Frequently Asked Questions

You can obtain a copy of a police report in person, by fax, or via email. If requesting a copy in person, please call ahead to ensure the report you are seeking is ready and available. We will need the case report number or the date and location of the incident, and the names of the parties involved in order to process your request. If your request is vague or in too broad of terms, a representative of the Norwich Police Department may call or write to you in an effort to acquire information or clarification for the purpose of assisting us in our search for records and expediting a response to your request.

Fingerprinting service is provided by: Biometric Identification Services

Please see their website for appointment times, fees and locations.

Please print and complete the following:

1. Review the instructions and requirements for pistol permit applicants
2. Print and complete the Connecticut Pistol Permit Application
3. Review the CCHRS Applicant Web Portal User Manual

Required documents and applications can be submitted in person to: 

Norwich Police Department Records Division

860-886-5177

Police reports, calls for service, and arrest information are, for the most part, public information, with specific exceptions as outlined in the Freedom of Information Act, C.G.S. section 1-210. All reports and computer-documented incidents are screened and redacted for any information that is not available to the public before release.

The fees are as follows:

*If a police report was not taken

Accident reports may also be purchased online. You will need to know the date of the accident as well as the correct spelling of one of the drivers involved.

Fees for requests for Faxed replies:

Payments are requested in either cash, certified bank check, business check or money order made payable to the City of Norwich. No personal checks are accepted. Reports must be paid for at the time of pick-up.

Some examples of records not otherwise available to the public for which records were compiled are if the disclosure of the records would result in disclosing (A) the identity of informants not otherwise known or the identity of witnesses not otherwise known whose safety would be endangered or who would be subject to threat or intimidation if their identity was made known, (B) signed statements of witnesses, (C) information to be used in a prospective law enforcement action if prejudicial to such action, (D) investigatory techniques not otherwise known to the general public, (E) arrest records of a juvenile, which shall also include any investigatory files, concerning the arrest of such juvenile, compiled for law enforcement purposes, (F) the name and address of the victim of a sexual assault or injury or risk of injury, or impairing of morals under CGS section 53-21, or of an attempt thereof or (G) uncorroborated allegations. For further information please consult the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act.

As all arrests are public information you can obtain a local (Norwich only) background check for a $15.00 fee. No personal checks are accepted. For Statewide criminal background checks please contact the Connecticut State Police.

Property booked in as evidence of a crime is held until sentencing or dismissal. If no charges are filed, property is held until the statute of limitations has expired (five years for most felony cases, one year for misdemeanor cases) or the court authorizes the release of the property, whichever is sooner.

If a firearm is among the items requested, a background investigation must be conducted in order to verify the legal owner is eligible to possess the weapon.

Appointments are scheduled via email at npdevidence@cityofnorwich.org so an Evidence Custodian can be made available to handle your case.

Yes. Except for firearms, other weapons, and contraband items any other property turned in as found property may be returned to the finder. There is a six month waiting period during which the owner may claim lost property. After six months has passed the finder may claim the property.

Persons wishing to know if an arrest warrant exists may not get this information over the phone. Anyone wishing to know if they have an active arrest warrant must inquire in person at the police department operations window and bring a valid form of identification.

The Connecticut Pardon Team may be able to assist you in getting a pardon for your Connecticut offenses.

Please note no permit applications will be processed after 4:00 p.m.

Amusement Machine Arcade License:
Six or more machines
Source – City Ord. Sec. 5-14

Junk/Second Hand Articles Dealers Permit –
Source – City Ord. Sec. 21-11

Vendor License (Peddlers/Hawkers) –
Source – City Ord. Sec. 15-1

Auctioneer License –
Source – City Ord. Sec. 15-1

Solicitor Permit –
Source – City Ord. Sec. 15-14

Lodging House License –
Source – CGS 21-48

Pistol & Revolver Permit –
Source – CGS Sec. 29-30

Payments are requested in either cash, certified bank check, business check or money order made payable to the City of Norwich. No personal checks are accepted. Permits must be paid for at the time of pick-up.

It is the policy of the Norwich Police Records Division to provide copies of records in lieu of original documents. This policy is established to provide for the protection of records and to prevent interference with the regular discharge of Norwich Police Records Division duties. The right to examine original records does not require inspection of original documents that contain information that is exempt from disclosure. The Norwich Police Records Division acts reasonably if it furnishes a copy of the original document, with the exempt material redacted (blanked out).

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR PAWNBROKER, PRECIOUS METALS, GEMSTONES AND COINS DEALER AND/OR SECONDHAND DEALER LICENSES

Application Fees

Pawnbroker (C.G.S Chapters 409/414) - Initial application $50.00 / annual renewal $25.00
 (Shall also file at the Police Department, a bond with competent surety, in the penal sum of $2,000)
 
 The payment of renewal fee and surety bond will be waived if person holds a license as a Secondhand Dealer

Precious Metals, Gemstones and Coins Dealer (C.G.S Chapters 405) - $10.00 annually

Secondhand Dealer (C.G.S Chapters 409) – Initial application $250.00 / annual renewal $100.00
 (Shall also file at the police Department, a bond with competent surety, in the penal sum of $10,000.00)

*All fees are payable by business check, certified bank draft, money order or U.S. Postal money order.

A license issued for one category does not allow a person to engage in activity applicable to another category. A separate license must be obtained for each category.

Any person and/or firm who has made prior application to and has satisfactorily met the statutory requirements to engage in or transact business in this State pursuant to C.G.S Chapters 405/409/414 and who desires to conduct business as a licensed pawnbroker, precious metals / gemstones and coin dealers and or a secondhand dealer within the City of Norwich as defined by Public Act 11-100 of the General Statutes shall meet the following requirements as established by the Chief of Police (hereinafter identified as the “Issuing Authority”);

1. Complete the appropriate application and addendum for the specific license desired and return the form with the statutory fee (listed above) to the Norwich Police Department, 70 Thames Street, Norwich, CT 06360. License applications can be obtained from the Records Division during regular business hours or by calling (860) 886-5561.
2. ALL applicants shall have their fingerprints taken. Fingerprinting service is provided by Biometric Identification Services. See their website for appointment times, fees and locations

Per statute, the “Issuing Authority” shall not grant a license to any applicant upon documentation or finding that the person is a “convicted felon”.

3. ALL applicants shall submit photocopies of the following documents at the time of Application:
   1. Current driver’s license
   2. Birth certificate OR Social security card
   3. Connecticut Sales and Tax Permit - issued by the Commissioner of Revenue Services, 25
   4. Sigourney Street, Hartford, Telephone (860) 297-5962 or (800) 382-9463
   5. Proof of bond from competent surety if required
4. Incomplete applications or those submitted without the proper supporting documentation shall be returned to the applicant.
5. Each Person engaging or transacting in such business must be licensed.

Applications approved by the Chief of Police will result in the issuance of a permit as a licensed pawnbroker, precious metal and gemstone dealer, or secondhand dealer. Such permits will be valid for one year from the date they are signed.