Community Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I obtain a copy of a police report?

        Depending on the circumstances, police reports are generally available within 4 business days following the incident.  Police reports involving an arrested party may not be available due to court proceedings.  Police reports, when completed and available, may be obtained at the Records Division conveniently located in the lobby of Police Headquarters.

    I was involved in an accident. How soon will I be able to obtain a copy of my accident report?

        All accident reports are usually available within 4 business days following the accident date.  These reports are obtained from the Records Division which is located in the lobby of police headquarters.  For faster service, please have your case number, officers name and date of accident ready.

    I need to get fingerprints taken for a job application. What are the details?

        The West Haven Police Department shall be using Biometric Identification Services to provide civilian fingerprinting services.  Appointments are NOT needed and Connecticut and FBI fingerprint cards WILL be provided.  The cost is $25 which is payable by either cash, money order, or bank check made payable to “Biometric Identification Services”.  Credit cards and personal checks are not accepted.


        Fingerprint times are ONLY on Monday’s from 3-7 PM unless state holiday or severe weather.

    How can I obtain a pistol permit?

        Pistol permit applications are available at the police department.  The application lists the appropriate steps the applicant will need to follow in order to obtain a pistol permit.  

        Pistol Permit Applications
    What are your requirements for firearms certification for retired WHPD Officers?

        Please call 203-937-3941 to schedule an appointment during our next qualifying date.  The Training Division handles all certification requests for retired officers.  Please also check out our forms page for required forms.

        Retiree Firearms Certification Forms
    How can I appeal a parking ticket that I received?

        If you wish to dispute a parking ticket, please pick up and complete the parking ticket dispute form at the police department’s front desk.  You may also download the form via our forms page.  The Chief of Police, or his designee, will respond in writing addressing each appeal.

    How can I appeal a motor vehicle infraction that I received?

        Payable infractions may be appealed by checking the “not guilty” box on the back of the infraction and signing your name in the space provided.  Mail the infraction back in the envelope provided.  You will be contacted by Centralized Infractions Bureau via mail with further instructions.

    How do I have a handicap parking sign placed in front of my residence?

        Guidelines for a handicap parking sign are set forth by the West Haven Police Department and the West Haven Commission on Disabilities.  If these guidelines are met, you may complete and return the application to the Traffic Division of the West Haven Police Department.  Once the completed application is received, the request will be investigated and if approved, the sign will be installed.  The guidelines for the sign, and the application are available online.  To download them (Adobe PDF format), please click the botton below

        Handicap Parking Sign Application
    Are there any forms available that I could fill out in advance before I visit the department in person?

        Yes.  Some police forms that we use are available online.  Please click the “Resources/Forms” link in the  navigation panel. These forms are in Adobe PDF format.

    I'm a patch collector. Will you send me a patch?

        Sorry, but unfortunately we are not able to send patches, nor do we have a patch exchange program.

    Do you install child safety seats?

        Unfortunately our child safety installation program has been temporarily postponed.  We hope to bring this program back soon, however, you may contact CT Safe Kids for your nearest installation program and time.

Child Safety Resources

As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is always safe. The West Haven Police Department is pleased to provide you with the following information to provide a better quality of life for you and your family.

Child Safety Seats

Frequently Asked Questions

    Connecticut’s Car Seat & Booster Seat Law

        Sec. 14-100a. Seat safety belts. Child restraint systems. (d) (1) (d) (1) (A) Any person who transports a child under two years of age or weighing less than thirty pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness approved pursuant to regulations that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall adopt in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.


        (B) Any person who transports a child under five years of age, but not under two years of age, or weighing less than forty pounds, but not less than thirty pounds, in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing or forward-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness approved pursuant to such regulations.


        (C) Any person who transports a child under eight years of age, but not under five years of age, or weighing less than sixty pounds, but not less than forty pounds, in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to ride rear-facing or forward-facing in a child restraint system equipped with a five-point harness or a booster seat secured by a seat safety belt approved pursuant to such regulations.


        (D) No person shall transport a child in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state in a rear-facing child restraint system in the front seat of any motor vehicle that is equipped with a functional air bag on the passenger side of such motor vehicle.


        (2) Any person who transports a child eight years of age or older and weighing sixty or more pounds in a motor vehicle on the highways of this state shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt. Failure to use a child restraint system shall not be considered as contributory negligence nor shall such failure be admissible evidence in any civil action. As used in this subsection, “motor vehicle” does not mean a bus having a tonnage rating of one ton or more.


        (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, any person who transports a child four years of age or older in a student transportation vehicle, as defined in section 14-212, on the highways of this state shall either provide and require the child to use an approved child restraint system or require the child to use a seat safety belt. Any person who transports a child under four years of age weighing less than forty pounds in a student transportation vehicle on the highways of this state shall provide and require the child to use a child restraint system approved pursuant to such regulations.


        (4) No person shall restrain a child in a booster seat unless the motor vehicle is equipped with a safety seat belt that includes a shoulder belt and otherwise meets the requirement of subsection (b) of this section.

    Child Safety Seat Installation Resources

        For information regarding car seat and booster seating selection, recalls, installation, and tips, visit http://www.ctsafekids.org/ If you need a child safety seat installed in your vehicle, visit the CT Safe Kids website for your nearest installation program and time.

Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

    State of Connecticut Sex Offender Registry

        Protect your family by being informed of local sex offenders.  Visit the Connecticut sex offender registry website to learn about local sex offenders in your area.  To view sex offenders in your area, Click Here

    National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Fingerprinting Services

The West Haven Police Department in conjunction with Biometric Identification Services will once again be offering Fingerprinting services at the West Haven Police Department.


The hours for fingerprinting will be between 10 am to 2 pm on the first and third Wednesday of every month beginning January 3, 2024. 

                     

 You MUST schedule an appointment with Biometric Identification Services on our website (see link below).


 


The West Haven Police Department uses Biometric Identification Services to provide civilian fingerprinting services. Appointments ARE needed and Connecticut and FBI fingerprint cards WILL be provided. The cost is $30.00 which is payable on-line when booking appointment.


Fingerprint times are ONLY on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10 am to 2 pm (excluding state holidays or severe weather).


Please go to www.bioidentserv.com to find a location for finger printing services.


Please bring the following items so that we may serve you promptly:

 

  • Connecticut State Identification or Drivers License.
  • All necessary documentation required for purpose of fingerprinting.
  • $30.00 payment made on-line when booking appointment.
  • Do not carry any type of weapon (Knives, Guns, etc). Weapons are not permitted on the premises and all parties entering the building may be subject to search

 

Domestic Violence & Abuse Resources

We are here to help. If you believe that you’re a victim of domestic violence, contact our special victims unit or view resources below from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Special Victims Unit: (203) 937-3927

CCADV: Call 888-774-2900 for help or to talk to someone. Para hablar o recibir ayuda, llama al 888-774-2900.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse. It is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that affects thousands of individuals in Connecticut regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or education. Victims are left feeling scared, confused, dependent and insecure about their ability to survive on their own, financially or otherwise. The children of an abused parent must contend with these same fears and realities. – CCADV, http://www.ctcadv.org/

What types of incidents are considered Domestic Violence?

Offenses committed against family members such as spouses, children, siblings, romantic partners, dating relationships. Former relationships such as ex-spouses, ex- boyfriend/girlfriend, ex-romantic partner also fall under domestic violence.

Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I do if I become a victim of domestic violence?

        • Protect yourself and your family
        • In case of an emergency Dial 9-1-1, otherwise, contact the West Haven Police Department immediately by dialing our non-emergency number (203) 937- 3900. You can also contact our special victim’s unit for additional support services. The telephone number for the special victim’s unit is (203) 937-3927

    What should I do if I become a victim of domestic violence?

        When a West Haven Police Officer comes to your home, he or she will:

        • Do whatever is necessary to prevent further violence Provide necessary medical attention to all parties in need
        • Conduct a thorough investigation by taking witness statements, taking photographs of injuries or property, completing a domestic violence check for active protective and restraining orders, and make an arrest if required Provide victim resources, such as, victim services cards to help you live free of domestic violence
        • Refer your case to the West Haven Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit

    How can I obtain a restraining order?

        To apply for a Restraining Order you have to fill out the following 2 forms:


        If you are seeking temporary custody of children, you must also fill out an:

        Once you finish your paperwork, you must take it to the Clerk’s office. Do not sign these forms until you are in front of a court clerk or a notary public. The Application and Affidavit will be reviewed by a Judge. Once the Judge makes a decision on  your Application, the Clerk’s Office will process the papers and return them to you. The date you have to come back to court for your hearing will be on the order form. The paperwork must be given immediately to a State Marshal, so that he or she may deliver the paperwork to the Respondent. You will be given a State Marshal Commission form to fill out called the Restraining Order Service Instructions/Profile (SMC-1). This form helps the State Marshal find the Respondent. The Clerk’s Office or the Court Service Center can give you a list of State Marshals. At certain court locations, a State Marshal will be at the courthouse at specific times during the day to help you with getting the papers delivered to the Respondent.


        If your Application was granted, be sure to keep a copy of the paperwork with you at all times and keep another copy in a safe place. The court will send a copy of the order to the police department.


        You must be in court on the date of the hearing if you want the court to give you a restraining order or, if the court already gave you a temporary restraining order, to keep it in place. The respondent may also be in court. If you think you need more security when you are in court for your restraining order hearing, contact the Clerk’s Office or the Court Service Center in the court where your hearing is scheduled.


        On the day of your hearing be sure to come to court early because it can take 10 to 20 minutes to get into the courthouse since everyone must go through a metal detector. Be sure to bring copies of your forms and any evidence to support your claim. Go to your assigned courtroom and wait for instructions. If you are not sure where to go, check with the Clerk’s Office or Court Service Center.


        The orders are usually good for six months after the hearing, but the judge can decide to make the orders good for a longer or shorter amount of time. You should contact the police department immediately if the Respondent violates any order issued.

    What resources are available for victims of domestic violence?

        As a crime victim, you have certain rights, including the right to:

        1. Emergency medical care
        2. Information on services and agencies that help victims
        3. Apply to OVS for financial help for certain crime-related expenses
        4. Be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
        5. Get information about the arrest and court hearings
        6. Reasonable protection from the accused
        7. Have the case completed in a timely manner
        8. To ask the court to return any property taken for the police investigation.
        9. Refer your case to the West Haven Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit

        Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Advocacy, Emergency Shelter, Counseling, and Other Services. Tel: (888) 774-2900 Web: http://www.ctcadv.org/

        Connecticut Office of Victim Services: Tel: (800) 822-8428 Web: http://www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim/

What is Abuse?

“Abuse” means any repeated act or omission that causes physical injury or serious physical injury. Abuse can also be emotional/psychological, economic, sexual, stalking and harassing in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

    I'm a victim of abuse, what resources are available to me?

        As a crime victim, you have certain rights, including the right to:

        • Emergency medical care
        • Information on services and agencies that help victims
        • Apply to OVS for financial help for certain crime-related expenses
        • Be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process
        • Get information about the arrest and court hearings
        • Reasonable protection from the accused
        • Have the case completed in a timely manner
        • To ask the court to return any property taken for the police investigation.

        Milford Rape Crisis Center Tel: (203) 878-1212 Web: http://rapecrisiscenterofmilford.org/

        Connecticut Office of Victim Services: Tel: (800) 822-8428 Web: http://www.jud.ct.gov/crimevictim/

Crime Prevention & Safety Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

    Child Safety Tips

        • Know where your children are at all times and who they are with.
        • Never leave a child unattended in a public place, such as, restrooms, stores, restaurants, etc.
        • If your child tends to avoid a certain adult, find out why.  That certain adult may be acting in an inappropriate manner to your child.
        • Talk to your children about internet and mobile phone usage and explain what not to do.  Explain to your child to never give out personal information about where they live, go to school, where they play, etc.  Child predators can use this information to target children.  Also teach your child to report inappropriate incidents to an adult.
        • Know the area in which you live.  Explain to your child the safest route to walk, go to school, or play.  Also explain to your child the places they should not go in order to avoid conflict.
        • Teach your child about bullying and cyber bullying and who to report it to if it does occur.

    Cyber Safety Tips

        • Protect yourself from Malware, Spyware, and Viruses, complete software updates regularly and avoid visiting malicious websites.
        • Use antivirus software to detect Malware, Spyware, Viruses, and other malicious software.
        • Create passwords that are secure using upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.  Do not use passwords that contain your personal information.  “Password” is not a password.
        • Do not provide personal or financial information to unsecure websites.  Secure websites will show a “Padlock” symbol in the address bar of your web browser.

    Home Safety & Security Tips

        • Ensure that your home is secure by installing deadbolt locks on outside doors and locking devices on windows.  Always lock your doors and windows when you leave home.
        • When home, always lock your doors to protect your family.
        • If possible, have an alarm system installed and place your alarm company’s placard in front of your home.  This will deter would be burglars.
        • Trim trees and remove objects that would provide intruders access to the roof or a second story area of your home.
        • Utilize outdoor lighting to make your home visible.
        • Never leave a key to your home under a door mat or in an outside hidden key container.  An intruder may observe you place said key in such an area when you leave or enter your home.
        • If you have a key pad for a garage door opener, create a code that is uncommon and difficult to crack.
        • Learn who frequents your neighborhood.  If you see someone who is unknown and acting suspiciously, call the police.

    Fraud & Identity Theft Tips

        • Be mindful when receiving calls from telemarketers or someone you don’t know.  These types of individuals will pose as anyone including government officials, bank institutions, and legitimate businesses.  Never give your financial information to an unknown source.  Most if not all organizations will not ask you for this type of information over the phone.
        • Delete spam emails and ignore phone calls of individuals requesting money.  These are common types of scams that usually revolve around a person in need, a large sum of money from overseas, or similar scenarios.
        • If you receive a phone call or email from an individual who claims they have a family member hostage, do not provide them with any information.  Contact the police immediately.  This is a new and common scam used by criminals.
        • Keep all important personal documents in a safe location.  Do not leave such documents in plain view.
        • Leave your social security card at home in a secure location such as a safe.  Do not risk losing your social security card, which is required to open a variety of accounts relating to finances.

    Vehicle Security Tips

        • Park your vehicle in a well lit area.
        • Secure all doors and windows
        • Remove all items of value from plain view by removing them from the vehicle or placing them in a secure location inside of the vehicle such as a glove box or console area.
        • Remove mounting hardware and cables for electronic devices when not in use.  These items are an indicator for thieves that valuables maybe located inside of the vehicle.
        • Never leave your keys inside of your vehicle.  Even if your vehicle will be unattended for a moment, turn of your vehicle and remove the keys.
        • When possible, back your vehicle into your parking space or driveway.  This leaves the front of your vehicle visible to police.
        • Utilize alarm systems and other types of anti theft devices.
        • Before getting into your vehicle, ensure that no one is in or around your vehicle.
        • When driving, lock your doors at all times.  This will prevent your vehicle from being carjacked.