The civil service exam is given every two years. The last exam was administered April 30, 2005. For more information please contact the Massachusetts Human Resources Division at 617 727 3777.

Yes, in order to become a Boston Police Officer, you must be a resident of the city of Boston. In addition, you must also be a resident of the city for at least one year prior to taking the civil service exam. Read about the other entrance requirements or contact Human Resources at (617)727-3777.

Yes, the Department does hire interns for temporary employment. The internships are paid and duties vary depending on the unit that you are applying for an internship. For more information on internships, please contact Human Resources within the Boston Police Department at (617)343-4677. Please note, the residency requirement does apply.

For this information please contact Human Resources within the BPD at (617)343-4677.

All requests must be sent in writing to The Office of Media Relations at One Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA. 02120. You may also fax the request to (617)343-4481. Please include your name, address, and reason for the patch request. If you are in law enforcement, you may want to send a patch from your police department as well.

The Boston Police Department has an Archives Department that is run by Donna Wells. You can contact her directly at (617)343-5166. Please keep in mind that your request may not be answered immediately. The Archives Department has not been in operation very long and is currently run by one person.

Please contact the Commissioner's Office at (617)343-4500 for more information. Tours are given on a limited basis.

You can request crime statistics by sending a written request to The Office of Media Relations at One Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA 02120. You may also fax your request to (617)343-4481. Please include your name, phone number, address, fax number if applicable, and reason for your request. In addition, you may also request a printout of all 911 calls for service to a particular street. There are also monthly crime statistics posted in our Statistics Section.

In the state of Massachusetts, the police department may not obtain background checks on individuals as a public information request. This is called CORI - Criminal Offender Records Information and it is against the law for the police department to give out such information. However, you may call the Criminal History Board at (617)660-4600 for more information on how to obtain a criminal check on an individual.

If the incident occurred in the city of Boston, you should immediately call the Boston Police Department. You should call the district of the police department in which the incidient occurred. For example, if your wallet was stolen in the South End, you should call District 4. You can always call the Office of Media Relations at (617)343-4520 to find out what district you should contact. If you were not in the city of Boston at the time of the incident, you should contact the police department of that jurisdiction.

You must apply, in person, to the Public Service Counter at Boston Police Headquarters on the first floor, (617)343-4425. The cost per application is $100.00 and if approved, will be valid for six years. There are two different types of licenses: License to Carry and Firearms Identification Card which both vary in requirements, depending on what class of weapons license you are applying for. If you did not have any weapons license before June 1, 1998, you must present a gun safety certificate before filling out the application. It takes approximately 40 days for the license to be approved. Please note: all weapons must have a trigger lock or be kept in a tamper proof receptacle or other suitable locking device.

For an LTC, the minimum age requirement is 21 years of age. For an FIC, the minimum age requirement is 15 years of age and must be accompanied with a written letter of approval by parent up until the age of 18. All applicants must pass a criminal record check and have no felony convictions. There are also other restrictions that can be discussed at the public service counter at the above location.

You must contact the Massachusetts State Police for more information since you are not moving to the city of Boston.

Once you have moved to the city, you have approximately 180 days to apply for your license. You must apply in person at the above location, be a resident of the city, and have a photo ID.

Please contact the Hackney Division at Boston Police Headquarters, (617)343-4475.

There are many programs involving children within the city of Boston. Check out the www.BostonYouthZone.com web site for more information on summer jobs. If you are interested in sporting activities, you can become involved with the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.) by calling the Community Centers at (617)635-4920.