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1. I was involved in an accident. Do I have to report it?

Any accident where damage to property is over $1,000, or any accident where there were injuries sustained, or any accident where the driver of one of the vehicles left the scene, MUST be reported to the police. If you were involved in a "minor" accident, where the damage to the vehicle is under $1,000, you are still required to stop and speak with the other driver and exchange name, address, phone number and license/registration information.

2. If I have been involved in an accident, what should I do now?

Call 911 to summons police to the scene. Let dispatch know where the accident took place, if anyone is injured and how many cars are involved. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of the roadway. Collect your drivers' license and vehicle registration and have them available for the responding officers. Avoid arguments with the other driver about who caused the collision. The responding officers will ask you questions about the accident and the possible causes.

3. If involved in an accident, do I have to complete an accident report?

If your accident is one of the 3 types described, Yes, you must complete an Operators Crash Report. You may pick up a copy of the exchange information sheet, free of charge, at the front desk of the police station. Complete the Operators Crash Report form as instructed. Three copies of the report must be made. One copy will be returned to the police station, one copy must be submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and one copy may be required by your insurance company. Operators Crash Report (PDF)

4. When does the accident report have to be finished?

Massachusetts law states that an accident report must be completed and returned to the police department that investigated the incident within 5 business days.

5. How do I get a restraining order?

If you need a restraining order and the Gardner District Courthouse is open (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), please go directly to the Courthouse and the staff there will assist you. If the situation is an emergency and the Courthouse is closed, please call the Gardner Police Department 978-632-5600 or 911 if you are in imminent danger. An officer will be dispatched to your location to speak with you. In some circumstances, a temporary restraining order can be issued at the scene by an on-call judge. Once you receive a restraining order, keep a copy near or with you at all times in the event the defendant attempts to contact or harm you.

6. What can I do about the annoying or harassing phone calls I have been receiving?

If you are receiving annoying or harassing telephone calls, call the police department. Making such calls is against the law. An officer will speak with you and provide you with an "incident number" that your carrier will need. Call your carrier and request to speak with a representative from their Annoyance Call Bureau. Your phone carrier will give you detailed instructions on handling further calls and them will attempt to determine the origin of the calls. Once the location of the calls has been identified, the phone carrier will notify Gardner Police and an officer will investigate the incident. The Verizon "Unlawful Call Center" can be reached at 877-TRACE4U (877-872-2348).

7. How do I report a crime or suspicious activities?

If you think the incident is an emergency, dial 911 right away and report what you saw to the dispatcher, who will then send the appropriate response to investigate. If it is not an emergency, call the Police Department business number 978-632-5600 and tell the dispatcher what happened. In either case, give as much information as you can, as this will help resolve the problem that much sooner.

8. How do I obtain a License to Carry Firearms?

In 1998, Massachusetts changed Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws. If you have a pretty clean criminal record, no substance abuse history, no crime of violence history and are of sound mind, you may apply for a LTC. An applicant for a License to Carry must have completed a recognized safe handling of firearms course. A certificate will be issued to you from the certified course instructor. Once the course is completed, schedule an appointment by calling 978-632-5600 or stop by the lobby at Police Headquarters to make an appointment. On the day of your appointment, bring a completed copy of your application, $100 cash and your certificate of course completion. You will be fingerprinted and photographed, and if approved, your license will be ready in approximately 4 weeks. An FID card has similar requirements. All requirements and fees are posted in the lobby. License to Carry Application (PDF)