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

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

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

4. Where do I pay my parking ticket?

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

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

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

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

9. When should I use  911 (emergency) vs. 943-1212  (police) or 943-4321 (fire/rescue/EMS)?

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

11. How do I become a Webster Police Officer ?

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 7am-3pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for accident reports, which should be requested by your Insurance company. All other reports can be picked up at the station during the above listed hours. There is a $1 charge for all reports up to three pages in length.  After that, there is an additional fee of $.50/page.  If you are unable to pick-up the report, a report can be mailed by sending a self addressed stamped envelope, along with the case number.  

4. Where do I pay my parking ticket?
Parking tickets are paid to the parking clerk, located at the Town Hall, on Mondays 8am-12pm. You may also mail your payment to the address that is on your ticket.

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 Rescue Squad 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 by appointment only by calling (508)943-1212. 

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.  When should I use  911 (emergency) vs. 943-1212  (police) or 943-4321 (fire/rescue/EMS) ?
911 is for Emergencies of any nature.  The 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 943-1212.

Ambulance Request - Emergency.  
All requests for ambulance services are considered emergencies.  Please call  911 for all ambulance requests. 

10.  How do I drop a tip either by an Email or anonymous phone call ?
If you would like to phone the Webster Police Department 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 # of car,  and street address.

If you would like to Email a Tip to WPD,  click the link below, and be sure to be as descriptive as possible.  Every bit of information will help!

mailto:CrimeTips@websterpolice.com

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11.  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 Web Site

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