Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.