Winter Harbor Police Department

Going out of town? The Winter Harbor Police Department offers free house and property checks for residents while you're away. Our officers will periodically check your home for signs of suspicious activity, damage, or anything out of the ordinary — giving you peace of mind while you're gone.

Be sure to fill out and submit a Property Check Request Form before your departure.

 If you’ve witnessed an incident or need to file a complaint, we encourage you to provide a written statement. This helps us document and investigate the matter thoroughly. 

Please print and fill out the available form below and bring to the Town Office.

The Animal Control Officer (ACO) for Winter Harbor helps ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and animals in our community. We respond to calls related to domestic animals, animal welfare concerns, lost or stray pets, dog licensing, and potential public safety issues involving animals.

Our ACO is also a sworn police officer, allowing for coordinated response when needed.

 Services Include:

• Handling lost or found pets
• Investigating animal cruelty or neglect
• Managing stray or roaming dogs
• Enforcing dog licensing and leash laws
• Responding to nuisance animal complaints
• Assisting with animal bites or dangerous dogs
  

Dog Licensing

All dogs 6 months or older must be licensed annually by January 31st. You can license your dog at the Town Office. Please bring:

• A current rabies certificate
• Proof of spay or neuter (if applicable)
• License fee: $6 (altered dogs) or $11 (unaltered) Late fees:

Licensing ensures rabies protection and helps us reunite lost pets with their families!

If you've lost or found a pet in Winter Harbor:

• Call the Town Office or Police Department
• Post to local social media or community boards
• Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip info are up to date
  🆘 Report an Animal Concern

To report a lost dog, stray animal, or animal welfare issue, please contact HCRCC Dispatch for the on-call Animal Control Officer (ACO)

📞 207-667-8866 (Non-emergency line)
🚨 For emergencies involving animal attacks or injuries, always dial 911. 

 In today’s digital world, identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes. A stolen identity can lead to fraudulent credit card charges, drained bank accounts, damaged credit, and serious legal headaches. Staying informed and taking preventive steps is your best defense.

The Winter Harbor Police Department encourages all residents to take identity protection seriously. Whether you're browsing online, checking emails, or using your smartphone, your personal information is at risk — but with the right tools and awareness, you can reduce that risk significantly.

 Helpful Resources

We've gathered some essential guides and brochures from trusted sources to help you protect yourself and know what to do if your identity is stolen:

• FTC Identity Theft Recovery Plan (PDF)
  A step-by-step guide from the Federal Trade Commission on how to respond if your identity is compromised.
   
•  Visit IdentityTheft.gov
  Report identity theft and get a personalized recovery plan, including sample letters and checklists.
   
• OCC Identity Theft Prevention Brochure (PDF)
  Learn tips from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency on how to prevent identity theft and recover if affected.
   

If you believe you’ve been a victim of identity theft or have questions about how to protect yourself, don’t hesitate to contact the 

Winter Harbor Police Department. 

We’re here to assist you with resources and support.

 Fraudulent activity and bad checks can cause serious harm to individuals and small businesses in our community. If you've received a bad check or believe you've been the victim of fraud, the Winter Harbor Police Department is here to help.

We encourage you to report these incidents promptly so we can investigate and take appropriate action. Providing detailed information helps us process your case more efficiently.

 If you need to report a bad check, please complete the form  below.

 Once completed, you may:

• Drop it off at the Winter Harbor Town Office
• Mail it to:
  Winter Harbor Police Department
  P.O. Box 98
  Winter Harbor, ME 04693
• Be sure to include copies of any related documents (such as the check, invoice, or correspondence).

• Date check was received or fraud occurred
• Amount and payee information
• Copy of returned check (if applicable)
• Attempts made to resolve the issue
• Contact information for the person or business involved

District Attorney's Policy on "Bad Checks"

 The Winter Harbor Police Department supports responsible gun ownership and encourages residents to follow the legal process when applying for a Maine Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). If you are a resident of Winter Harbor and wish to carry a concealed handgun, you must apply through the proper state channels and meet all legal requirements.

 How To Apply

To apply for a Concealed Handgun Permit in Maine, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a legal resident of Maine
• Complete a certified handgun safety course or prior military service
• Meet all eligibility criteria under Maine law

Applicants must complete and submit the Maine State Police Concealed Handgun Permit Application, along with supporting documents and fees.

 Required Documents Typically Include:

• Completed application form
• Proof of handgun safety training or prior military service
• Government-issued photo Id
• Consent for background check

You can access the application below. 

Once you have filled out the application you will drop the application to the town office with the required documents and your payment. 

 Fee: New applicants $35.00. 

Renewal applicants $20.00.