How do I report a crime?

  Can I call 911 from a cellular telephone?

  How do I obtain a copy of an accident, arrest or incident report?

  How do I obtain a license to carry a firearm (LTC) for a firearms identification card (FID)?

  When do I have to submit a motor vehicle crash report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles?

  How do I make the police department aware of a traffic concern (speeders, illegal passing

    that happens on my street?

  How can the police department help me address the problem with my noisy neighbors?

  What is the SeatBelt Law for Children?

How do I report a crime?

For emergencies, call 911.  If there is a non-emergency crime or suspicious activity that you’d like to report, call the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000, and you will be directed to either speak to an officer, or one will be dispatched to your location. 

Can I call 911 from a cellular telephone?

Yes, cellular telephone calls are sent to the Northampton State Police Barracks in Northampton, where they will determine your location and transfer you phone call directly to the appropriate police agency.

How do I obtain a copy of an accident, arrest or incident report?

Copies of records can be obtained in person at the Records Bureau of the Amherst Police Department during normal business hours.  Business hours are 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.  The Records Bureau is located in the front lobby of the Police Department at 111 Main Street, Amherst.  Records requests can also be made via mail.  To request a copy of a record through the mail, a Records Request Form should be filled-out and sent to the records office, along with payment by check (payable to Town of Amherst), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.  This will expedite your request.  Please note that there is a nominal charge for all copies of records.  See our Records Dept link for more information

How do I obtain a license to carry a firearm (LTC) for a firearms identification card (FID)?

Residents of the Town of Amherst can apply for either form of firearm license from the Chief of Police.  The procedure for a license include:

• Download and complete the attached application (PDF- 18 KB).  Applications are also available in the Police Department lobby.
• Contact the Amherst Police Department at 413-259-3000 to schedule an interview appointment
• Go to the Amherst Town Hall Collectors Office to pay the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mandated $100 fee. You will be issued a receipt.
• At your appointment, you should bring with you your completed application (with your firearms/hunters safety certificate if applicable), and a form of identification. New applicants need to provide a passport size photo with their application. All applicants will also need to provide a copy of their receipt issued by the collectors office. 
• If you application is approved, you will be notified by the Police Department that your license is available for you to pick up at the station.  This process generally takes 45-60 days.

For More information on the firearms laws, requirements and disqualifying factors, see the Criminal History Systems Board's Firearms Records Bureau website. 

When do I have to submit a motor vehicle crash report to the Registry of Motor Vehicles?

If you are involved in a motor vehicle crash, and someone was injured or there was over $1000 of damage to either a vehicle or property, you are required to file a Motor Vehicle Crash Report to the RMV.  Download the attached MASSACHUSETTS OPERATOR MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH FORM (PDF- 63 KB)

 How do I make the police department aware of a traffic concern (speeders, illegal passing) that happens on my street?

The Amherst Police Department is committed to making our roads safe.  You may either call in the complaint to the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000 and an officer will log your request for traffic enforcement.  You may also email your request to police@amherstma.gov

How can the police department help me address the problem with my noisy neighbors?

 If you have a problem with noise from your neighbors, call the Amherst Public Safety Communication Center at 413-259-3000 for a police officer to respond to the location of the noise.  The responding officer has some discretion in how to deal with the noise complaint.  Possible resolutions  include a verbal warning to the residents, a written warning to the residence, a Town of Amherst Noise By-Law (PDF- 189 KB) violation fine of $100 or arrest for the violation.  When determining the appropriate response, the officer may take many factors into consideration, such as the severity of the noise, the time of day, whether the residents have been warned before, the cooperation of the residents to address the problem.

 What is the Seat Belt Law for Children?

MASSACHUSETTS CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAW
Effective: April 9, 1997 Infants and small children must ride in car seats until:

They are at least 5 years old and weigh over 40 pounds. The types of car seats permitted include federally approved infant, toddler, convertible and booster seats. Children who weigh more than 40 pounds but are under 5 years old must ride in a booster seat. Children who are 5 years of age or older, and also weigh more than 40 pounds, must wear a seat belt that is properly adjusted. MGH Ch. 90 Sec 7AA; Ch. 90, Sec 13A Federally approved booster seats are permitted and recommended for children who weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Children using the vehicle safety belt only should not place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.

This law applies to children riding in: All types of privately owned vehicles. Vehicles for hire, including taxi cabs. It is the responsibility of the child's parent or caregiver to provide the car seat for use in a taxi cab. The driver of a taxi will not be fined if he/she does not provide a car seat.

The law does not apply to: Children riding in school buses. Children riding in a vehicle made before July 1, 1966 that does not have safety belts.  Children physically unable to use either a conventional car seat or a child restraint specifically designed for children with special needs. Inability to use a child restraint of either type must be certified in writing by a physician.

The Safest Place For Children Is In The Back Seat

Fine: The driver will be fined $25.00 for each unrestrained child.