Frequently Asked Questions

Fingerprinting services are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm.

To schedule a morning appointment, please contact Elizabeth Rathburn.

To schedule an afternoon appointment, please contact Sheryl Tallman.

The fee for fingerprint services is $25 for a Hanover resident / Hanover business (including Dartmouth Students) or $50 for non-residents. Payment must be made by cash or a check made payable to the Town of Hanover. We are unable to process debit / credit cards.

Copies of case and accident reports are available by printing a report request form to complete and send to the Police Department. The form may also be dropped off at the PD in person. There is a $20 charge for the copy which is payable when the request is submitted. 

Report Request Form (PDF)

Criminal Background Checks are performed by the NH Department of Safety.

Hanover residents may submit an application for a Pistol / Revolver License for concealed carry of a firearm. The fee is $ 10 and the license is valid for 4 years. 

Permit Request Form (PDF)

We do offer "Livescan" fingerprinting! If you have been provided blank fingerprint cards, please do not write on them, and bring them with you. Our system may be able to print them out for you.

We would caution people against having contact with animals that are not their own. While well-intentioned, you may be placing yourself at serious risk when attempting to catch or control a stray animal. Stray animals may not have current vaccinations and while they may seem very friendly they may suddenly turn violent once you have them restrained. If you witness a stray dog please note the animal's description and location and report this to the Police Department at 603-643-2222. Please do not attempt to capture or detain stray animals.

It is not uncommon to see animals such as deer, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and other wild animals in our neighborhoods. We also receive reports each year of moose in the downtown area and bear in the more rural areas. We STRONGLY suggest securing trash barrels and removing bird and animal feeders as they attract bears. We also remind residents that if they see bear cubs in their yard, they can be sure that an adult bear is somewhere nearby. It is also common for a mother bear to tree their cubs while they search for food, leaving them for several days at a time. While it may seem that the cubs have been abandoned or are in danger because they are crying, please do not approach the cubs!

While a Hanover Police Officer may respond to some calls related to "wild" animals, typically the NH Department of Fish and Game will handle these calls because they are specifically trained and equipped to deal with them.

The NH Department of Fish and Game Dispatch Center can be reached on weekdays from 8 am to 4:30 pm at 603-271-3361. From September 1 to December 5 they maintain longer hours (7 am to 7 pm) to deal with matters related to various hunting seasons.

While the Police Department does not perform criminal background checks for individuals, the Records Division provides a "Good Citizen Letter" to past and present residents of Hanover when applicable. The Records Coordinator requires a request in writing with your Name, Address, Phone, Date of Birth and Social Security Number. 

Good Citizen Request Form (PDF)

NH State Accident Report Form (PDF)

The Communications Center monitors hundreds of Municipal and Private alarm systems. The alarm systems that we monitor include Municipal Fire Alarms, Several Private Schools, Business and Residential Burglary Alarms, Medical Alarms, Panic Alarms, Water and Waste Water Alarms as well as Power Outage and Low Temp Alarms.

If you wish to have an alarm monitored by the Communications Center please email the Communications Coordinator or call 603-640-3333.

Review Hanover Town Ordinance Number 19 - Regulating Private Alarm Systems (PDF)

Download the Permit Application - Alarm Monitoring Permit Application (PDF)

The Town of Hanover does not have a "leash law" requiring dogs to be on a leash when off their owner's property. NH State Statute 466.30a does however cover dogs "at-large". Owners should however have control of their animals to prevent them from becoming a nuisance. This can be accomplished with voice commands or other means.

Yes. 

Noise Ordinance (PDF)

The Basic Restrictions are provided below.

Noise / Time Restrictions

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on the following activities within three hundred (300) feet of any residential property in the GR and SR zoning districts of the following activities if such activities create a noise disturbance that generates a complaint:

1. Between 10 pm and 7 am the loading, unloading, opening, closing, or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, trashcans, dumpsters or similar objects.
2. Between 10 pm and 7 am (Monday through Saturday) and 10 pm and 10 am (Sunday)

Please email Elizabeth Rathburn.