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Easthampton Police Department
- Payson Avenue
- Easthampton, MA 01027
- Emergencies 911
- (413) 527 - 1212
- Dispatch ext. 0
- Secretary ext. 2020
- Detectives ext. 1035
- City of Easthampton's site for Police Dept.
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Phone calls soliciting funds for various police organizations DO NOT benefit the Easthampton Police Department.
Easthampton Police Department:
Permits and Registrations issued by the Easthampton Police Department:
Permits
- Permits to work holidays - forms available at Police Station - no charge
- Pistol Permit And FID Applications All pistol permit and FID applications will be accepted on the following times and days only.
- Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sundays 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon
- A $100.00 fee will be accessed to complete the application process (cash only - exact amount, no change given) will be taken from you at that time($100.00 fee does not include photos).
- We now have the ability to take your two permit photos at our department. A $6.00 donation for the photos will go to the Easthampton Police Association.
Registrations:
- Bicycle - fill out form with serial number, make, model, color and size, and if its stolen and recovered it can be returned to you. For bicycle safety information click.
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Abuse Laws:
You have the right to appear at the District Court, Probate and Family Court, Superior Court or Boston Municipal Court, if you reside within the appropriate jurisdiction, and file a complaint requesting any of the following applicable orders:
- an order restraining your attacker from abusing you
- an order directing your attacker to leave your household, building or workplace
- an order awarding you custody of a minor child
- an order directing your attacker to pay support for you and any minor child in your custody, if the attacker has a legal obligation of support
- an order directing your attacker to pay you for losses suffered as a result of abuse, including medical and moving expenses, loss of earnings or support, costs for restoring utilities and replacing locks, reasonable attorney fees and other out-of pocket losses for injuries and property damages sustained.
For an emergency on weekends, holidays, or weeknights, the police will refer you to a justice of the District Court, Probate and Family Court, Superior Court or Boston Municipal Court to seek a criminal complaint for threats, assault and battery, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill or other related offenses.
If you are in need of medical treatment, you have the right to request that an officer drive you to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you in obtaining medical treatment.
If you believe that police protection is needed for your physical safety, you have the right to request that the officer remain at the scene until you and your children can leave or until your safety is otherwise insured. You may also request that the officer assist you in locating and taking you to a safe place, including but not limited to a designated meeting place for a shelter or a family member's or a friend's residence, or a similar place of safety.
You may request a copy of the police incident report at no cost from the police department.
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 209A, Section 6
Necessities/Necessidades in Northampton: (413) 586-5066
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Getting a Restraining Order:
To get a restraining order, you must be in one of the following relationships:
- You are or were married to each other
- You are or were residing in the same household together
- You are related by blood
- You are or were related by marriage
- You have a child in common, regardless of whether you have ever been married or lived together
- You are or have been in a substantial dating relationship - this includes same sex relationships
Where to go:
Only a Judge can issue a restraining order. To get one during regular business hours, go to the Northampton District Court Clerk's office; on weekends, holidays or at nights, come to the Police Station or call us. We will fill out the paperwork and contact the Judge.
The biggest criteria is that you must be placed in imminent fear of bodily harm or have been threatened with bodily harm. You can't get a restraining order just because you want someone out of the house for the night.
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24 Hour Hotlines:
- AIDS Hotline (800) 342 - 2437
- Alcohol Abuse (413) 538 - 5822
- Child at Risk (800) 792 - 5200
- Domestic Abuse (413) 586 - 5066
- Drug Abuse (800) COCAINE
- Elder Abuse (800) 922 - 2275
- Emotional Crisis (800) 322 - 0424
- Homeless Shelter (413) 586 - 8212
- Parental Stress (800) 632 - 8188
- Poison Control (800) 682 - 9211
- Rape/Assault (413) 545 - 0800
- American Red Cross - Hampshire County Chapter (413) 584 - 8887
- Amherst Committee for a Better Chance, Inc. (413) 253 - 3602
- Amherst Family Center (413) 549 - 4969
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hampshire County (413) 253 - 3602
- Boy Scouts of America Great Trails Council (413) 684 - 3542
- Casa Latina (413) 586 - 1569
- Children's Aid and Family Service (413) 584 - 5690
- Easthampton Community Center (413) 527 - 5240
- First Call for Help (413) 256 - 0121 or (800) 339 - 7779
- Hampshire County VNA & Home Care Services (413) 586 - 3886
- Hampshire Regional YMCA (413) 584 - 7086
- Hitchcock Center for the Environment (413) 256 - 6006
- Jessie's House (413) 586 - 8212
- M.S.P.C.C. (413) 532 - 9446
- Necessities/Necesidades (413) 586 - 5066
- Northampton Survival Center (413) 586 - 6564
- Northampton Teen Center (413) 585 - 9395
- People's Institute (413) 584 - 8313
- Pioneer Developmental Services (413) 582 - 7691
- The Salvation Army (413) 586 - 5243
- Stavros Center for Independent Living (413)256 - 0473 V/TDD
- Valley Community Development Corporation (413) 586 - 5855
- VNA Plus of Western Mass. (413)584 - 2602
- Western Massachusetts Girl Scout Council (413) 584 - 2602
- Williamsburg Visiting Nurses Association (413) 268 - 9326
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Bike Safety
Prevent Bicycle Accidents
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Wear a helmet: It's just good sense. Helmets can prevent head injuries, the primary cause of death and debilitating injuries resulting from cycling accidents. They also increase rider visibility. Today's helmets are lightweight and comfortable, stronger and better looking. There are lots of styles from which to choose -- helmets are a fashion statement! A helmet is as much a part of the bicycle as handlebars and tires. Include the gift of a helmet with your gift of a bike!
Everyone should wear a helmet on every ride, no matter how short. Your helmet should fit correctly and meet safety standards set by the Snell Memorial Foundation or the American National Standards Institution.
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Follow the rules of the road: Bicyclists must obey traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles. For example, cyclists should always ride with traffic. Be aware that county and town ordinances vary. For instance, many communities require both front and rear lights on bicycles to improve visibility at night. Contact your local government or bike club for more information.
- Know your traffic laws
- Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings
- Cycle single file, and on the right side of the road (with traffic)
- Signal in advance of a turn; use correct hand signals
- Yield to pedestrians; yield to other vehicles as appropriate
- Make sure that your bicycle is the proper size and is safely maintained
- Never wear headphones; they hinder your ability to hear traffic
Be visible: Cyclists must take responsibility for being visible to motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists. There are numerous ways to enhance your visibility. Wear light colored clothing; fluorescent colors such as bright orange or lime green and yellow are excellent. Try not to ride at night, but, if you must, wear special clothing made from reflective materials. Reflective vests, jackets, wristbands, and triangular patches all increase rider visibility. Remember that wearing bright clothing is not enough. You'll also need at least one light source, such as a bright headlight supplemented by bicycle reflectors specified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A red tail light will also improve your visibility.
- Wear brightly colored clothing (fluorescent colors are particularly good)
- If you must ride at night, wear light colored clothing with reflective triangular patches and wristbands
- Equip your bicycle with reflectors on the front and rear. The rear reflectors should be red and at least three inches across, pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of vehicles at least 600 feet away.
- Attach bicycle reflectors to the pedals and wheels. Wheel reflectors can include reflective spokes, cranks, and wheel rims.
- Use a bright, white headlight, preferably one that makes you visible to drivers 500 feet away.
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Share the road: When you ride, consider yourself the driver of a vehicle and take your legitimate place in the lane. Be confident and assertive; ride in a predictable way. Be considerate of motorists and pedestrians. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way.
- Make eye contact, smile or wave to communicate with other motorists. Courtesy and predictability are key to safe cycling.
- Be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles. Learn to anticipate their actions.
- Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars.
- Keep control of your bicycle; be able to look behind you and ride with one hand while signaling.
- Always check behind you before changing lanes.
- Be aware of potential hazards like road litter, potholes, gravel, and storm grates.
- Make sure that books, clothing, and other items are securely attached to the bicycle or carried in a backpack.
- Use bells or horns to alert pedestrians and vehicles.
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Prevent Bicycle Accidents: A Message for Parents:
A bicycle is not a toy. It's a vehicle!
- Each year 1200 bicyclists are fatally injured and over 1/2 million bicycle related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms.
- Males are five (5) times more likely to be killed as bicyclists than females. More than half of all bicyclist deaths occur to school age youth (ages 5 - 17)
- Most deaths result from bicycle-motor vehicle collisions, but injuries can happen anywhere - in parks, bike paths, and driveways and often do not involve motor vehicles.
- Head injuries are the most serious injury type and are the most common cause of deaths among bicyclists. The most severe injuries are those to the brain that cause permanent damage.
- Studies have proven that bicycle helmet use can significantly reduce head injuries.
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How can you help stop these tragedies?
- Buy your child an approved bike helmet. Purchase one that has a sticker inside certifying the helmet meets standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation and/or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Let your child help pick out the helmet because it must be worn every time he/she rides. If you're a rider, buy one for yourself, too, and set a good example by wearing it. Also encourage your child's friends to wear helmets.
- Make certain your child's bike is the correct size, safely maintained, and has reflectors. Children under age nine should not ride their bikes in the street. They are not able to identify and adjust to the many dangerous traffic situations.
- Teach your child to always stop and look left-right-left before entering the road. This is a good pedestrian safety practice, too, for crossing the street.
- If a bicyclist rides in the road, the cyclist must obey traffic laws that apply to motor vehicle operators. Instruct your child of the bicycle rules of the road. Driver licensing agencies and highway departments are good sources for booklets that explain bicycle safety rules. Enroll your child in a bike safety education program if one is available in your community.
- Never allow your child to ride at night or while wearing audio headphones. Stress the need to ride alert. Since most drivers do not see riders, bicyclists should ride single file on the right side and signal their intentions to other road users.
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Five Common Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Midblock Rideout: This is the most frequent accident type for young riders and occurs soon after the bicyclist enters the road from a driveway, alley, or curb without slowing, stopping or looking for traffic. The bicyclist's sudden entry leaves the motorist too little time to avoid the collision.
- Bicyclist: Stop and look left-right-left for traffic before entering the road.
- Wrong Way Riding: Motorists do not expect traffic to be approaching from the wrong way. It is the exception to the rule that creates the condition for an accident which is the main reason why it is unlawful to ride facing traffic.
- Bicyclist: Go with the flow! Ride on the right - with traffic just like cars do.
- Motorist Overtaking Cyclist: This accident occurs because the motorist fails to see and react to the bicyclist until it is too late. This type of accident is more frequent at night, or on narrow rural roads, involves driver inattention, and also involves drunk driving
- Bicyclist: Avoid riding at night, on narrow roads and where highway speeds are over 35 mph. always use lights and reflectors if you must ride at night.
- Bicyclist Left Turn or Sudden Swerve: The bicyclist swerves to the left without checking traffic, without signaling and moves into the path of an overtaking motor vehicle. The motorist does not have enough time to avoid the collision.
- Bicyclist: Be predictable. Always ride in a straight line. When preparing to change your lane position, LOOK behind you and yield to overtaking traffic.
- Stop Sign Rideout: This accident occurs when the bicyclist enters an intersection that is controlled by a sign and collides with a vehicle approaching from an uncontrolled lane. The bicyclist fails to stop/slow and look for traffic before entering the intersection. This improper action leaves the motorist too little time to avoid a collision.
- Bicyclist: When driving your vehicle, obey all traffic signs and signals. At busy intersections, get off your bike and walk across the road as you do when you are a pedestrian.
For additional information write:
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- 400 7th Street SW
- Washington, DC 20590
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