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1. What is the purpose of conducting a citizens' police academy?

The purpose of conducting a citizens' police academy is to give the public a working knowledge of the Watertown Police Department’s policies and procedures, through a series of classes instructed by Watertown Police Department personnel.

2. In what ways will the CPA improve police community relations?

The more information the public has about their police department, the less suspicions, fears, and misconceptions will exist. Many conflicts are caused simply by a lack of understanding, and these could be  avoided. The motto of the Citizen Police Academy is “Understanding through Education”.

3. How is the class conducted?

Participants meet once per week for ten consecutive weeks. The sessions will be held at the Watertown Police Department located at 552 Main Street in Watertown. Instruction is designed to be appealing to participants with lectures, tours, demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

4. What type of material is covered?

The sessions are designed to give an overview of the Watertown Police Department and its various functions, from hiring practices to training and investigation.

5. How will the information obtained in this course be used by the public?

We believe that an informed public is better able to make decisions about the Watertown Police Department. We hope this program will assist us in breaking down any barriers between the police and the people they serve.

6. How does a person apply to the Citizen's Police Academy?

Download the Citizen Police Academy application (PDF). Submission instruction are included in the form.

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1. When should I call 911?

You should call 911 when there is an actual life threatening emergency or serious crime in progress. You may be asked to stay on the phone with the Dispatcher or Police Officer until help arrives. All other crimes or questions should go through the Police Department main number 617-972-6500.

2. How do I report a crime?

Call Police Department main number at 617-972-6500 and provide as much detail as possible.

3. How do I report a crime and remain anonymous?

You may call our Stop a Crime Tip Line at 617-972-6408.

4. What Court does the Watertown Police Department use?

The Watertown Police Department is serviced by the Middlesex County District Attorney in various courts within the County. Motor vehicle hearings and misdemeanor crimes are heard at:

Waltham District Court.

38 Linden Street

Waltham, MA 02154

Phone: 781-894-4500

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1. What is the legal definition of abuse?

Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse prevention Act, defines abuse as the occurrence of one or more of the following between family or household members:

• Attempting to cause or causing physical harm
• Placing another in fear of imminent serious physical harm
• Causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, threat or duress

2. What is an abuse prevention order?

An Abuse Prevention Order, called a “209A Order,” or a “protective order,” or a “restraining order,” is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member.

3. Who is a family or household member?

Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines family or household members as persons who:

• Are or were married to one another
• Are or were residing together in the same household
• Are or were related by blood or marriage
• Having a child in common regardless of whether they have ever married or lived together
• Are or have been in a substantive dating or engagement relationship, which shall be adjudged by district, probate or Boston municipal courts, by considering the following factors:
  • The length of time of the relationship
  • The type of relationship
  • The frequency of interaction between the parties
  • If the relationship has been terminated by either person, the length of time elapsed since the termination of the relationship

4. Where can I get a 209A Order?

A 209A Order can be obtained in any District Court, Superior Court, or Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. Should you decide to go to the District or Superior Court to obtain a 209A Order you may go the respective court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the respective court in the area you have now taken up residence.

Go to the Clerk’s Office in the court and ask for a “protective order,” or a “209A Order,” or “restraining order.” You will receive a packet of forms to complete, which is your application for a protective order.

5. I live in Watertown, which court can I go to?

Waltham District Court at:

38 Linden Street

Waltham, MA 02472

Phone: 781-894-4500

Cambridge Superior Court (3rd District) at:

40 Thorndike Street

Cambridge, MA 02472

Phone: 617-494-4000

6. The court is closed, how do I get a 209A Order?

An emergency 209A Order can be obtained through any police department after court hours, on weekends and holidays. You do not need a lawyer to make application for a 209A Order and there is no charge for filing. Be sure to call the police department which has jurisdiction over the area you reside in.

7. Will a restraining order send my abuser to jail?

When the court issues a 209A restraining order it is a civil action. It is intended to protect you from future abuse. It is not a criminal action and will not punish someone for what they may have already done to you. By itself, a 209A order will not cause anyone to go to jail.

8. What happens if my abuser violates the 209A Order?

Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of any terms of the order is a criminal offense. The police must arrest the abuser if they believe or can see that the terms of the Order were violated. If you do not call the police, you may be able to file an application for criminal complaint on your own at the Clerk’s Office in the District Court. A Victim/Witness Advocate can assist you with that process.

It is recommended that if your abuser violates the Order, call the police immediately.

9. How will my abuser find out about the restraining order?

The police department will be given a copy of the restraining order which they will give to your abuser. This is called “service.”

10. How much does a restraining order cost?

There is no cost to obtain a restraining order.

11. Do I need a lawyer?

No. You do not need a lawyer to file for a 209A restraining order, but an attorney may represent you if you choose.

12. How can I protect myself?

Review guidelines for protecting yourself in a domestic violence situation.

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1. Do I need a permit to carry pepper spray?

Self-defense sprays are no longer considered to be “ammunition”. Persons 18 years of age or older no longer require an Firearms Identification Card (FID) card to possess self-defense spray. Minors between 15 years of age and under 18 may possess self-defense sprays (if granted an FID card and permission from parent). View more information on how to obtain a FID.

2. How do I get a license to carry or firearms identification card permit?

Learn about the application procedures for getting a firearm.

3. How do I access a change of address form for license to carry and firearm identification card?

Access the change of address form (PDF).

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1. Does the Watertown Police Department do fingerprint cards?

Finger printing is available as a courtesy and at the convenience of the Police Department for Watertown Residents only. There is no fee and positive identification is required. Service may be requested at any time by calling the Administrative Officer at 617-972-6500, however, if the police department is housing prisoners fingerprinting can not be done.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will not accept fingerprints from applicants processed by the Watertown Police Department. You should proceed to the nearest INS office for processing or call the INS Help line at 202-305-7802, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for instructions.

2. Does the Watertown Police Department sell or swap shoulder patches?

Unfortunately the Watertown Police Department no longer swaps or offers patches for sale.

3. How do I report police misconduct?

You are asked to call the Officer in Charge through the Police Department main phone number, 617-972-6500. To ensure that all pertinent information is documented, a complaint form is filled out to document the incident and start the investigation process. The form is available at the Police window in the lobby. The form may also be downloaded (PDF) if you wish to fill it out in advance.

Issues of a serious criminal nature may be reported directly to the Chief of Police by phone at 617-972-6537.

4. What is the process to become a Police Officer?

Visit the employment page to learn about how to become a police officer.

5. What hours is the Watertown Police Station open?

The Watertown Police Department is open 24 hours a day everyday of the year. You may call or stop by the station at any time.

6. How do I get a permit to operate a Ice Cream Truck in Watertown?

There have been changes to the laws pertaining to Ice Cream Vendors. Effective as of February 15, 2013, in addition to the Hawkers and Peddlers license, The Department of Public Safety has issued new regulations (520 CMR 15.00) requiring the operators of such vehicles, to obtain a permit from the local police department or local licensing authority. If you have any questions regarding the new permit requirement, please visit the Department of Public Safety’s Website or call 617-727-3200.

In Watertown, to be permitted to operate an Ice Cream truck, each operator will need an Ice Cream Vendor ID issued and approved by the Chief of Police of the Watertown Police Department and a permit issued by the Town of Watertown Health Department to the vehicle. Required documentation for the Watertown Police Department Ice Cream Vendor ID includes:

• Watertown Police Department Ice Cream Vendor application (PDF)
• Active Hawkers and Peddlers License
• Permit from applicants local issuing authority

In order to submit your application and required documentation you must contact Detective Jennifer Connors to set up an appointment by phone at 617-972-6545. No applications or paperwork will be accepted without an appointment.

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1. What is the overdose prevention and education network?

The Overdose Prevention and Education Network, OPEN, is a regional collaboration between the communities of Cambridge, Everett, Somerville and Watertown, Massachusetts to address the issue of opioid use and abuse and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses. The Cambridge Public Health Department is the lead agency for this four-city collaborative.

2. Who are the police officers that work in my neighborhood?

Police Officers working in the Patrol Division are assigned to specific Community Policing routes. Please check out the specific route page for your neighborhood to learn who the Police Officers working there are.

3. How do I find out if there are any registered sex offenders living near me?

Access a copy of a form (PDF) to request sex offender information. The Watertown Police Department requires positive photo identification at the time of application.

4. What is a level 1, 2 or 3 sex offender?

Where the Sex Offender Registry Board determines that the risk of re-offense by an offender is low and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public by that offender is not such that a public safety interest is served by public availability, the Board shall give that offender a Level 1 designation. Information on Level 1 offenders will not be available to the public. Neither the police nor the Board have authority to disseminate information to the general public identifying a Level 1 offender.

Information identifying Level 1 offenders may only be given to the department of correction, any county correctional facility, the department of youth services, the department of social services, the parole Board, the department of probation and the department of mental health, all city and town police departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for law enforcement purposes.

5. What is a level 2 offender?

Where the Board determines that the risk of re-offense is moderate and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a public safety interest is served by public availability of registration information, it shall give a level 2 designation to the sex offender. The public shall have access to the information regarding a level 2 offender through the Local Police Department and through the Sex Offender Registry Board.

6. What is a level 3 offender?

Where the Board determines that the risk of re-offense is high and the degree of dangerousness posed to the public is such that a substantial public safety interest is served by active dissemination, it shall give a level 3 designation to the sex offender. The public shall have access to the information regarding a level 3 offender through the Local Police Departments and through the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board.

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Review the guidelines for obtaining a police report on the Records Unit page.

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1. Can I be sued if my child or a teenage guest at my home drinks alcohol and harms another person?

Yes. Under the principle of social host liability, you can be held financially responsible if your guest harms or kills another person after having consumed alcohol at your home.

2. Why should I be liable for the criminal or negligent acts of my guests? If my guest kills or injures someone in a drunk driving accident after drinking in my home, why should that be my problem?

If your guest was under age 21 and you allowed him to consume alcohol, you committed a crime. Violation of a criminal statute is powerful evidence that you were negligent. There is no good reason to allow anyone under 21 to drink alcohol. If your guest was an adult who was visibly impaired, you were negligent if you permitted him to drink alcohol at your home. There is no good reason to serve any impaired guest more alcohol.

3. One of my underage twins is in college and one is in the military. What’s wrong with serving alcohol to them and their friends in the safety of our home if their friends' parents give permission?

The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is against the law for you to serve alcohol to underage guests or to allow them to consume alcohol in your home. You could also be civilly liable for their acts if they injure or kill someone else after drinking at your home. Parents who gave permission for their underage child to drink alcohol could also be civilly liable.

4. If I allow my child to have a party when I’m not home and she allows friends to bring alcohol and drink it, might she or I be liable for injuries her friends cause to another person?

Even if you do not keep alcohol in your home and your child does not drink, your child may be charged criminally for allowing minors to drink alcohol at your home. If you do not give permission to your child to allow drinking at your home, you might not be civilly liable. Even if you claim that you did not know your child’s guests would be drinking, it may still be up to a jury to decide whether you are civilly liable.

5. Will my insurance policy cover a judgment against me as a social host?

It might, but your coverage will most likely not be enough to pay the judgment. If you are also charged criminally, then it is possible that your policy will not cover the civil judgment.

6. If my guest caused the injury and we both get sued, why should I have to pay?

Under the principle of joint and several liability, if two or more parties are civilly liable, then any one of them may be required to pay the entire amount of the judgment. If an underage guest who drinks alcohol at your home injures or kills someone, you and that guest could be sued and found liable. You could be forced to pay the entire judgment if the underage guest cannot afford to pay. Recent judgments in these cases have been over $1,000,000.

7. If someone gets a judgment against me as a social host and I later declare bankruptcy, will I have to pay it?

A drunk driver who is ordered to pay a civil judgment cannot avoid paying by declaring bankruptcy. It is possible a social host can avoid paying a civil judgment if he is bankrupt, but there is a growing trend to prevent this from happening.

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1. Does the Watertown Police Department install or inspect child car seats?

Effective Octover 1, 2009, due to staffing shortages, the Watertown Police Department will no longer offer Child Safety Seat installations and inspections. The Watertown Police Department Traffic Division is proud to make available a nationally certified Child Car Seat technician. Please contact Officer Charles Samios to schedule a car seat installation at 617-972-6497.

2. How do I make a parking complaint?

Call the main business number, 617-972-6500. Explain the situation in as much detail as possible (type of car, color of car and license plate if possible) to the Dispatcher or Police Officer that answers the call and a cruiser will be dispatched to investigate your complaint.

3. How do I report speeding cars in my neighborhood?

Call the main business number, 617-972-6500. Explain the situation in as much detail as possible (type of car, color of car and license plate if possible) to the Dispatcher or Police Officer that answers the call and a cruiser will be dispatched to investigate your complaint. You may also make a request to have one of the Department’s Radar Trailers placed on your street.

4. How do I pay or appeal a parking ticket?

Pay Online with Kelley & Ryan and Click the Parking tab under search feature and Enter in the City, License Plate and Ticket number. Parking tickets may be paid in person at Town Hall or through the mail using the address on the ticket.  To appeal, fill out an APPEAL FORM or see the Parking Clerk Website for more options.

5. How do I pay or appeal a moving violation?

Follow the instructions on the back of the citation (PDF) to request an appeal or make your payment. You may also pay moving violations online through the Registry of Motor Vehicle’s website.

6. I locked my keys in my car, can the Police Department assist me?

Due to safety concerns regarding side impact airbags and the anti-theft features of modern vehicles, the Watertown Police Department will no longer provide motor vehicle lockouts absent an emergency situation. You will need to call a towing company.

7. When do I have to file an accident report?

If any person is killed or injured or where there is damage in excess of $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property you must file an accident report.

8. Where can I obtain an accident report form?

Any police department will carry a supply of accident report forms. Forms can also be downloaded (PDF).

9. How long do I have to file an accident report?

You have 5 business days starting the next business day after the accident.

10. Where do I file my accident report?

You need to have 3 copies of your accident report and send them to the following:

• The police department that has jurisdiction over the location where your accident occurred
• Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Your insurance company or keep for your own records if not needed by same

It is suggested you contact your insurance agent and they will in turn mail your accident reports to the appropriate agencies.

11. What kind of information should I retrieve from the other operator if I’m in an accident?

You should obtain the following information:

• Operator’s name, current address, license number and expiration, and date of birth
• Vehicle’s registration number, make, model, color
• Vehicle owner’s name and address

12. Can I get a copy of the police officer’s accident report?

It is the policy of the Watertown Police Department not to release the investigating officer’s report of an accident until all persons involved file their reports. However, the police department will release the front side of the officer’s report which contains the necessary operator, vehicle and insurance information.

Need additional information? Visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

13. When does the all night parking ban start?

Typically, enforcement of the all night parking ban begins the Sunday following Thanksgiving and ends on April 1st. These dates may vary from year to year. Check our homepage for the most current information. Parking on any public way within the Town of Watertown between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. for more than one hour is prohibited, this overnight parking is typically only enforced during the winter months.

14. What is an abandoned motor vehicle?

A vehicle left parked and unattended for 72 hours or more. If a vehicle is legally parked on a public way and is left for more than 72 hours by its owner, said vehicle may be deemed to be abandoned as provided by Chapter 90 § 22C. The assigned officer, may after investigation, tow said vehicle in accordance with departmental towing procedures.