Frequently Asked Questions
| 9-1-1 | Compliments/Concerns | Firearms | House Checks | Medford Police | Medford Township Municipal Court | Records | Traffic Concerns
I dialed “9-1-1” by mistake, what should I do?
DO NOT HANG UP! Many hours are spent responding to “abandoned 9-1-1” calls that could be alleviated if the caller only remained on the phone. Sometimes it is accidental by a child, or by pressing a speed dial number. Other times it may be caused by an error in dialing. In any event, please remain on the phone and inform the Communications Officer that your call was in error.
When should I dial “9-1-1”?
Although 9-1-1 is intended only for Emergencies, determining what is an emergency is up really up to the caller. When in doubt, dial 9-1-1 which provides the call taker with your name, address and phone number if you call from a residence or business, thereby saving us time. Should you be unable to talk for any reason, we at least have a location to respond to. Cellular phones only provide us with your phone number and a rough geographic location, usually within 3-4 miles of your call. Should the Communications Officer determine that your call is not a true emergency, they will transfer you to a different line to free up 9-1-1 for the next caller. For non-emergent incidents where you need to speak with an officer or have an officer respond to your location, please call Central Communications at 609-267-8300. To contact the Medford Township Police Department directly, you may still call 609-654-7511.
Compliments/Concerns
How do I inform you of a concern about one of your officers?
All Medford Township Police officers are held to strict standards and are accountable for their actions. There may be times where you feel you were mistreated or were not provided the appropriate level of respect by the officer. The Chief of Police takes all complaints seriously and investigates the complaints as required by the New Jersey Attorney Generals guidelines. Initial complaints may be reported in person to the on-duty Shift Supervisor at the Public Safety Center located at 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055. The Shift Supervisor is responsible to complete the appropriate paperwork and forward the complaint to the Captain of Police, Office of Professional Responsibility. From there, the compliant is investigated accordingly and you will be notified of its outcome. You may also file a complaint by phone or by clicking the “concerns” tab and submitting your concern online.
How do I compliment an officer?
As an agency, the Medford Township Police Department strives to provide “Quality Policing” to its residents and visitors. We hold our officers to strict standards and take pride in hearing about the level of service they provided to you. If you feel an officer should be recognized for “going the extra mile”, then please click on the “compliments” link and complete the attached form. You may also mail a letter to Chief Richard Meder at 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055. All compliments are shared with the officer involved and as well as their peers.
Firearms
What are the hours for obtaining and submitting Firearms Applications?
Firearms application packets may be obtained at the Public Safety Center at all times that the lobby is open. Current lobby hours are Monday thru Thursday from 0830-2030, Friday from 830-1630 and Saturday from 800-1600. The lobby is closed on Sundays. You can get the packets from the Public Safety Officer at the dispatch window. You can also get the appropriate forms on our website under FIREARMS as well as on the NJSP website. Submission of completed firearms applications will only be accepted between the hours of 9am-3pm, Tuesdays through Thursday. Proceed to the dispatch window and inform the Public Safety Officer that you need to see the Firearms clerk. They will then assist you with the application submission.
How long does the application process take?
The majority of the application processing time is based upon awaiting the results of a criminal history check with the New Jersey State Police and a Mental Health check with the Burlington County Adjuster´s Office. Medford Township Police are currently participating in a program which has significantly improved the time it takes to get the results of an initial applicant criminal history check. Repeat applicants criminal history checks take longer based upon the paper filing (yellow form)of the request. The average time to complete the application process and issue Firearms ID cards and/or handgun permits is 3-4 weeks.
How do I register my firearms?
Although firearms registrations are voluntary, it is highly recommended that all firearms owned by you be registered. This helps protect you in cast of theft and provides adequate information to the Police Department in a timely manner. Registration forms are available through our Firearms Clerk.
How much does a permit to purchase a handgun cost?
Handgun permits costs $2.00 per permit with a maximum of 3 permits allowed per application. As of January 1, 2010, a change in the law will limit you to purchasing only one (1) handgun every 30 calendar days. You will still be able to apply for three (3) permits per application process. Depending on your circumstances, there may be additional fees. Please contact our Firearms Clerk for further assistance.
How much does it cost for a Firearms ID Card?
Fees payable to the Township of Medford by cash or check incluide a $5.00 fee for the issuance of the Firearms ID Card and a $2.00 fee for each handgun permit. As of January 2, 2010, a change in the law only permits you to purchase one (1) handgun every 30 calendar days. You will still be able to obtain three (3) handgun permits per application. An additional fee of $60.50 will be payable to the States authorized vendor, Morpho Tech, for fingerprints. You will be provided a form from Morpho Tech which explains the fingerprint process. The firearms clerk will provide you with all pertinent information based on your specific application.
I just moved to Medford. How do I change the address on my ID Card?
A “Change of Address” form is available through our Firearms Clerk as well as on the New Jersey State Police Website, www.njsp.org. Depending on the original issuance date on your card and the use of the card, you may or may not need to be re-fingerprinted. Please contact our Firearms Clerk for additional assistance.
Can I get any Firearms forms online?
Many of the forms required during the application process can be obtained from the New Jersey State Police website, www.njsp.org. If you utilize the downloadable form, you MUST provide us with (2) TWO signed ORIGIONAL for each form. Other forms are only available through the Medford Township Police Department. It is recommended that you contact our Firearms Clerk for assistance.
How do I get a Firearms Identification Card and/or a permit to purchase a weapon?
Firearms ID Cards and permits to purchase a handgun are only available through the Township that you reside in. By law, the Chief of Police is the only person who can issue you an ID card and a permit to purchase. The Medford Township Police Department’s Services Bureau is responsible for investigating all requests for firearms ID Cards and issuing signed permits. Initial applications can be obtained through the Public Safety Officer in the dispatch room during lobby hours or from the FIREARMS tab on our website. Firearms forms and information is also availabe on the New Jersey State Police website. Submission of completed applications will only be accepted by the Firearms Clerk between the hours of 9am-3pm, Tuesday throught Thursday. Questions concerning applications can be addressed with the Firearms Clerk between the hours noted above by calling 609-654-7511, extension 103. The clerk will provide you with information on how to complete the remainder of the process.
House Checks
I plan on going away on vacation; will you provide periodic checks of my residence?
YES. As part of our ongoing commitment to our community, the Medford Township Police offer “house checks” for times when you are away for a prolonged period. Just contact the Medford Township Police Communications Center at 609-654-7511, extension 102. The Public Safety Officer will ask for specific information to assist us in checking on your property. After hours please leave a message with information on your property and a call-back number in case additional information is required. Upon your return from vacation, we only ask that you call us back and tell us your home.
Medford Police
What are the hours of the Public Safety Center?
The Walk-In hours for the Public Safety Center are:
- Monday through Thursday 830AM - 830PM
- Friday 830AM-430PM
- Saturday 8AM-4PM
- Closed Sundays
Where is the Medford Township Police Department located?
The Medford Township Police Department is located at the Public Safety Center, 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055, at the intersection of Union Street and Jones Road. We are directly across the street from the Medford Medical Center as well as Freedom Park. For directions, please click the “directions” link.
Medford Township Municipal Court
How do I have a summons issued?
There are multiple reason why you may wish to have a summons issued to another driver. Several items to keep in mind is that in order to issue a summons, you must be able to properly identify the operator of the vehicle prior to the summons being issues as well as being able to identify the operator in Court. Also, you must be able to provide the vehicle information including the license plate as well as the date and time of the violation. You WILL BE required to appear in Court to testify regarding the facts of the summons. All motor vehicle summons are issued through the Medford Township Police Operations Division. You can respond to the Public Safety Building located at 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055 at anytime that is convenient for you. An officer will be brought in to handle your complaint as soon as one is available. You will be required to provide the above information and complete an Affidavit of Probable Cause outlining the reason for the summons. The officer can assist you with this process. Once Probable Cause has been found, the summons will be issued. Should the officer believe that there is not sufficient Probable Cause based on the information you provided, he may send it to the Court for a Probable Cause hearing. At that time, the Municpal Court Judge will review all documents and make a determination. If approved, a summons will be issued and you will be subpoenaed to appear in Court.
How do it take care of a motor vehicle summons I received?
Once an officer issues a summons for a motor vehicle violation, the summons becomes the “property” of the State of New Jersey and must be dealt with through the Medford Township Municipal Court. The directions for handling of the summons are located on the back of the buff copy given to you. For additional information you can contact the Court Administrator at 609-654-8813.
Where is the Medford Township Municipal Court?
The Medford Township Municipal Court is located within the Public Safety Center at 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055. The Court room is on the right off the main lobby while the Court Administrators office is located at the far end of the lobby, straight ahead from the Main Entrance.
Records
Can I get a copy of a report even if I am not directly involved?
The Medford Township Police Department strictly adheres to Open Public Records Act, commonly referred to as “OPRA”. O.P.R.A. clearly defines who may obtain copies of reports and what information may and may not be released. For additional information, please download the O.P.R.A form ( link it here) and review the requirements. Completed forms maybe returned via mail or in person to the Medford Township Police Records Bureau located at the Public Safety Center, 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055 or the Medford Township Clerks Office located at 17 N. Main Street.
How much does a copy of a report cost?
The cost of a report is based upon the number of pages copied as well as any additional documentation (pictures, audio recordings, etc) provided. Currently there is a $.75 per page charge just for a basic report. It is recommended that you call ahead to the Records Bureau at which time they will inform you of the total cost based upon your specific request. Exact change is requested for all transactions.
How do I get a copy of a report?
All reports generated by the Medford Township Police Department have to first go through a series of reviews to ensure accuracy and the quality of the reports. Most reports are available through our records bureau after 5 business days from the date of the event. However, there are certain reports that, by their nature, are very involved and may take additional time. To obtain a report, it is first advisable to call ahead to see if in fact the report is ready for you. Please be prepared to provide the Records Clerk with the Incident number that was provided to you by the officer or at the very least, the date/time/location of the incident. Should the report be available, the records clerk can make the necessary copies for you and inform you of how to pick up your copy. Please call the Medford Township Police Records Bureau at 609-654-5833 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Where is the Medford Township Police Department Records Bureau?
The Records Bureau is on the first floor of the Public Safety Center located at 91 Union Street, Medford NJ 08055. Enter the Public Safety Center at the Main Entrance and proceed to the far left window.
Traffic Concerns
How do I inform you of a Traffic Concern or hazard?
All police officers are properly trained to handle all roadway hazards. As such, please contact Central Communication Center at 609-267-8300 immediately so we can address the hazard. If you have a traffic complaint about speeding vehicles or aggressive drivers that is currently occurring, please call 609-267-8300 so an officer may be sent to assist you. Should you have a specific traffic complaint (ie: constant problem with speeding vehicles, requests for additional road signage or improvements, assistance with road closures) please contact our Traffic Engineering Bureau at 609-654-7511, extension 160.