always assist young children when crossing streets on Halloween Night.  Try to purchase costumes that have reflective materials and always carry a flashlight for safety.  Have a Happy Halloween!
 

Fall Leaf Clean Up
As most citizens are aware, the city no longer has a leaf pick up.  The Public Safety Department would like to remind residents not to rake or pile leaves in the street because that causes a traffic hazard. Citations will be issued to any resident who obstructs traffic with leaf piles.

  Open Burning Ordinance
As a reminder, the following types of open burning shall be allowable without prior notification to the code official and without a permit: Open burning within an outside barbecue grill for the purpose of food preparation; Outdoor fireplaces may burn dry seasoned firewood, and shall not burn between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  The location for open burning shall not be less than twenty (20) feet from any structure, other combustible materials, public right-of-ways, and property lines.  For further information please refer to City Ordinance 376 – Open Burning.


Public Safety Department’s Annual Open House
 As a reminder to the citizens of Center Line, the Public Safety Department will hold its Annual Open House the Sunday closing National Fire Safety Week. National Fire Week is October 7, 2007 through October 13, 2007. This year’s Annual Open House will be on Sunday, October 14, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Proceeds from the Annual Open House are donated to needy charities.  The proceeds from last year’s Annual Open House were donated to the Center Line Goodfellows.  So, bring your family for a fun filled day and pancake breakfast!

 



REGULATIONS GOVERNING ANIMAL CONTROL IN MACOMB COUNTY
ANIMAL CONTROL
GUN LOCKS
FIRE SAFETY
FORMS



REGULATIONS GOVERNING ANIMAL CONTROL IN MACOMB COUNTY

The Macomb County Health Department has just released its latest regulations governing animal control in Macomb County. This regulation was adopted by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners on July 17, 2003. Center Line residents should be aware of the following information regarding animals in the city.


Collection of Stray and Unwanted Animals

The Director of the Macomb County Health Department or his/her designee has the authority to capture or take into custody unlicensed dogs; dogs that are running at large or that are not on a leash or lead while off the owner’s property; stray, unwanted, abandoned, or abused animals; animals maintained contrary to any city or township ordinance other than an animal control ordinance adopted; animals which the owner or custodian is not able to care for properly as a result of illness, bankruptcy, litigation, other contingencies; and any animal that has bitten a person. The Director may capture and take into custody, or accept and care for, any animal to be held for observation at the recommendation of a doctor, veterinarian, or the Health Department. The Director is authorized to rescue any animal on any property, public or private, in conjunction with the fulfillment of his/her duties and responsibilities. No person shall refuse to permit the Director, after proper identification, to inspect any premises, nor shall any person molest or resist the Director in the discharge of these duties and the protection of the public health. The Director may require that a person owning a dog present the dog, required certificate or the current license, and license tag for the dog. Dogs must wear valid license tags when off their owner’s property. An owner whose dog is off his/her property without wearing a valid license tag is in violation of the regulation. It is also a violation to refuse to present the dog, certificate of vaccination, its license or its license tag. No person shall interfere with, oppose, or resist the Director while he is engaged in the performance of any act authorized by the regulation. No person shall remove any animal from custody of the Director nor shall any person remove any animal from the Animal Shelter without first receiving permission from the Director. All reclaimed dogs must be licensed.

Individual Dog Licensing

All dogs shall be licensed in accordance with State law except a dog under four months of age; a dog licensed by a municipality in which the dog and owner reside; a dog licensed by another state or county in which the dog and owner reside, if the owner will be present in Macomb County for thirty days or less; and dogs kept in licensed dog kennels. All dogs shall be currently protected by a rabies vaccine active at the time of license issuance. Such vaccines shall be administered by a veterinarian except when a veterinarian states in writing that the dog should not be vaccinated for medical reasons and indicates when the dog can be vaccinated. A dog license shall be issued for only an animal that has a current rabies vaccination. A license may be issued to an unvaccinated dog if the required veterinarian certification has been obtained. The County Treasurer or his agent shall issue licenses. License fees shall be established from time to time by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Failure to comply with the licensing requirements will result in the imposition of such late fees and penalties as may be established from time to time by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners.

Animal Behavior

A person who owns or has custody or control of a dog shall prevent the dog from running at large. A person who owns or has custody or control of a dog shall, at any time the dog is off that person’s property, restrain the dog with a lead or leash of a length sufficient to maintain effective control of the animal. Running at large does not include property where the person who has custody or control of the dog has permission from the person in charge of the property to allow the dog to be off of the lead or leash. Every animal that has bitten a person shall be quarantined for a period of not less than ten (10) days. Such quarantine shall be at the animal shelter, a veterinarian office or a place designated by the Director. The owner shall surrender the dog to the Director upon request. Should the owner refuse to cooperate, the Director may seek a court order or warrant to enforce the quarantine. The Director may declare any animal that is known to have bitten a person or other animal a public health hazard. At his discretion, the Director may require that the animal be removed from the community, quarantined or confined in a manner specified by the Director. Should the owner refuse to cooperate, the Director may seek a court order or warrant to enforce the removal, quarantine, or confinement. The Director shall give written notice to the owner of his intent to petition a court of competent jurisdiction for authorization to euphonize or otherwise dispose of the animal. The owner shall then have forty eight (48) hours to respond before the petition is filed. A person who owns or has custody or control of an animal shall prevent the animal from defecating on any public or private property other than his own or shall immediately collect and properly dispose of all fecal matter deposited by the animal while it is off his property. A person who owns or has custody of an animal shall prevent the animal from engaging in nuisance or dangerous behavior.

Impoundment Procedures

The Animal Shelter is the animal custodial care facility of the Health Department. The Director shall hold all animals impounded by him/her. Any animal found stray in Macomb County which is delivered to the Animal Shelter shall be delivered during normal working hours. Any person picking up any stray animal or animal found running at large shall deliver such animal to the Director by taking it to the Animal Shelter. Any person finding a stray animal may assist the Director by holding such animal for the Director to pick up or by delivering it to the Animal Shelter. The length of impoundment will depend upon the reasoning for impoundment. Each circumstance can be discussed with the Director. The Director will not release any animal unless the animal is vaccinated, licensed and all fees/costs are paid in full. All unclaimed animals not reclaimed with a period of time established for the holding of strays shall be adopted, euphonized, or suitably placed at the discretion of the Director.

Keeping of Animals

Every person who owns or who has charge, care or custody of an animal shall comply with each of the following requirements:
Feeding: Each animal shall be supplied with sufficient, good, wholesome food and water as established by USDA animal welfare act and regulations.
Cleanliness: All animals and all animal buildings or enclosures shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
Unattended Animals: No animal shall be without attention for a reasonable period of time. Whenever a commercial animal facility is left unattended, the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the facility and the person responsible for the care of animals shall be posted in a conspicuous place at the front of the facility.
Dangerous Surroundings: No condition shall be maintained or permitted that is, or could reasonably be expected to be, injurious to the animal.
Teasing: Every reasonable precaution shall be taken to insure that animals are not teased, abused, mistreated, annoyed, tormented or made to suffer by any persons or means.
Protection: All reasonable precautions shall be taken to protect the public from animals and animals from the public.
Sick Animals: Every commercial animal facility shall isolate sick animals sufficiently so as not to endanger the health of other animals.
Ventilation and Light: Every building or enclosure where animals are maintained shall be constructed of materials easily cleaned and shall be kept in a sanitary condition. The building shall be properly ventilated to prevent drafts and to remove odors. Heating and cooling shall be provided as required according to the physical needs of the animals with sufficient light to allow observation of the animals.
Veterinarian Attention: The owner or custodian shall take an animal to a veterinarian for an examination and treatment if the Director finds this is necessary in order to maintain the health of the animal and so orders
Cages: All animal rooms, cages, kennels, and runs shall be of sufficient size to provide adequate and proper accommodation for the animals.
Shelter: Proper shelter of suitable size and protection from the weather shall be provided at all times as established by USDA animal welfare act and regulations.
Structural Strength: Housing facilities for animals shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained in good repair to protect the animals from injury, contain the animals and restrict the entrance of other animals.

Cruelty

Beating: No person shall beat, kick, hit, bite, burn or in any manner cause an animal to suffer needlessly.
Injury: No person shall cause abusive injury to an animal.
Teasing: No person shall tease or entice a dog or other animal.
Alcohol: No person shall give an animal any alcoholic beverage or controlled drug unless prescribed by a veterinarian.
Incompatible Animals: No person shall allow animals which are natural enemies, temperamentally unsuited, or otherwise incompatible to be quartered together or so near each other as to cause injury, fear, or torment. Animals shall not be considered enemies if two or more animals are trained so that they can be placed together without attacking each other, or performing, or attempting any hostile act toward each other.
Injurious Tack: No person shall allow the use of any tack, equipment, device, substance or material that is, or could be, injurious or cause unnecessary cruelty to an animal.
Proper Exercise: Working animals shall be give exercise proper for the individual animal under the particular conditions.
Working Sick Animals: No person shall work or use any animal that is overheated, weakened, exhausted, sick, injured, disease, lame, or otherwise unfit.
Bitch in Heat: No person having a bitch in heat shall permit her to be contained in a fashion that gives stray animals access to her or that permits her to escape.
Confinement: No person shall confine a dog on a chain for an unreasonable time unless the chain permits movement over at least 30 square feet and allows the dog free access to suitable shelter.
Abandonment: No person shall abandon any animal.

No person shall keep any exotic animal or type of animal that the Director may determine to be a hazard to the community unless permitted by a local ordinance.

ANIMAL CONTROL

THE MACOMB COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT responds to all calls concerning animals in the City of Center Line. Hours of operation for the Macomb County Animal Control department are:

Monday through Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday
CLOSED


Residents are asked to contact the Macomb County Animal Control Department directly at 586-469-5115 with all calls concerning the following: Stray domestic animals; Give up animals; Deceased animals; Sick / injured animals; Animal welfare complaints and investigations / animal bites; and Nuisance wildlife complaints (squirrels, opossum and raccoons) during regular business hours.

In the event of an emergency after the above listed hours, residents are asked to contact the Center Line Public Safety Department at 586-757-2203.


IMPORTANT!

Free Gun Locks Available From The Center Line Public Safety Department

In cooperation with Mount Clemens General Hospital, Emergency Nurses C.A.R.E. and the Michigan State Police, the Center Line Public Safety Department is offering FREE Gun Locks to its residents. Emergency Nurses C.A.R.E.s State Chairperson, Diane Benson, RN, notes that We want to encourage anyone with a gun to take the time to install a gun lock and to follow other safety practices. Its a simple step that will have a great impact on reducing gun related injuries. Safe gun practices only take a few minutes but save years of pain, suffering and death. We want to give people the tools and the education they need to be responsible gun owners.

Besides the use of gunlocks, responsible gun safety practices include:
* Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
* Store guns unloaded
* Store firearms in a location out of the sight and reach of children
* Store the firearm and ammunition separately
* Load your firearm only when you are ready to use it
* Keep you finger off the trigger and outside the trigger-guard until ready to fire
* Keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction away from you
* Take a firearms safety class

The FREE gun locks are available at the Center Line Public Safety Department for all Center Line residents. All we ask is you fill out a small Firearms Safety Questionnaire.

FIRE SAFETY

FIRE FACTS:

 
The US has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. An average of 4,400 Americans lose their lives, and another 25,000 are injured annually as the result of fire.
 
Each year fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined.
 
Fire is the third leading cause of accidental death in home, with 80 percent of these deaths occurring in residences.
 
About 100 fire fighters die each year in duty-related incidents.
 
About 2 million fires are reported annually with direct property loss estimated at over $8.6 billion.

Fire is FAST!

 
There is little time: in less than 30 seconds, small flame can get completely out of control. It takes less than four minutes for a room to be totally engulfed in fire.

 

Fire is HOT!

 
A fire's heat alone can kill and the heat increases rapidly. Initial temperature can be 100 degrees at the floor and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. It is not uncommon to see ceiling temperature from 1000-1500 degrees. Inhaling just one breath of this superheated air can scorch your lungs.

 

Fire is DARK!

 
Fire starts bright, but quickly produces thick dark smoke, which obscures light. If you wake up to a fire in the middle of the night, you may become disoriented and unable to find your way around the home you know so well.

 

Fire is DEADLY!

 
Fire uses up oxygen and produces smoke and poisonous gases that kill. Breathing even small amounts of smoke and gases can disorient you and make you drowsy.
 
In the event of fire, remember time is biggest enemy and every second counts! Escape first, then call for help. Develop a fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outdoors.

If you have questions regarding fire safety, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (586) 757-2203.

FORMS

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"Freedom of Information Act Request". Click here.

"Extra Checks Form". Click here.