FAQs

1)  When should I call or not call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for reporting EMERGENCIES ONLY.  Some examples are:

• For any crime that is in progress or has just occurred.

• For fires, gas leaks, chemical spills, wires down, smoke conditions etc.

• For acts that could escalate, such as a drunk driver, a fight or a someone playing with a gun.

• Whenever someone's life or property are in imminent danger.

9-1-1 should NOT be used to call in NON-EMERGENCY situations such as: 

• Medical non-emergencies (common Illness)

• Non-serious crimes that occurred in the past (I.E.  a bicycle was stolen the previous evening)

• Parking complaints (blocked driveway, too close to a corner)

• Noise complaints (Barking dogs, loud music)

• General questions about Police business (How to obtain a copy of a Police report)

• Other non-emergent issues and you just don't know who to call (Questions about the road closures, events and other assistance).

Dunellen Police Department Non-Emergency Line:    

(732) 968-3000  ext. 0

1) I received a motor vehicle summons, how can I pay the fine?

        Fines can be paid by visiting the Municipal Court Office at 355 North Avenue.  Fines may also be paid by mail or visiting www.njmcdirect.com if a court appearance is not required.  Any questions regarding payment of fines or a court appearance can contact the Municipal Court at (732) 968-3400.

2) How do I obtain a copy of a Police Report?

    Copies of Accident Reports can be obtained here: CrashDocs.Org

    Copies of police reports are available from the Police Department Records Clerk.  To get a copy of a police report you must complete this Records Request form, also available at police headquarters.  You must submit the completed form to the Records Clerk.  You will be contacted when the report is ready for pickup.   Please allow 7 - 10 business days for the report to be ready.  All fees for report copies are explained on the request. Contact the Records Clerk at (732) 968-3000 ext. 210 with any questions regarding records requests.

3) How can I get a temporary handicapped-parking placard?

        You must stop at Police Headquarters and pick up a form that must be completed by you and your doctor.  Return the completed form to the police department with a check or money order (we cannot accept cash) in the amount of $4.00 payable to “Motor Vehicle Services”.  You will be issued a Temporary Handicapped Parking permit that is good for 6 months.  At the end of 6 months it can be renewed for an additional 6 months.  After that you must repeat the process.

4) How can I get a permanent handicapped-parking placard?

        Permanent handicapped parking placards are available through Motor Vehicle Services.  Applications are available at all Motor Vehicle Services offices.  The nearest locations are in Somerville and South Plainfield.  The application form is similar to the temporary form and must be completed by you and your doctor.  The form is then mailed to Motor Vehicle Services with the required fee.  Allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

5) How do I get a Firearms ID Card or a Pistol Purchase Permit?

New Online Application System

Instructions for obtaining a Firearms ID Card, Permit to Purchase a Handgun, Permit to Carry a Handgun

 Instructions for obtaining a Permit to Purchase a Handgun

1. Complete your application on-line at https://njportal.com/NJSP/FARS

2. Dunellen Borough Police Department’s ORI number is NJ0120300.

**If an incorrect ORI number is entered on the form, you will NOT receive a firearms ID card or a permit to purchase a handgun. You will then have to re-apply using the correct ORI number and pay for the process again.  A refund will NOT be issued. Applicants utilizing Dunellen's ORI are responsible for ensuring they actually reside within the Borough of Dunellen.

3. You may utilize either a smartphone, mobile device or computer to complete the process. Once your application (including payment to Dunellen) is completed the Dunellen Borough Police Department will be notified and a background check will be conducted. 

4. Application fee: $21.00 (paid online via FARS)

Fees to the Borough of Dunellen:

Initial Firearms Identification Card: $50.00

Permit(s) to Purchase a Handgun: $25.00 for each permit

Change of Address, Change of Name, Lost or Stolen ID card: $0

**A money order (payable to: Dunellen Borough Police Department) is needed. Cash or Credit Card or Personal Checks will NOT be accepted. Payments to the Dunellen Borough Police Department must be made before your application can be approved. 

**A Drop-box for firearms payments and documents is located on the front of Police HQ. Please make sure your name is written on anything placed in this box.

** A Firearms ID card must be replaced if you change your address, name or the ID card is lost/stolen or mutilated. Permit(s) to Purchase a Handgun are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. A 90-day extension is automatically applied to the permit. After 180 days, the permit is invalid.

** You will be receiving automated email updates throughout the background process, including when the application has been approved.

** Please advise your references that the FARS system will email them the reference questions to be answered. Please advise them to complete the questions immediately to expedite your background application.

** Please ensure that both yourself and your references provide the correct information on the application. If a mistake is made, the application will no longer be able to be processed which you, the applicant, will have to resubmit the firearms application and again pay the required $21.00.

** If you have not been contacted by a representative from the Dunellen Borough Police Department then your application is still in progress. An applicant DOES NOT need to contact the police department for any updates. If there are any questions or concerns regarding an applicant’s application, a representative will contact the applicant.

** The monetary amounts listed are set by the State of New Jersey, not through the Borough of Dunellen.

Any inquiries on the application process or background investigations may be directed to Detective Sergeant Nicholas Goldman.

Instructions for obtaining a Permit to Carry a Handgun

        1. The Forms to Download/Requirements for Permit to Carry a Handgun, that must be completed, can be found at https://nj.gov/njsp/firearms/forms.shtml

        2. Complete your Permit to Carry a Handgun application on-line at https://www.njportal.com/njsp/concealedcarry

        3. One Proof of Citizenship and One Proof of Ownership of Handgun to be Carried must be uploaded to the Permit to Carry a Handgun application or dropped off at Dunellen Borough Police Department

            a. Proof of Citizenship

                 (1) Birth Certificate

                          Or

                 (2) Passport

            b. Proof of Ownership of a Handgun to be Carried

                 (1) Receipt of handgun

                             Or

                 (2) Executed permit

                             Or

                 (3) Affidavit proving ownership

          4. Payment for Permit to Carry a Handgun application must be by money order and made out to Dunellen Borough Police Department, in the amount of  $150. Cash or Credit Card or Personal Checks will NOT be accepted.

          5. One permit shall be sufficient for all handguns owned.

          6. All permits to carry handguns shall expire in two years from the date of issuance or, for an armored car company employee upon termination of their employment which ever is earlier.

          7. Permits to carry handguns may be renewed every two years in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as the original application.

          8. Subjects cannot renew their carry permit prior to 3 months before their expiration date.

Any further questions can be directed to Detective Sergeant Nicholas Goldman at (732)-968-3000 x245 or ngoldman@dunellenpd.com