Show All Answers

1. What is the New Bylaw On False Alarms?

More than 3 false alarms in a 12 month period will result in a fee. See Alarm Bylaw section of our website for more information More...

2. 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 Monday through Friday, 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm, starting July 1, 2007.

The Records Bureau is located in the front lobby of the Police Department at 111 Main St., 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.

3. What's the best way to report a crime?

For emergencies, call 9-1-1. 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.

4. How do I obtain a permit for a Keg?

To obtain a short term keg permit (one keg-one day) you must fill out an application, which can be downloaded from our website under the services link or obtained at the Amherst Police Records Office More...

5. 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.

6. 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 Firearm Application. 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.

7. Can I call 9-1-1 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 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.

10. What is the seat belt law for children?

The law that was updated in 2008 requires children riding as passengers in motor vehicles must be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured until they are 8 years old OR over 57" tall.

The expanded law will require a booster seat/safety belt combination for children who have outgrown a child safety seat - typically when they are above age five or 40 pounds -until they are 8 years old OR over 57" tall.
The Massachusetts Safety Belt Law requires safety belt use by those 13 years of age and older.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following for toddlers and pre-schoolers: After reaching the maximum weight or height for rear facing seats, children should ride in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they outgrow it, after which they should use a booster seat with higher weight limits.

11. Where can I view the arrest and call log online?

The arrest and call log is grouped by week and month and can be viewed here: http://www.amherstma.gov/index.asp?nid=826 More...