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1. Why did it take so long for the police department to come when I called them?

All requests for police services are assigned by priority, based on seriousness of the incident and the potential for injury or damage to property. At times, calls of a less urgent nature must be delayed so that we can respond immediately to emergencies. In addition, due to budgetary constraints, shifts often work with fewer officers than needed. 

2. Why do they ask so many questions when I call the police?

Dispatchers are trained to get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem and its seriousness. This is done for your safety along with the safety of the responding officers. On emergency calls, the dispatcher will send the information to the officers while asking you additional questions. That means that the officers are already on the way while you are answering these questions.

3. How do I get a copy of a police report?

The records department is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information regarding Records Requests, please visit the Records Department Page. 

4. Where do I pay my parking ticket?

Parking tickets are paid to the parking clerk, located at the Town Hall. You may also mail your payment to the address that is on your ticket or pay online. 

5. Can I make a police report at any time of day and do I need to make an appointment?

The Webster Police Department will respond 24 hours a day, seven day a week to all requests for police assistance.

6. Can the police open my car or home if I have locked my keys inside?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles and homes, the police department does not open locked vehicles or doors. A locksmith is your best alternative. If a child or pet is locked inside a vehicle and a potential for injury exists, the Fire Department will be called to remove the child or pet from the vehicle. 

7. Does the police department do fingerprinting and when can I have my fingerprints done?

Fingerprints are done for residents of the town of Webster only. An appointment is not necessary, however walk-in requests for fingerprints can only be honored based upon officer availability. 

8. How do I obtain a firearms permit and when can I get one?

First you must complete a state recognized firearms safety course. Application for the permit is taken at the Webster Police Department by appointment only. You should call 508-943-1212 and choose option 6 to make an appointment with the firearms licensing officer.

9. What should I do if my vehicle is stopped by a Police Officer

What to do if your are stopped

• Stop your vehicle as far out of the travel lane as possible.
• Turn on the interior light.
• Keep your hands in view at all times, preferably on the steering wheel.
• Wait for the officer to request your license and registration.
• Relax and STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE.
• The officer will explain the reason for the motor vehicle stop.
• DO NOT argue with the officer, if you think that you have been wrongly cited the correct procedure is to request a hearing through the district court.

Why did an officer stop me?

• Moving violations are the most common reasons for motor vehicle stops. These include but are not limited to:
  • Speeding
  • Traffic light violations
  • Stop sign violations
  • Marked lanes violations
  • Failure to yield
  • Equipment violations i.e. broken headlight, taillight, plate light, and obstructed windshield.

Why did the Officer...

• Why did the officer sneak up on my vehicle?
  • SAFETY.  Officers are trained to minimize the risk of danger to themselves and the operator of the vehicle stopped.  Many officers are injured or killed while making traffic stops each year.
• WHY WERE THERE TWO OR THREE OFFICERS AT MY STOP?
  • AGAIN SAFETY.  Officers in the vicinity of a traffic stop will routinely back up their fellow officer to reduce the likelihood of the officer being injured.

Things you should know...

All operators are required to have in their possession their driver’s license and registration for the vehicle.  It is recommended that your driver’s license be kept somewhere where it is easily accessible.  The Webster Police Department strongly urges drivers not to keep their driver’s license underneath the driver’s seat.  As this is a popular spot to hide a weapon, an operator that reaches under the seat on a traffic stop will heighten the officer’s awareness and may change the demeanor of the officer until safety is again established.

 

Driving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a privilege, not a right.  Although an officer can verify the status of your driver’s license if you don’t have it in possession, they are not required to; the burden of proof is on you, the operator.  You can still be fined if your license is in good standing if you do not have it in your possession.

 

It is an ARRESTABLE OFFENSE if you are an out of state operator and do not have your license in your possession while driving in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regardless if your license in that state is in good standing or not.

10. When should I use 911 (emergency) vs. 943-1212 (business line)?

911 is for Emergencies of any nature. All other numbers are for non-emergency requests or information. Some common examples:

• Domestic dispute - Emergency
  Many people are seriously injured or killed each year as a result of domestic disputes. If you are involved in a domestic dispute or know of one, call 911.
• Loud music or loud neighbors
  - non-Emergency
  This is considered a service call and should be directed to 508-943-1212.
• Ambulance Request - Emergency
  All requests for ambulance services are considered emergencies. Please call 911 for all ambulance requests.

11. How do I drop a tip either by an Email or anonymous phone call ?

If you would like to phone the Webster Police Department (WPD) and leave an anonymous tip, you may do so by dialing 508-949-3874. You will then leave your information at the beep. Please be sure to include any pertinent information that may be helpful to the WPD. For example: Date and time of event, description or plate Number of car, and street address.

You can also email a Tip to WPD, and be sure to be as descriptive as possible. Every bit of information will help!

Anonymous tips can also be submitted. Visit our Detective page for more information.

12. How do I become a Webster Police Officer?

The Webster Police Department is a Civil Service Police Department. In order to become a police officer for the Webster Police, you must follow the process outlined on the Massachusetts Human Resources Division website.