Services
Patrol
This is the main task of the Bridgewater Police Department. It is comprised of two squads of 1 sergeant and 3 officers each who provide law enforcement services 24 hours per day. These officers serve and protect our Town with marked vehicles, foot patrols and mountain bikes. The patrol officers also offer community policing services including requested extra patrols, animal control duties, as well as assistance on many complaints and any criminal justice issues.
Community Policing
The Bridgewater Police Department has had a long history of working with the residents and community leaders to provide professional police services to our community. Every officer of the police department understands the importance of community interaction and day-to-day community needs. The police department works to deter serious crime, but also treats quality of life issues of great importance. No matter the mundane, or, some would say small non-police issues, we strive to help the community.
Bicycle patrol
Almost all 10 officers of the Bridgewater Police Department are certified as bicycle patrol officers. These officers are equipped to ride all around town and are used in a variety of settings. The bicycle patrol is helpful in events such as the Bridgewater Lawn party, daily patrols of the parks, and specific places that vehicles can’t access.
Motor Patrol
The Bridgewater Police Department has a motor patrol that is tasked with traffic enforcement as well as many traffic related issues. Currently we have two motorcycle certified officers that share patrol on a 2016 Victory Police Motorcycle. You may see them patrolling as well as at special events such as parades and community engagement. The motor officers also collect speeding statistics around our town with different tools such as our movable speed trailer and speed measurement box.
Property Checks
If you are a resident or property owner of the Town of Bridgewater and plan to be away from your home, you can request your property be checked by a patrol officer during their normal duties.
Safety Talks
Our officers are trained in many law enforcement fields. If you would like to have an officer speak to you or a group about safety related issues, security, or other criminal justice matters, please contact the police department to schedule a date.
Parking Enforcement
The Bridgewater Police Department monitors parking around the Town of Bridgewater. Each officer ensures parking restrictions are adhered to. All parking in the Town is clearly marked.
All inquiries to administration must be made during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The building is locked after hours, but you may contact our Emergency Communication Center at (540) 434-4436 if you wish to speak to an officer.
Accident Reports
The police department requests a written request and proof of identification before releasing a copy of an accident report. A copy of an accident report is free to the individual involved in the accident or vehicle owner. It is recommended that you call before coming to the police department to make sure the report is ready for pick-up.
Criminal History
Bridgewater Police Department does not release criminal history information to non law enforcement personnel. However, criminal history information in Virginia can be obtained by visiting the Virginia State Police website. Download and complete VSP form SP-167 and mail it along with a check made payable to 'Virginia State Police' to:
Virginia State Police
Central Criminal Records Exchange - NF
P.O. Box 85076
Richmond, Virginia 23261-5076
If you have specific questions you can call (804) 674-6718.
Background Fingerprinting
Currently the BPD does not offer fingerprinting on a live scan NCIC/VCIN system. For fingerprinting, please see the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office.
Driving Record
Driver's history records are available from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. You may request a copy of your driving record or vehicle record from DMV. Federal and state laws specify what information DMV keeps, how long it is kept, and the circumstances under which it may be released. Inquiries can be made online, by mail or in person.
Police Report
If you were the victim of a crime in Bridgewater, you can contact the Bridgewater Police Department during normal business hours and request an Offense Verification Report. The Bridgewater Police Department does not release copies of our criminal offense reports or complaints without a court order because they may contain confidential information.
Private Property Towing
The owner, his agent, or person in lawful possession of the property, may request a vehicle be removed from a property if it does not have permission to be on the property.
Property Release
Property may be collected for various reasons by the Bridgewater Police Department. The main reasons are for evidentiary and safe-keeping purposes.
If your property was collected by the department and you wish to have it returned, the owner must come by the police department during normal business hours. Although not required, an appointment is highly recommended unless you have made arrangements with an officer. Property will only be released to its owner. Proper identification must be provided and proof of ownership may be required.
When wanting to retrieve your property, keep in mind that if the property was collected as evidence, the criminal case must be completely resolved before the property may be released.
* The release of firearms will only occur if the owner is allowed to possess the firearm.
Protective Orders
Protective orders are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate to protect the health and safety of a person who is alleged to be a victim of any act involving violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or places that person in fear of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.
In Virginia, there are 3 kinds of Protective Orders that can protect you and others in your family or home:
- Emergency Protective Order (expires at the end of the third day following issuance or the next day court is in session, whichever is later)
- Preliminary Protective Order (lasts 15 days or until a full hearing)
- Protective Order (may last up to 2 years)
Additional information may be obtained by visiting the website of Virginia's Judicial System or by contacting our local courts in Rockingham County. Keep in mind Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles protective orders involving family or household members and juveniles, whereas General District Court handles all other protective order matters.
Vehicle Impoundments
The Code of Virginia requires officers to impound vehicles for a variety of reasons. If you are the owner of a vehicle that has been impounded and have questions as to its whereabouts, you can contact the Emergency Communications Center at (540) 434-4436. In some circumstances a vehicle may be released prior to the expiration of the impoundment. You must petition the courts to fulfill this request. More information can be obtained by contacting the Rockingham General District Court.
Flock Safety Camera Information
Please click on the link for information on our ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader)
https://transparency.flocksafety.com/bridgewater-va-pd