A person who is close to the police department can walk into the lobby and report the crime to the on-duty dispatcher.  This dispatcher will contact the on-duty officer to respond to the building and take an initial report. 

Crimes may be submitted through email contact or social media of the Springfield Police Department; however, it is not recommended.  

Emails and social media pages are only monitored sporadically.  There is no guarantee that a timely response will occur, there for in-person or phone calls are recommended. 

PLEASE BE AWARE that prosecuting crimes will likely involve a court hearing.  The cases are prosecuted by the Windsor County Attorney’s Office.    Following through with an investigation and prosecution will involve a sworn written statement.   This is required by the attorneys for sufficient prosecution.   In rare circumstances, a sworn, video-recorded statement may occur.  

All complaints against department members are investigated.   The initial information should be reported to a supervisor, who would include a Corporal, Sergeant, or Lieutenant.   Most shifts will have at least one supervisor on duty.  If not, there is always an officer in charge if no supervisor is on duty.    If the complaint is against a supervisor, direct contact with the Lieutenant would be recommended.   If the complaint is against the Lieutenant, contact the Police Chief.  If the complaint is against the Police Chief, contact the Springfield Town Manager.

  The supervisor receiving the complaint will interview the person who is reporting the complaint.   This is to determine the type of violation that is being alleged.  Some behavior is a violation of department policy.  Some behavior is a violation of State Law.  Some behavior is a violation of the federal constitutional rights of an individual.    The supervisor will ask for a written statement from the complaining individual.  This is to memorialize the complaint and aid in the investigation follow-up. 

   The supervisor will follow up by accessing all avenues of investigation.  Oftentimes, an officer’s body camera, cruiser camera, or building surveillance camera video will give a perspective on the incident.  Witnesses may be contacted and interviewed.   If appropriate, evidence will be collected.   Relevant policies or laws will be referenced.  Ultimately, a report will be generated and forwarded to the Chief of Police.    A determination of policy or law violation will be made.   Corrective action will follow.   All laws reporting the incident to the VT Criminal Justice Training Council will be adhered to.  

The Springfield Police Department has no audio tip line to make reports.  However, many report crimes or other suspicious behavior via our Facebook page.   The tip will be forwarded to a patrol officer to follow up as necessary.  However, without the ability to contact the “tipster,” sometimes tips lack follow-through because some necessary information isn’t available.  

 People may also come into the police department and speak in person with an officer.  The complaining person may request to remain anonymous, which will be honored.  However, in rare circumstances, courts may compel officers to provide the identities of people who ask to remain anonymous.  Officers will follow court orders as directed. 

The police department encourages people to report drug activity to the extent that they are comfortable and safe.   That means if you see suspicious behavior, consistent with drug sales or use, please report it to the police.  If you live near a location where there is high traffic volume with no reasonable explanation for it, feel free to report it.  

 Please be aware that having knowledge of drug activity and being able to arrest those involved are significantly different.   We have the burden of probable cause to get us closer to either a search warrant or an arrest warrant.   An investigation will occur and be followed up as far as possible.  Sometimes, the probable cause threshold is not met.   That doesn’t mean police gave up.  It means we need to try again. 

 There is no defined time to wait to make a report.   It comes down to a totality of the circumstances as to whether or not a person is considered missing.  There are different qualifiers that will allow different types of missing people to be entered into the NCIC nationwide database, including juvenile, suicidal, developmentally disabled, or a few other special conditions. 

  However, adults of sound mind who have no other qualifying condition do have the right to not contact friends, family, or work.  In those cases, complaints about these people being lost/missing are translated into a “check the well-being” call for service.  In this circumstance, the person is reported as having someone concerned for their well-being.  It does not mean that if located, the complaining individual is put in contact with them.   Unfortunately, people with bad intentions have previously used this strategy to find people they wish to harm.   So if nothing requires follow-up, police can report back that contact has or has not been made.   The message to contact the complaining person will be provided, but nothing will be compelled of the person being sought

The first thing is to go to a safe location, address any medical needs you may have.   This may involve contacting an ambulance or driving to a medical facility.  State law requires notification to police if medical providers identify an injury consistent with a dog bite.   If medical evaluation is unnecessary, please contact the police to report the incident.  

What will happen next after being notified of the dog bite? Police will interview the victim, any witnesses, and attempt to identify the owner of the dog/animal.   Police will request a medical release to be signed so that any injuries can be reported to police by medical staff.    Depending on the circumstances, a dog owner could be ticketed for allowing the incident to occur.   However, things are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  

The VT State Legislature regularly updates laws.  We do not know how timely the updates reach the online sites.   Just be aware that there may be deviations from what you find online.

Contact the VT Criminal Intelligence Center through the VT Department of Safety.

Following up with a case will normally involve contact with the investigating officer.  If the officer is unavailable, contacting a supervisor should help facilitate the process. 

The information shared about a particular case is consistent with what is shared publicly through our press releases.  That usually consists of a date, location, limited fact pattern, charge, and arrest disposition.   The Springfield Police is doing our best to be as transparent as we can, while at the same time not bringing unnecessary attention to those involved in the criminal justice system. 

The Springfield Police Department will follow all laws regarding federal immigration.  However, as a normal course of business, Springfield Police do not assist with immigration enforcement. 

   No. Police will not be called for access to resources.  No prosecution will occur if someone is seeking help.  The Springfield Police Department has developed deep, meaningful relationships with social service partners to facilitate access to services to help people struggling with addiction.  This should not be interpreted as condoning drug use.  It should be seen as an intentional effort to help the person get the help they need.