Police Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a crime?
OVER THE PHONE: For emergencies only, always dial 911. These calls will be answered by the Somerset County Communications Center and forwarded immediately to the officer on-duty.
Non-emergency calls should be made to the direct number which is 453-9321. You will also be connected to the communications center which will assign an officer to your complaint.
IN PERSON: Walk in complaints are always welcome. Our lobby is usually open Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The front desk is staffed by a fully-trained police officer and most minor complaints can be handled right there. If your complaint or question is a little more complex, you will be introduced to the on-duty patrol officer who will handle your issue.
PLEASE NOTE: Because the lobby is staffed by a patrol officer, the door is sometimes locked while the officer handles private matters with walk-in complainants. The officer may also lock the door to respond out to emergencies and help the on-duty patrol officer at crime scenes.
In this case, please call 453-9321 and a dispatcher will send an officer to the building to assist you.
ALL OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS
For all other issues, you may call 453-9393 to be connected directly into the station. This number is not always answered and will forward to an auto attendant. You will be able to access the direct line to any full-time department members desktop from this number. Messages can be left if the officer does not answer.
If I am in an accident, do I have to report it to the police?
The operator of a motor vehicle is required to notify the police department of the town/city in which a collision occurs if it results in injury, death, or apparent combined damage of $1,000 or more on a public way (includes damage to all vehicles and property). If you're in doubt about the dollar amount of damage, you should contact the police department.
What are the hours of operation of the police department?
The Fairfield Police Department has officers on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to serve the residents and visitors of the Town of Fairfield. The office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The office is closed weekends and holidays. Requests for police reports should be made during regular daytime business hours.
How do I get in touch with the Animal Control Officer (ACO)?
The Fairfield Police Department employs an Animal Control Officer (ACO) to handle designated animal problems in the Town of Fairfield. To contact the ACO, call the Fairfield Police Department at 453-9321 and describe the nature of the problem. The dispatcher will ask your name, telephone number, and address and then page the ACO on your behalf. The ACO will then contact you directly and make arrangements with you regarding the issue.
How do I get a permit to carry a concealed firearm?
The State of Maine does not require owners of guns to register them. It should be noted, however, that there are laws that allows the concealment of firearms. Fairfield residents who own firearms or routinely transport firearms for recreational or self-defense purposes can apply for a State of Maine Permit to Carry Concealed Firearms. Applications for concealed firearms permits are done at the Fairfield Police Department during normal business hours. If you live in a town other than Fairfield, you should contact your local police department. If you live in a town without a municipal police department, you should contact the Maine State Police, section of Gaming and Weapons.
How can I get a copy of a police report or an accident report?
To obtain a copy of a police report, stop ath the lobby during regular business office hours or call 453-9393 to speak with the dispatch officer. Report Fee: $12.00.
Incident Report Request: It is the policy of the Fairfield Police Department, in accordance with the Maine Freedom of Access Law, to provide public access to public records of the Fairfield Police Department. If you wish to obtain an incident report, please come to the station during normal business hours.
Accident Report Request: When requesting an accident report, you may need to allow two to five business days for the officer to complete the report and approval for submission to the State of Maine. If you need information from the report for your insurance company in order to obtain a rental car or medical care, please call the Fairfield Police Department at 453-9321.
Accident Reports Online: 
www.crashdocs.org
Can you tell me if I have a police or criminal record?
To obtain a copy of your criminal record, contact the State Bureau of Identifcation in Augusta who may be reached at (207) 624-7240. For a record of contacts you have had with the Fairfield Police Department, you may make a request to the dispatch officer during daytime business hours at (207) 453-9393.
Will the police department check my house if I am away?
The Fairfield Police Department offers premise checks for vacant residences upon request. If you are planning on leaving your residence for an extended period of time (vacation, etc.), you may request a premise check. Premise Check Forms can be picked up at the Police Department or downloaded from our web-site. The form asks for the dates of vacancy as well as general information to assist the patrol officers in their duties.
Can you help if I am locked out of my vehicle?
The Fairfield Police Department will attempt to unlock a vehicle in certain instances if you have accidentally locked your keys in the vehicle. Exceptions to this policy include vehicles equipped with side airbags, etc. Occasionally the officers will be unable to open vehicles due to high call volume. In this instance, you will be notified and the Police Department will offer to call a tow service of your choice or our on-call wrecker for the week. AAA will unlock vehicles for their customers as well.
What about Parking Bans, Parking Tickets, and Other Parking Issues?
The Town of Fairfield currently has a winter parking ban which runs from November 1st through March 31st of the following year, between the hours of 12:00am and 5:00am. Vehicles may not be parked on any public way from midnight to 6:00 AM. Other prohibited parking locations include sidewalks, in front of driveways, in front of fire hydrants and other locations restricted by signs and/or a yellow curb. To pay a parking ticket received in the Town of Fairfield, make the check or money order payable to the Town of Fairfield. You may either pay the ticket in person at the police department or mail the payment to:
Fairfield Police Department
One Police Plaza
Fairfield, Maine 04937
If you received a parking ticket in the Town of Fairfield and have questions about it or wish to contest the parking ticket, you may request to speak to the Chief of Police or the Deputy Chief of Police.
Can the police department fingerprint me for my new job?
The police department takes fingerprints for walk-ins during regular daytime business hours when the booking room and officer is available. There is a $5.00 charge for non-Fairfield residents, which must be paid to the Fairfield Police Department prior to being fingerprinted. It is recommended that you call before coming in to make sure there is an officer available to assist you.
*Note: You must bring with you a government issued picture id (passport, driver's license, military id, etc).
How do I obtain a protection order (PO)?
To obtain a protection order, you must go through Skowhegan District Court, located in Skowhegan between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please call the district court directly at (207) 474-9518. If you have questions when district court is not open, you may contact the Fairfield Police Department at (207) 453-9321 and an officer can assist you with your question.
I got a traffic summons (ticket) for not having car insurance. Now that I found my insurance card, can the ticket be cancelled?
The state of Maine requires all motorists to provide evidence of current automobile insurance upon the demand of a law enforcement officer. When an officer conducts a traffic stop, you will generally be asked to provide three items; your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If you fail to provide evidence of auto insurance, you may be issued a ticket for the violation. If you are able to provide evidence of insurance after the ticket has been issued, and the officer has sent you on your way, you can usually mail a copy of the insurance card to the Violations Bureau with your summons. You should call the Violations Bureau at (207) 783-5422 for more assistance on contesting a traffic summons.
*Note: the insurance card must show proof that the insurance was in effect at the time of the traffic stop.
What can I do with a "bad check" that was written to me? (NSF, account closed, etc.)
A "bad check" is a check that is written on a closed account, or has insufficient funds to cover the amount of the check. Before an officer can begin working on a bad check case, there are certain things that the complainant must do. All bad check cases need to have a "bad check" packet completed. These packets can be picked up at the Fairfield Police Department. Once the packet has been completed, it can be returned to the Police department and an officer will be assigned to do a follow up. In order for the Police Department to handle such a case, the check must have been passed in Fairfield, regardless of where the recipient or the person who wrote the check resides. If the check was passed in another town, that agency will have jurisdiction of the matter.
When is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) mobile unit in Waterville for driver's licenses and ID cards?
Maine drivers licenses and ID cards can be renewed at the AAA-NNE Office located at 13 Washington Street in Waterville. They are open M-F 8:30 - 5:00, and Sat 9:00 - 1:00.
Further questions about the Mobile BMV Unit should be directed to the BMV/Secretary of State's Office, at (207) 624-9000.
Who should I contact with a question about a sex offender living in Fairfield?
Questions or concerns about an offender in your neighborhood can be directed to the Fairfield Police Department at (207) 453-9321. You may also find a list of sex offenders at http://sor.informe.org/sor/