Neighborhood Watch
Bridgeport Police has reinstituted the Neighborhood Watch program this year. This program is a formalized means of organizing citizens to act as the eyes and ears of the Police within the community. The program allows the Police to alert citizens through the block captains of crimes re-occurring in certain areas. The program also serves to educate citizens on various crime prevention and detection methods. In order to become involved in the Neighborhood watch program contact the Police department at 610-272-5660
Vacation Home Checks
Bridgeport Police provides a service to the residents and property owners in which a police officer will check the vacant property at least once during his shift. This service may be received by simply calling the Police department at 610-272-5660 prior to the departure date and providing the required information.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting is provided for any non-resident adult for a twenty dollar ($20.00) fee. For a resident or a Borough business employee the fee is ten dollars ($10.00) Acceptable forms of payment are cash or money orders only. Typically fingerprints may be required for various licensing requirements, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, insurance brokers, bar examinations, adoptions and state teacher’s certification. Appointments for fingerprinting may be made by calling the Police Department during normal office hours. Anyone needing fingerprints must bring photo ID.
Halloween Safety Program
In order to address safety and awareness when celebrating Halloween, the Police Department has a program to give children safety tips while trick or treating. Halloween treats are given out to the general public Halloween night by members of the Police department. Safety tips include the following:
- Try to trick or treat when it is still light outside
- Wear a costume that makes it easy for you to walk, see and be seen
- If you must go out at night, make sure your costume is light in color or reflective
- Carry a flashlight so you can see and be seen easily
- A facemask will keep you from seeing well. Take off your mask before crossing the street at the crosswalk
- Consider using make up instead of wearing a mask
- Have a parent or older brother or sister go trick or treating with you
- Plan your Trick or Treat route ahead of time. Pick streets that are well lighted.
- Cross only at corners or crosswalks; never cross between parked cars or in the middle of the block.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
- Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.
Project Child Safe
The goal of Project Child safe is to promote safe firearms handling and storage practices among all firearms owner and to provide firearm safety kits that include a gun locking device. Since 2004 The Bridgeport Police Department has joined with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the U.S. Department of Justice in this nationwide program and has been distributing key safety education messages and free gun locking devices. Over 1000 gunlocks have been given away at no cost since that time. Firearm accidents in the home can result from an unauthorized individual, often a child finding a loaded and unsecured firearm in the home. The risk of firearms-related unintentional injuries or deaths can be reduced when firearms owners are aware of and fully understand their responsibility to handle firearms safely and store them in a secure manner. To obtain your free kit, please stop at the Police Department during normal business hours.
Annual Police Memorial
Each May for the past 20 years the Bridgeport Police Department has hosted a memorial service at the Police Officers monument outside the Police department. This event is open to the public and draws over 150 law enforcement officers from around the county and state each year. Each year police and civilians gather together here in Bridgeport to honor all those officers who died in the line of duty across the country. After the memorial service concludes, the participants line up and proceed to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church where a solemn mass is held. After mass, the procession proceeds to the Camelot where a breakfast is held for all those attending. In 2005, 141 officers were killed in the performance of their duties.
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Does Bridgeport have a Curfew?
Yes. The curfew applies to anyone under the age of 18. It shall be unlawful for any minor ( those under age 18) to remain in or upon any public place, which includes a public street, sidewalk, road, alley, playground, retail stores or a vacant lot between the hours of 10:00PM to 6:30AM of the following day, except that on Friday and Saturday the hours shall be 11:00PM to 6:00AM.
Curfew restrictions do not apply to minors accompanied by a parent or a minor who is engaged in lawful employment during the curfew hours.
What about Abandoned Vehicles?
Abandoned vehicles are a nuisance as well as an eyesore. Don’t let abandoned vehicles ruin the look on your block.
Under Pennsylvania‘s Motor Vehicle law, a vehicle is considered abandoned if:
- It’s left on a highway or public property in an inoperable condition for more then 48 hours.
- It’s left illegally on a highway or public property.
- It’s left on a highway or public property for more then 48 hours and does not have a valid license plate, inspection sticker or VIN.
- It’s left on private property without the owners consent for more then 48 hours.
- Any vehicle may be removed by the Bridgeport Police Department.
- All abandoned vehicles will be posted by the Police allowing Seven days prior to being towed by Police.
My Car was towed, how can I get it back?
You must come to the police station to obtain a “vehicle release” form for your vehicle. You should bring proper identification proving ownership of the vehicle. Once you obtain the “vehicle release” you may pick up your vehicle from the appropriate towing agency. Payment is due for towing and storage at the time of pickup.
How do I get a copy of a Police Report? (Incident or Accident)
Reports can be obtained during normal office hours 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Friday at the Police Station. You may pay for the report by cash, money order or business check only. NO PERSONAL CHECKS. Police reports are $10.00, accident reports are $15.00
Some reports are not available for release. Please call ahead for the status of the report at 610-272-5660. Reports that are part of a pending investigation may not be available. Please allow 5 days for the accident report to be completed.
If your insurance company requests a copy of the accident report they must also include the date and location of the accident, your name, address and phone number and the accident report number if available. They must send in a check in the amount of $15.00 and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
How Can I get a Concealed Weapon Permit?
Contact the sheriffs department located on the first floor of the Montgomery County Court House, Swede and Airy Streets in Norristown to apply for a concealed weapons permit
In the information you receive from the Sheriff’s office, you will find a card for a local police check. Fill out the top of the local police check and drop it off at the Bridgeport Police Department, Monday-Friday, between 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Generally it will be ready within 5 days. You must appear in person to pick up the records check.
Can you fax me a Police Report?
No, we don’t fax reports. Refer to the section on How Can I get a copy of a Police Report.
Does Bridgeport have a snow ordinance?
Yes. The ordinance states that it shall be unlawful for any person, business, corporation, owners or occupants, tenants of property to dump, throw, shovel, pile, and plow or in any other way move snow or ice into or upon any roads and streets within the Borough with the intent to allow the snow and ice to remain there. Also no snow or ice shall be deposited into any drainage area, culvert or catch basin.
Fire hydrants shall not be covered by snow, ice or slush. The owner, occupant or tenant of the property shall be required to remove or cause to be removed all snow and ice or slush which would limit access to, from and /or around the fire hydrant so as to provide immediate access by fire and rescue personnel in cases of emergency. This clearance shall be made within 24 hours following the storm.
Where sidewalks exists the property owner or tenant in possession are required to have a two foot width of sidewalk cleared of snow, ice, slush within 12 hours after the cessation of snowfall. When more then 12 inches of snow has fallen the owner or tenant may have up to 48 hours to have a two foot width clear from snow and ice.
Any person, firm, business, owners, occupants or tenants of property who violate any section of the Snow and Ice ordinance shall be subjected to a fine of not more then $300.00 if convicted. Refer to Ordinance # 2002-020
Does Bridgeport have a High Weed/Grass Ordinance?
Yes. The ordinance defines tall or high grass or weeds as over 12 inches in height. It shall be considered a public nuisance for any person, business or owner or tenant of any tract of land to permit the growth of weeds, grasses or other objectionable vegetation on such land or premises. Anyone allowing the aforementioned weeds and grasses to accumulate or grow to seed shall be subject to a fine of not more then $300.00 if convicted. Refer to Ordinance # Chapter 53
Are motorized or electric scooters legal to ride on the streets?
The use of motorized or electric scooters on the highways or streets is illegal and their use is inherently dangerous. They do not meet vehicle code requirements and the operator is also required to have a valid PA driver’s license. These scooters can be operated on private property with the property owner’s permission.
What about a Dog License?
Dogs are required to be licensed annually. You can pick up your Dog License application at the Police station during normal business hours.
1. Complete all information on the Dog License Application
2. Make your check or money order payable to County Treasurer
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
4. Mail your completed application & fee to:
Montgomery County Treasurer
Courthouse
P.O. Box 311
Norristown, Pa. 19404-0311
What about Child Abuse?
Children are our most precious resource. Each child deserves the chance to grow up free from neglect or physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
If you believe that a child is being abused, you have several options:
1. You may contact the Bridgeport Police Department at 610-272-5660.
2. You may submit an anonymous tip by calling the Bridgeport Police tip
line at 484-238-1066
3. Call CHILDLINE, Pa's toll-free Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-932-0313
What about Domestic Violence?
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, Bridgeport Police stands ready to help. Police officers will respond quickly to assaults, and will arrest abusers within the guidelines allowable by law. Officers will also assist victims in obtaining and enforcing protection from abuse orders. (PFA)
PFA self help guides may be obtained at the police station. PFA’s can be filed against:
- a family or household member
- a current or former sexual or intimate partner
- the parent of your child
“Family or household member” includes at least:
- your current or former spouse
- person who lives or lived with you like a spouse
- your parent
- your child
- your brother or sister
- a family member related by blood or marriage
To obtain a PFA you must fill out a PFA form available through the Women’s center or at the Prothonotary’s Office at the Montgomery County Court House in Norristown. A women’s center advocate is available in the prothonotary’s office between 10:00AM and 3:00PM to answer any of your questions.
There is a cost for filing a PFA. The fee is $125.00, plus $53 for Sheriffs service costs. A $25.00 State Police surcharge is paid by the defendant
However you can file for free. You must fill out an affidavit of inability to pay (it’s on the petition form).
Additional resources for victims of domestic violence:
- Laurel House-hot line 800-642-3150
- National Domestic Violence Hotline- phone # 800-799-SAFE www.ndvh.org
- Women’s Center of Montgomery County- hotline 800-773-2424 www.wcmontco.org
What about fingerprinting?
Police personnel are available by appointment to do non-criminal fingerprinting. Refer to this section under PROGRAMS
What should you do if you receive a Traffic Citation?
You're driving along one day when your attention is caught by a flash of red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, followed by a signal from a police officer to pull over.
You've received a traffic citation.
We know it's never pleasant for a citizen to be ticketed. But for everyone's safety, the Bridgeport Police Department takes its responsibility for enforcement of traffic laws seriously. When cited, you have two options:
You may plead guilty by contacting the District Court listed on the citation and arranging payment of the fine and costs.
You may plead not guilty by contacting the District Court listed on the citation and arranging a date for a hearing before the District Justice. The officer who issued the citation will also appear at your hearing. You may be required by the District Court to post the amount of your fine and costs prior to your day in court. You will receive these funds back following the hearing if you are found not guilty.
The District Court covering Bridgeport Borough is:
38-1-25
James P. Gallagher
128 West Fourth Street
Bridgeport, Pa. 19405
610-277-3377/3378
Fax 610-277-3379
How much is a Solicitation Permit and where do I obtain one?
Solicitation permits are $10.00 per day for a foot peddler/vendor or $100.00 per year and for a peddler operating from a vehicle it’s $15.00 and are available at the Police department. Each person making application for a permit will supply all personal information for the parties soliciting including themselves. Each party soliciting is required to have an individual permit. No permits are required for the Boy or Girl Scouts, members of a religious organization or persons selling tickets for the benefit of a charitable or non-profit organization.
My Identity has been stolen, what can I do?
Identity Theft is when someone obtains a person’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number or mother’s maiden name. Using this information illegally, an imposter can open new credit card accounts, drain your bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans and open utility services and on and on. No matter how cautious you are, you cannot guarantee that a criminal will not obtain your information.
Call and make a report with the police department.
Notify all your creditors and financial institutions in writing and by phone that your name and accounts have been used without your permission. Ask for new cards and account numbers.
Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-IDTHEFT, they collect complaints about ID thefts and are available to law Enforcement agencies.
Contact the fraud units of the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax 1-800-525-6285; Experian 1-888-397-3742; Trans Union 1-800-680-7289. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit report to help prevent new fraudulent accounts from being opened. As an ID fraud victim, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report.
If your bank accounts have been tampered with, close those accounts, destroy any checks and cut up any ATM cards. Ask for password protection when opening new accounts.
If your checks have been stolen or misused, stop payments on all checks. Open a new account and reissue checks to legitimate creditors. Ask your bank to notify its verification company to stop giving approval for any of the stolen checks.
Check your credit report every six months for several years after your identity was stolen.
Stop into the Police Department during normal business hours for free pamphlets for additional information and steps how to prevent Identity Theft.
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