Frequently Asked Questions

A: The Mahwah, NJ Police Department is located at 221 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah NJ, 07430. Franklin Turnpike is a major road in Northern NJ, located off of Route 17 North or South, in Bergen County.

A: The Mahwah Police Department provides services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A: For non-emergency inquiries, you can call the Mahwah Police Department at their main number: (201) 529-1000. For any emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

A: The Mahwah Township Municipal Court is located at the Town Hall, 475 Corporate Drive, Mahwah NJ, 07430. To contact the court, please call 201-529-2862 and press "0" at the prompt.

A: For information on traffic ticket fines and penalties issued within Mahwah, NJ, you must contact the Mahwah Municipal Court at 201-529-2862 during their regular business hours.

A: The Mahwah Police Department in Bergen County values your feedback. To commend an officer for professional service, please visit the Officer Commendation page. To file a complaint regarding an officer, you can submit a form on the Report an Issue page. Complaints are accepted 24/7 in person at our Northern New Jersey headquarters, by mail, or via fax at 201-831-2069. Anonymous complaints are accepted, but providing contact information can assist in the investigation.

A: The application process for a Concealed Carry Permit for a Handgun in Mahwah, NJ, is handled by the Police Department. For detailed instructions, requirements, and to start your application in Bergen County, please visit the Permit to Carry information page on the department's website.

A: The Township of Mahwah requires all peddlers and solicitors to be licensed by the Police Department. This involves an application and a background check. Mahwah Township residents can also join a "No-Knock List." For more information, please contact us.

A: Fingerprinting services for residents or businesses in Mahwah, NJ are available 24/7 at Police Headquarters. You must provide your own fingerprint card. There is no fee for this service for Mahwah residents. Please call the non-emergency line at 201-529-1000 ahead of time to ensure an officer is available.

A: Yes, all residential and business alarm systems within the Township of Mahwah must be registered with the Police Department. This helps ensure a quick and effective response. A registration form is available online and information on false alarm ordinances in Mahwah can be obtained by contacting MPD.

A: For Motor Vehicle Accident Reports from incidents in Mahwah, you can request them online via the CrashDocs service. For other types of police reports, you may need to file an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request with the Mahwah Police Records Bureau. Contact the Records Bureau at 201-529-1000 ext. 235 for guidance.

A: The Patrol Division is the most visible arm of the Mahwah Police Department. These uniformed officers serve the Mahwah, NJ community by responding to 9-1-1 calls, patrolling Bergen County neighborhoods, enforcing traffic laws, and providing the initial response to all incidents in the township.

A: The Investigative Division, or Detective Bureau, conducts follow-up investigations on criminal cases in Mahwah Township. This North Jersey division processes crime scenes, interviews suspects and witnesses, and prepares cases for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

A: The Internal Affairs Division ensures the integrity of the Mahwah Police Department by investigating all complaints made against its officers, ensuring that police services in Mahwah, NJ are delivered professionally and objectively.

A: The Mahwah Municipal Alliance (MMA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of community volunteers from Mahwah, NJ. The MMA works in close partnership with the Mahwah Police Department to provide vital youth and community programs focused on substance abuse prevention, mental health, and positive decision-making. They are instrumental in running programs like the Junior Police Academy.

A: L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) is a curriculum taught in Mahwah, NJ schools by Mahwah Police Officers. It is designed to give youth in our Northern New Jersey community the skills needed to resist drugs, peer pressure, and violence.

A: The Mahwah Police Department uses RAVE Smart911 to send emergency alerts for situations in Mahwah Township. All Bergen County residents, especially those in Mahwah, are encouraged to register for free to create a safety profile and receive alerts.

A: The Mahwah Police Department provides a Project Medicine Drop box in the lobby of their Northern NJ headquarters. Residents of Mahwah and surrounding Bergen County towns can safely and anonymously dispose of unwanted medications 24/7.

A: Yes, the Mahwah Police Department has certified technicians who can inspect your child's car seat and teach you how to properly install it. You should contact the department to schedule an appointment for this valuable service or fill out this form to request.

A: To stay up-to-date with the latest news, traffic advisories, and emergency alerts from the Mahwah Police Department, you can follow their official social media pages and sign up for community alerts through their website.

A: The Mahwah Police Department has a competitive selection process administered by and within the Police Department. We are not a Civil Service town, and we do not administer a "Bergen County Police Chiefs Association Chief's Test." Tests are offered on an as needed basis and the list is good for a definitive time period. Our testing procedure consists of the following phases: Pre-App, Written Exam, Physical Agility, Formal Application, Oral Interview, Background Investigation, Second Interview, Psychological Exam, Medical Exam and a Conditional Letter of Employment. There is a fee to take an exam.

The Mahwah Police Department is a non-civil service agency in Bergen County, NJ, and conducts its own hiring process. Candidates for this North Jersey department must pass a competitive selection process. Job openings are posted on the Recruitment page as they become available.

A: The Mahwah Police Department was established to provide dedicated law enforcement services to the growing Township of Mahwah. Over the years, it has evolved into a modern police force committed to serving the public safety needs of the Mahwah, NJ community in Northern New Jersey. Learn more on Our History page.

A: Position Title: Police Officer/Patrol
Department: Police
Reports To: Police Sergeant/Patrol Tour Commander

Purpose of Position
Under the direct supervision of the Police Tour Commander, a police officer patrols a designated area, insuring compliance with all applicable state laws and city ordinances; answers calls when a crime is suspected or an emergency exists; take such actions as are necessary to prevent crime, to apprehend a criminal, to maintain safety, to assist citizens in a wide range of emergency and non-emergency situations; and performs other related duties, tasks, and assignments as required and directed by a Superior Officer. The duties and assignments of a Patrol Officer are quite varied in nature and include a variety of assignments. This position includes the protection of persons, property, and preserving the public peace and order through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. In addition, the Police Officer prevents and detects criminal activity while in the performance of their duties. This position must be ready to respond in the capacity of a Law Enforcement Officer and make decisions in critical incidents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Patrols assigned area in police vehicle to enforce laws and ordinances; responds to citizen complaints; interviews witnesses, victims, and suspects; apprehends and arrests persons in violation of laws and ordinances; acts as peace officer in disturbances; directs traffic flow and enforces traffic laws; observes and apprehends violators of traffic laws and issues written citations and warnings; and serves warrants
• Investigates complaints; conducts criminal and crash investigations; makes inquiries; records information.
• Conducts or assists with investigations and responds to criminal and civil complaints (e.g., interviews witnesses, suspects, complainants, victims, etc.); watches for and makes investigations of wanted or missing persons and property. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data received at the crime scene, and collects and preserves evidence of a crime scene (e.g., photographs, fingerprints, reconstructs crime, etc.).
• Secures crime scenes and evidence; watches for stolen property or wanted and/or missing persons; transports suspects and witnesses to the Police Department, jail, court, etc.; appears in court and testifies; completes and maintains records and prepares timely reports.
• Performs security functions at special events; makes emergency runs in patrol car; assists other law enforcement agencies; maintains order in crowds, attends parades, funerals, and other public gatherings; provides assistance concerning laws, ordinances, and general information to the public; escorts, protects, and assists visitors; performs other special service functions as needed or assigned.
• Attends follow-up training classes to learn newer revised policies, procedures, and regulations; reviews changes in laws and/or regulations; utilizes law enforcement equipment to perform job duties.
• Drives patrol car, pursue suspects on foot (e.g., run short and long distances, requires physical exertion) and observes and prevents violations of law; investigates automobile crashes; physically restrains/subdue suspects as required; makes arrests as required by law; and processes prisoners (e.g., fingerprinting, photographing, etc.)
• Make security checks on businesses and residential units.
• Assist mentally ill or suicidal subjects in seeking treatment, etc.
• Operates law enforcement equipment and instruments (e.g., patrol car computer, radio, firearms, speed measuring devices, breathalyzer, related police tools, etc.); properly utilizes and maintains equipment (e.g., firearms, gear, police car, computer, etc.).
• Interviews and counsels parties in domestic disputes; interviews persons with complaints and inquiries.
• Testifies in court through speech and demonstration.
• Receives, assists, and transmits emergency calls by radio or telephone.
• Administers first aid and/or CPR at the scenes of medical emergencies; and assists the Fire Department in emergency situations and gives medical attention when certified to do so.
• Performs civic functions by providing public education on crime prevention through various programs.
• Checks for stray animals, care for or dispose of injured animals.
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other related essential duties as assigned by a supervisor.