Police FAQ

• How can I report a hazard in my neighborhood?

  If you observe a condition that is an immediate hazard (debris in the road, traffic light inoperative, etc.) call us immediately on our business line and we will investigate and correct the problem. If you have a larger concern for your neighborhood such as erecting a Stop Sign, posting a No Parking or speed zone, or other need to make your area safer we would ask for a description in writing to the Chief. This will be forwarded to the Town's Safety Committee for review and action. You will be advised of our conclusions.

• How does Salem Crimeline work?

  Crimeline is a volunteer board that works with the Salem Police Department to encourage people to call in tips on criminal activity anonymously. Rewards up to $1,000 are given out for arrests or indictments based on the information. If you have a crime tip call (603) 893-6600. The call is anonymous and you will be advised how a reward is collected if the tip pays out.

• What is Community Oriented Policing?

  This concept is being implemented over time in the police department and Salem community. It is an idea that has taken hold in communities throughout the nation as it seeks more community involvement in public safety concerns. The primary objective of Community Oriented Policing or C.O.P., is getting the police officer and neighborhood to work together and solve problems. We will be encouraging the community to get more involved and not expect the police to do it all. This can include starting new programs, using different patrol techniques, or simply using education to reduce crime in an area.

• How can I Compliment a Police Employee's Actions?

  If you would like to compliment a Police Department employee for work worthy of recognition, please do one of the following:

  1. Mail your comments to the Chief of Police at 9 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Salem, NH 03079, or
  2. Contact any police supervisor in person or by phone
  Once your compliment has been received, it will be documented and conveyed to the employee and his/her supervisor. A copy of your recognition will also be placed in the employee's personnel file. As you would expect, our employees sincerely appreciate positive feedback from the citizens they serve.
• How would I make a Complaint about a police action?

  It is a policy of this agency to accept and investigate all complaints or allegations of misconduct on the part of any employee. We will endeavor to be fair to both the complainant and the employee(s) involved. To register a complaint, you will need to contact and police department supervisor or the Chief of Police. Your contact can be made in writing, by telephone or in person to 9 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Salem, NH 03079, (603) 893-1911. Once your complaint has been received, it will be thoroughly investigated. You will be notified of the results. We encourage the filing of legitimate complaints to hold the Department and its employees accountable to the public. However, any false or misleading allegation may result in civil and/or criminal sanctions.

• How can I apply for a Firearms Permit?

  RSA 159:6 allows a Permit to Carry a Pistol/Revolver to be issued to any "suitable person." In order to determine this we ask you to submit an application with basic information that allows us to perform a background and criminal check. Assuming nothing is found that would prohibit you from receiving it, your permit is usually issued within 10 working days. A permit fee of $10.00 is collected; the permit lasts for 4 years. Renewal is a similar process. Revocation or suspension of the permit can occur for "just cause" (RSA 159:6-b) but hearings are available to renew the decision. If you are interested in applying for a license, you may come to the police station to fill out an application or download the form to submit in person, here.

Animal Control

• What is the Animal Control Officer's phone number?

  (603) 890-2390. If you have any questions, please feel free to call this number without hesitation. This number connects you directly to the Police Department who will dispatch our Animal Control Officer to return a call or report to a location.

• What does the Animal Control Officer do?

  The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing State Laws and local ordinances pertaining to the welfare and control of domestic, exotic and wild animals. The Animal Control Officer is also considered the local Rabies Control Authority and handles many animals, which have been reported to be sick, injured and/or abandoned.

• How do I register my dog?

  All dogs 3 months of age or older must be licensed in New Hampshire. You will need to bring in proof of inoculation (rabies certificate) and proof of spaying or neutering if the dog is altered. All dog licenses expire on April 30th. You will need to renew your dogs license annually by this date or penalties and fines will be issued per State Law. There is a one month grace period before the penalty begins. The penalty is $1.00 per month beginning in June. There may also be a $25.00 civil forfeiture fine issued which will be due 15 days after receipt of the fine.

  The cost to license a dog is $9.00 for male or female, $6.50 for a spayed or neutered dog. If a puppy is too young to be altered the $6.50 fee will apply on the first license. Dog licenses are not pro-rated.

  Dog license renewal notices will be sent to the address on the license on file. Dogs may be licensed by mail.

  Please notify the Town Clerk's office if you no longer have your dog or have moved from Salem.

• What is animal abuse?

  There are different types of animal abuse, simply depriving your pet of sufficient shelter, food, water or medical treatment is illegal! These are forms of neglect, which could eventually lead to the pet owner's arrest. There are many forms of animal abuse and are easy to detect. How about the dog, which is being left out all day in the cold, New Hampshire weather? Not all animals are able to live out doors and chances are their animal is being abused. This animal may live close to you!

• If I suspect that someone is abusing their pet, whom should I tell and can it be anonymous?

  Many animals continue to be abused each year because witnesses are afraid to come forward. Any time you or someone you know suspects animal abuse, all you have to do is call the Animal Control Officer at (603) 890-2390. Please leave a detailed description of what the abuse is and the location of the animal. If you would like to leave your name address and phone number it would be extremely helpful but you are not obligated to do so.

• Is it illegal for someone to leave the scene, without reporting to a Law Enforcement Agency that they have hit a domestic dog (or cat)?

  Yes, this is a misdemeanor and the person responsible could be arrested. In the Town of Salem, it is also a violation to leave the scene of a domestic cat without reporting the incident to a Law Enforcement Agency.

• If I have a lost pet where do I begin?

  Nobody knows your pet better than you. First thing to do would begin your search with a call to the Animal Control Officer's office for assistance, (603) 890-2390. If your pet does not return in what you feel is a reasonable amount of time, begin to make flyers with information of your pet on them. For example, your pet's description, a photo, its gender, breed, size, distinguishing features (nicks in the ears, scars or marks), identification tags or if your pet has an implanted identification chip. With this information on paper, make copies and begin dropping them off at local vet clinics and animal shelters and /or at a few local businesses, which allow free advertising.