Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions.  If you have a question that isn't answered here, please call the station at (203) 261-3622, or send us an email.  Maybe your question will end up on this page.

How do I get a permit to carry pistols or revolvers?

As a business person, what should I know when accepting personal checks from customers?

What should I do if someone bounces a check to me?

What's the difference between a protective order and a restraining order?

 

How do I get a permit to carry pistols or revolvers?

Applications for Temporary State Permits can be picked up at the station.  The application must be filled out completely and notarized.  Here's what is needed with the application:

·        $24.00 certified check or money order for fingerprints (payable to the Commissioner of Public Safety)

·        Certified check or money order for $35.00 made payable to Monroe Police Department

·        Copy of your birth certificate

·        Certificate or letter of competency from a certified NRA instructor

·        Three (3) notarized character references from non-family members who have known the applicant for at least two years

·        A recent passport size photo of the applicant

·        Your drivers license (the officer will make a copy of it)

The applicant must be at least 21 years of age. The temporary Permit is valid for 60 days and cannot be renewed.  The permit is valid to carry firearms only, and is not valid for the purchase of firearms.  During the 60 days applicant must apply for a State Permit.  If the permit expires without obtaining a state permit, you must reapply at the station.  The permit is valid for carrying firearms only, not for the purchase of firearms.  State law requires fingerprinting and criminal history checks.  The department has eight weeks to process the application.  No application will be issued if authorities have reason to believe the applicant has been convicted of a felony or that any other conditions exist for which the issuance for possession of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.
 

Once you complete the application and meet the above requirements, come in for fingerprinting during the following hours:

Monday evening from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM or Saturday morning between 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon.  

We recommend you contact us at 261-3622 before coming in to ensure that an officer is available for fingerprinting.

 As a business person, what should I known when accepting personal checks from customers?

 To assist in lessening the instance of worthless checks and aid in the prosecution or restitution in “Bad Check” cases, the following procedures should be followed when accepting personal checks from customers.

 1.     Ask for proper identification.  A Connecticut drivers license is the best means of identification.  Copy the nine-digit drivers license number onto the front of the check.  Compare the photograph on the license with the customers.   If the customer is personally known to you, be prepared to give a written statement identifying the person who issued the check.

 2.     Do not accept post-dated checks.  The check should be dated the same day that it is being issued.

 3.     Checks should be for the full amount of purchase.  The check should represent full payment in exchange for something of value, such as goods, money, etc..

 4.      Do not accept “third party checks”.  The person getting the item of value should be the person who writes and presents the check to you.

 5.      Make sure the check is completely filled out.

 

What should I do if someone bounces a check to me?

If a check is returned to you by your bank, follow the procedure below, keeping in mind that only checks that are returned due to “Closed Account”, “No Account”, or “Insufficient Funds” can be prosecuted.  For the Police Department to become involved, the check has to have been issued or received in the town of Monroe in the amount of $50.00 or more, and no partial payment for restitution can be accepted.  If the check was issued and/or received in another town, contact that agency for assistance.

1.      Keep the bank statement that was sent to you stating the reason the check was returned.

2.     Send a certified letter with return receipt requested to the person who issued the check at their last known address, requesting full restitution be made within 8 days after receiving the letter. A sample “8-day letter” is available for you to add to your own letterhead.  The “8-day letter” can only request the face amount of the check and nothing more.  Do not add bank service charges to the requested amount.

3.     Keep a copy of the letter for your records. 

4.     Once the certified letter is delivered and you have received the return receipt (green card), you may file a complaint 8 days after the letter was accepted.  If the letter was not delivered or accepted you may file a complaint immediately after receiving the letter back from the post office.

5.     Here's what we need with the complaint:

·        The original check

·        The bank statement

·        Copy of 8-day letter;

·        Return receipt (green card) if letter was delivered and accepted.  If the letter was not accepted, the complete letter and envelope which was returned to you by the post office; and

·        Receipt, if possible, showing value of merchandise purchased.

 6.     Be prepared to give a sworn statement of the circumstances surrounding the acceptance of the check if the amount of the check is large enough to constitute a felony.

If you follow the procedures outlined above, you will reduce the number of “Bad Checks” you receive and will make restitution and/or prosecution of the offender more likely.

 

What’s the difference between a protective order and a restraining order? 

Protective Order (PO) Restraining Order (RO)
   Issued by a judge in a criminal case after an arrest    Issued by a Family Court judge (civil court)
   A condition of the offender's release    Victim files an Application for Relief from Abuse form
   Victim may not want a PO or know the PO has been
    issued 		   Ex parte (after hearing one side) order is immediately issued
   by a judge
   Offender, not the victim, is responsible for upholding the
   order		    Victim must ensure that the offender is served with a notice
   of hearing at least 24 hours prior to the hearing date
   There is no cost to the victim    No court fees, but there is a Judicial Marshal fee to serve
   the judge's order and notice of hearing
   The order lasts as long as the court case, and the judge
   may modify or terminate it at any time without the victim's
   knowledge

    The ex parte order lasts until the day of the hearing, which is
   within 14 days of the date of issuance and after service of the
   notice.  At the hearing the judge can extend the order for six
   months with another possible six month extension.  The order
   cannot expire without the victim's knowledge. 
   Police are notified the day the order is issued    Police usually have a copy within 48 hours of issuance
   POs usually do not include custody orders    ROs may include orders for temporary custody and visitation