PROPERTY

I need to get my property that is being held at BPD. How do I do that?

Evidence and property is stored in a secure location at the Brattleboro Police Department and can only be accessed by a few people. This security policy prevents the inadvertent removal or destruction of property or evidence. You can either pick up your property on Wednesday between 8:30am to 11:30am and Thursday between 1:30pm and 4:30pm as long as the Evidence Custodian is available. You may leave a message by calling the Brattleboro Police Department and ask for the Evidence Custodian. It should be noted that due to space limitations general, non-evidentiary property, is held for only 30 days prior to destruction. Also please note that we are unable to return property to citizens who find an item and bring it in to be returned to it's owner - even if the owner does not claim it. Please bring a photo ID, of yourself, with you when picking your property.


GETTING PULLED OVER

What do I do if I get pulled over?

Getting stopped by the police can happen for many reasons. You may have committed a traffic violation, or maybe your car matches the description of one used in a crime. If you ever get stopped by a police officer, roll your window down and keep you hands on the wheel. If it's night time, turn your dome light on. This will make the officer more comfortable, and is for your safety as well as the officers. Don't rummage around the car looking for your license, registration, and insurance until the officer asks for it. It may appear to the officer that you are acting suspicious and may be trying to hide something, or access a weapon.


JURISDICTION

What is the Brattleboro Police jurisdiction?

All law enforcement officers in Vermont have jurisdiction throughout the entire state. However Brattleboro Police officers handle calls inside the limits of the Town of Brattleboro.


REPORT A CRIME

How do I report a crime?

Simply call Brattleboro Police Dispatch at 254-7950. Be prepared to tell the dispatcher the nature of the call, the location of the incident, your name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Dispatchers may also request other information depending on the nature of the call. Please refrain from using 911 to seek general information. This is an emergency number only, and your call may be blocking someone else who truly needs help. If you need other help, or would like to speak with an officer, please use the non-emergency line. You may also come in to the Brattleboro Police Department dispatch window, call the BPD tips line at 251-8188, or go to www.brattleboropolice.org for online reporting.


WHERE ARE WE

Where is the Brattleboro Police Department Located?

The Brattleboro Police Department is located in the Municipal Building at 230 Main St. You must come up Grove St. which is right next to the post office on Main St. to access the Municipal parking lot.


LOCK OUT

Can the Police help me if I lock my keys in the car?

Hopefully we can. If you call for this service, be prepared to sign a waiver form releasing the Brattleboro Police Department from any damages that may occur to your vehicle during the process. Damage is very seldom and officers take care to avoid causing any if possible. There is no fee for this service.


ANIMAL PROBLEMS

Who do I contact for an animal problem?

During the day you can contact the Brattleboro Police Animal Control Officer Cathy Barrows at (802) 254-7950. If the problem needs immediate attention, Brattleboro Dispatch can send a duty officer to attempt to take care of it.


EMPLOYMENT

How do I become one of Brattleboro’s Finest?

To become a Brattleboro Police Officer, you must first meet the department requirements. (These can be found on the BPD website www.brattleboropolice.org) Next you must complete an application packet. Once you complete that portion, you will then be invited to testing at the Vermont Police Academy in Pittsford, VT. This consists of a written, physical, and psychological test. If you pass testing, you will then be invited to be interviewed by an oral board. A background check is then conducted and you must submit to a polygraph test. Successful candidates then must complete 16 weeks of Basic Training at the Vermont Police Academy. Upon graduation, they must complete at least 12 weeks of field training at the Brattleboro Police Department with a Field Training Officer.


HOUSE CHECK

How can I request a house check when I’m on vacation?

All you have to do it call Dispatch at (802) 257-7950 and tell them where you live, how you can be contacted, and the dates you will be gone. They may also request additional information. It will then be given to the shift supervisors to pass on to their officers.


REPORT A DUI

How do I report a DUI?

If you are following a car and you see erratic operation or you believe the operator is driving drunk, simply call 911. Be prepared to give as much detailed information about the vehicle and the way they are driving. Try to get the license plate number and a description of the car. Also the location the vehicle is, and where it is heading. All this information combined can make it possible and easier for officers to locate and stop the correct vehicle in a timely manner. For more information on drinking and driving visit the Vermont Governor’s Highway Safety website: www.dps.state.vt.us/cjs/ghsp/home.html


ACCIDENTS

I need to get a copy of my accident report, where do I go? ***Or *** The Officer said he/she was going to leave an envelope at the front desk for me, its not here, I can’t remember his/her name. Why isn’t it here, the accident happened a week ago?

People are under the impression that an accident report will be filed immediately. In reality, Police Officers have 30 days to conduct an investigation and file a report. In the event the accident reports are not at the front desk, it is suggested that you call the investigating Officer or the Officer in Charge.


PARKING TICKETS

Can I pay this ticket here? I have a complaint regarding my ticket, to whom do I speak?

Parking tickets can be dropped off at the Parking Enforcement Office located in the parking garage on Flat Street. You can drop off the parking ticket at the Brattleboro Police Department, 230 Main Street, as long as you do not need a receipt and it has to be exact change. Parking tickets are handled by the Parking Enforcement section of the Department, with regular business hours of Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


I WANT TO "PRESS CHARGES" AGAINST SOMEONE

I would like to "press charges" against ____, how do I do that?

People are frequently under the impression that they can "press charges" against someone, and not aware of the fact that the State actually brings the charge. In criminal cases, the State of Vermont, through a State's Attorney, makes a decision whether to bring a charge. In some cases, the State's Attorney may bring a charge even if the victim is not cooperative or does not wish to cooperate.


I CAN’T REMEMBER TO WHICH OFFICER I SPOKE

I can’t remember which Officer responded to my incident or to whom I spoke?

We strongly recommend that you ask for the Officer's business card, or write down the Officer's name and badge number. If you did not get the Officer's name, you can contact the Records Division at (802) 257-7950 or the Officer in Charge.


FINGERPRINTS

I need to have my fingerprints taken. What do I need to do?

Unless you have been arrested by the Brattleboro Police Department, we do not take fingerprints. If you need to have your prints taken for personal reasons, please contact the Windham County Sheriffs Department at (802) 365-4941.


TROs/RELIEF FROM ABUSE

I need to get a restraining order against ____, how do I do that now?

Abuse prevention Orders, sometimes called TROs, are issued by the Family Court. If you are trying to obtain such an order during normal business hours, you need to go to the Windham County Family Court at (802) 257-2820. After court hours, you can contact the Brattleboro Police Department Dispatch at (802) 257-7950.


I NEED TO GET A COPY OF MY REPORT

How can I obtain a copy of my report?

Your report, referenced by a complaint number, is sometimes referred to as a LAW Incident” number, example 07BB01234. If you do not know this number, call our Records Division at (802) 257-7950 and provide them with your name, date of birth and social security number.


WHERE IS MY CAR?

Vehicles are usually towed because they were in violation of the City Ordinances, or were towed from a privately owned lot, at the request of a property manager or owner. In either case, the company that towed the vehicle is required to contact our communications center and report the vehicle's registration, make, date and location from where it was towed. Please contact the Brattleboro Police Department at (802) 257-7950 to inquire on where your vehicle may be.


LANDLORD/TENANT OR TENANT/TENANT DISPUTES:

My landlord/tenant and I are having a dispute about a civil matter, what can I do? Or: My roommate and I are having a dispute over property, what can I do?

Tenant occupancy and property ownership are complex issues that are covered under Vermont Law. These issues are not covered under criminal law, and often police will respond to explain the legal issues or make referrals. Generally speaking, a tenant cannot be evicted from their property without cause. Landlords and property managers cannot deny access to the residence, electricity, heat, water, other utilities or property. You may obtain further information at www.cvoeo.org.