FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get a copy of my Accident Reports?

Accident reports completed by the Bow Police Department that occurred in the Town of Bow are available through the records department approximately 10 days after the date of the accident to allow for the report to be written and approved.

Please complete the Request for Copy of Incident or Accident Report Form. Please include your email address and phone number. Records will contact you when your report can be released. Fees may apply

The report will include a copy of the state accident form, the officer’s narrative, and any photos taken from the scene (if available). Some information will be redacted as required by the NH Driver Privacy Act; however, all information required by law (NH RSA 264:25) will be available. Accident reports may also be obtained through the State of NH DMV.

*If you have insurance and your request involves a claim, it is best if your insurance department submits the request for the report.

If I have been arrested, how do I obtain discovery in my criminal case for court? 

The report may be obtained as part of the discovery process through the Concord Prosecutors' office, 603 230-4990. 

Police Incident Reports 

Police incident reports completed by the Bow Police Department are available through the records division to victims at no charge. Please note that cases currently under investigation will not be released.  Please complete the Request for Copy of Incident or Accident Report Form. Please include your email address and phone number. Records will contact you when your report can be released. Fees may apply. 

Please note: Released reports will have some information redacted in accordance with RSA 91-A:5, IV, as the disclosure of certain information contained in the responsive records would constitute an invasion of privacy. 

How do I obtain a Residential Gun Permit? 

You must complete the  State of NH Residential Permit Form DSSP85 application, consisting of current employment, residence information, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references. References should NOT be relatives, if possible. They should know that you're using them as a reference. You must print out the form and drop it off at the PD. Please fill out the form completely. Incomplete forms will be returned and delay the process. 

Once submitted, the process takes approximately 10-14 business days. A $10 fee is due upon approval and receipt of the permit in the form of exact cash or a check. We do not accept credit or debit cards.  You will be contacted by Records once your pistol permit is ready. 

For Gun Permit Renewals, it is the same process.

How do I obtain a criminal and/or motor vehicle record?

All criminal and motor vehicle record checks are done at the NH State Police Criminal Records Department.  

How do I have fingerprints taken?

The Bow Police Department only provides fingerprint services to Bow Residents. Please call first to ensure an officer will be able to assist you. We can accommodate requests for fingerprint ink cards or LiveScan fingerprints.  Please be sure you know which service you need: an ink card or LiveScan (electronic). Please bring your NH Driver's License for proof of Bow residency.  

Non-resident fingerprint cards can be completed by contacting the NH State Police Criminal Records Division located at 33 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH.  They offer LiveScan (electronic) fingerprinting stations around the state. 

Please call (603)223-3867 to schedule an appointment for a location convenient to you, or visit https://services.dos.nh.gov/chri/cpo/ 

Where can I drop off completed forms after hours?

There is a black locked mailbox in the foyer of the Police Department at the Bow Safety Center. It is video-monitored and is available 24 hours a day for paperwork drop-off. Items accepted in this mailbox include, but are not limited to:

How do I obtain a Domestic Violence Order of Protection/ Restraining Order?

If you are in immediate danger of domestic violence and the court is closed, you may get an emergency order by going to or calling the nearest police department. It does not have to be the police department where you live. A police officer can help you fill out the forms and contact a judge by telephone. The judge may grant you an emergency order over the phone if s/he believes you are in imminent danger. If you are granted an order over the phone, it will only last until the close of the next business day when the court is open. For the protection to remain in effect, you will have to go to a circuit court before the close of the next business day to request a protective order that will last longer.

To request a Domestic Violence Order of Protection, you will need to complete a Complaint for Restraining Order form and file the completed form in the District Court in the county where you live or the county where the person you are filing against lives.  

How do I arrange for the police to check my home while I am on vacation?

If you are planning on going on a vacation, and nobody will be staying at your house, you are eligible to request a vacant house check on your home. Officers will be made aware of your request, and an officer will check your home periodically during your absence to inspect the premises for any signs of suspicious activity. To request a vacant house check, please obtain and submit a physical copy of the VACANT HOUSE CHECK FORM in the drop box at the Bow Safety Center at 7 Knox Road.

How do I pay a Traffic Citation?

You can pay a traffic citation online through the NH DMV. Please follow the instructions on your citation. 

How do I register emergency contact information for my business?

Please complete the Business Emergency Contact Information Form. Once completed, it can be placed in the drop box at the Bow Safety Center at 7 Knox Road.

Does the Town of Bow have a noise ordinance?

No, however, New Hampshire's disorderly conduct statute, RSA: 644:2 specifically addresses noise by “prohibiting making loud or unreasonable noises in a public place, or in a private place where they can be heard publicly, if such noise disturbs a person of average sensibilities or causes public annoyance, alarm, or breach of peace, especially if it continues after being asked to stop. It covers general noise, loud vehicle sounds, and even loud use of tools or handling of objects late at night, with enforcement officers sometimes being the "person of average sensibilities" for vehicle noise complaints. 

How do I file a compliment or complaint?

The Bow Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality police services to residents of, and visitors to, the Town of Bow. Your compliments and complaints are important to the Bow Police Department, and we appreciate you taking the time to communicate with us. 

To email a compliment or complaint, visit the Bow Police Department website and follow the instructions therein. To mail a compliment or complaint, complete a Public Compliment or Complaint Form, which is available on the department's website's forms page or in the foyer of the Bow Safety Center. 

What is accepted in the Prescription Drug Disposal box?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bow Police Department wish to help prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Bow Safety Center at 7 Knox Rd. (Sites cannot accept liquids or needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Deposit your containers in the grey metal container in the vestibule.

How can I get my property back from the Bow Police Department?

The Bow Police Department processes property that consists of evidence in criminal cases, found property, and property held for safekeeping. Often, property can be released to its owner once criminal cases are concluded or if the property has been found and turned in to the police.

Property will be returned by scheduled appointment only, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please schedule appointments by either email or phone. You will also need to provide the following information:

- Your name and date of birth
 - The case number
 - Description of the property you want released
 - A phone number where you can be contacted

At the time of the return, you must have a valid identification.

Personal Property

If you are a suspect in a crime and property was seized pursuant to a search warrant, you will need a Court order stating that the specific property in question can be returned to you. If you want the property to be released to another person, the Court order must name that person. Information regarding obtaining Court orders can be found by contacting the Court of jurisdiction. See Quick Links.

If you are a victim of a crime and your property was recovered, all aspects of the case must be completed within the Court system before the property will be returned. If the property was seized pursuant to a search warrant, you will need a Court order stating that the specific property in question can be returned.

Firearms

If your firearms were seized through a Protective Order or are evidence of a criminal offense, the following will be needed prior to return:

1. An order from the Court of jurisdiction stating the firearms can be returned to you.

2. If you are not allowed to possess a firearm, the Court order must state to whom the firearm may be released to.

Found Property

If an owner of found property is not identified, the finder will be eligible to claim such property. Property with a value of under $250 may be claimed by the finder after 90 days. If the property has a value greater than $250, it may be claimed by the finder after 180 days. Firearms and bicycles will not be returned to the finder if the owner is not identified.

Periodically, items that no longer have evidentiary value, have no owners, or are found property, which is not claimed by the finder, are assigned to be sent to be auctioned. The department utilizes an in-state online auction service.