South Hadley Police Department

10/22/2026

Drug take back day is this Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10am-2pm at the South Hadley Police Department.

This event will be held "drive thru" style in the back of the South Hadley Police Department. There will be no need to get out of your cars as there will be plenty of volunteers to assist you.

Please DO NOT mix syringes/sharps in with the medications. We are collecting unwanted medications only. Medicines can remain in the original container. NO LIQUIDS, SYRINGES, IV EQUIPMENT, OR CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS. Prescription, and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and veterinary meds are accepted.

If you are unable to make this drop off, we have a med box available 24/7 in the lobby of the station. Please use the original container for the meds, feel free to remove the label or scratch out your information if you like. You can also use a ziplock bag to dispose of the medications in the bin making sure it is sealed closed. DO NOT throw loose medications in the box.

10/19/2026

National School Bus Safety Week is October 19–23, 2026

National School Bus Safety Week is an opportunity to remind motorists, parents, and students about the importance of keeping children safe while traveling to and from school.

Every school day, students rely on school buses to get them safely to their destinations. Whether you're behind the wheel, waiting at a bus stop, or riding the bus, everyone plays a role in preventing accidents.

School Bus Safety Tips for Drivers:
- Slow down and stay alert, especially during morning pickup and afternoon drop-off.
- Never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and stop sign is extended.
- In Massachusetts, traffic traveling in both directions must stop for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, unless the roadway is divided by a physical barrier.
- Watch for children crossing the street or walking near bus stops.
- Avoid distractions and allow extra time during school commuting hours.

For Parents and Students:
- Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early.
- Stand back from the curb while waiting.
- Wait until the bus has stopped completely and the driver signals before approaching.
- When crossing in front of a bus, stay far enough ahead that the driver can see you, and wait for the driver's signal.
- Never walk behind a school bus.
- Remain seated and follow the driver's instructions.

Massachusetts School Bus Law Under M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 14, motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus face the following penalties, violation fines:
First Offense Minimum $250
Second offense $500
Third or subsequent offense $1,000

SHPD Reminder: A few extra seconds of patience can prevent a tragedy. When you see a school bus preparing to stop, slow down, pay attention, and be ready to stop.

Our children's safety is worth the wait.

10/15/2026

DRIVING SAFELY AT DUSK AND DAWN

Driving during dusk and dawn can be more dangerous than you might think. Changing light conditions, sun glare, reduced visibility, and increased wildlife activity create additional hazards for motorists.

What Should Drivers Watch For?
Reduced Visibility: Changing light conditions make it harder to judge distances and spot hazards.

Sun Glare: The low angle of the sun can temporarily obstruct your vision, especially through dirty windshields or reflections off wet pavement.

Driver Fatigue: Early mornings and the end of a long workday can mean slower reaction times and reduced attention.

Wildlife Activity: Deer and other animals are especially active around sunrise and sunset. Be particularly cautious on wooded and rural roads.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists: People walking or biking can be difficult to see in low-light conditions.

Improper Headlight Use: Driving without headlights or failing to dim high beams can create dangerous situations.

SAFETY TIPS
Slow Down: Reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

Turn Your Headlights On Early: Don't wait until it's completely dark. Use low beams when appropriate.

Keep Your Windshield Clean: Dirt and streaks can significantly increase glare.

Dim Dashboard Lights: Reduce interior glare to improve your ability to see outside.

Avoid Looking Directly at Headlights: If blinded by oncoming headlights, look toward the white line along the right edge of your lane while slowing down.

Watch for Wildlife: Scan the shoulders of the road and be prepared to brake.

REMEMBER: Just because you can see another vehicle doesn't mean its driver can see you.

A little extra caution during dusk and dawn can help prevent crashes and keep everyone on our roads safe.

10/14/2026

Did you know...Massachusetts law prohibits wearing headphones or earbuds in both ears while driving a motor vehicle.

The Core Rules
- Two-ear ban: You CANNOT wear headphones, headsets, or earbuds over or in both ears while operating a car.
- One-ear exception: You are legally allowed to wear a single earbud or earpiece in one ear only, typically for a phone call.
- Why the rule exists: Drivers must be able to hear outside sounds like emergency vehicle sirens, horns, and traffic warnings.

The restriction regarding headphones falls under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 13 (commonly referred to as the "impeded operation" statute). The specific wording in MGL c.90 § 13 states: "No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing headphones, unless said headphones are used for communication in connection with controlling the course or movement of said vehicle."

Fine amounts 1ST OFF: $35 plus $5 public safety surcharge
2ND OFF: $75 Plus $5 public safety surcharge
3RD OFF: $150 Plus $5 public safety surcharge

10/13/2026

The South Hadley Police Department encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence or abuse to seek assistance. Help and resources are available, and you do not have to navigate the process alone. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MFlUu9sKMo

How to request a Restraining Order and the ​links to resources listed in the court video.

Restraining Order Forms and Guidance:
1. Mass Legal Help for restraining order forms and guidance: bit.ly/malegalhelp
2. MA Government for restraining order and other court forms: bit.ly/restraintorderform

Domestic Violence Advocacy and Court-Based Services:
1. Behavioral Health Network, Domestic Violence Program: www.bhninc.org/dv or 413-967-6241 (serves Ware & surrounding towns)
2. SAFELINK: bit.ly/dvsafehotline or 877-785-2020 (Statewide DV hotline with information on services across the state)
3. Safeplan: Eastern Hampshire District Court – 413-426-8469 (no website) (for Safeplan at a different Court, call the Court you go to)
Transportation:

1. PVTA Bus: www.pvta.com or 877-779-7882
2. Quaboag Connector: www.rideconnector.org or 413-544-3401 (for those who live in the Quaboag region)
3. Statewide info: www.mass.gov (put your court name in search bar to find your court address and more info.)

This step-by-step video walks survivors of domestic violence throug...

10/13/2026

Eversource Helicopter Patrols – Western Massachusetts

Eversource will be conducting aerial patrols of electrical transmission lines throughout Western Massachusetts, including South Hadley, to inspect for potential vegetation issues.

Scheduled Dates: October 19 and October 21–23, 2026
Flight Times: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, weather permitting.

Residents may notice blue-and-white or navy-and-silver helicopters flying near transmission lines during these inspections.

These are planned, routine inspections, and there is no cause for concern.

10/11/2026

This dog was found on Brainerd St tonight and is currently with Animal Control.

10/10/2026

***UPDATE 2315 hrs the road is back open to traffic

Old Lyman Rd at Lyman Terrace is closed due to trees down on power lines. Please avoid this area while crews work to address this.

10/08/2026

Traffic Alert. Amherst Road is closed from Woodbridge Street to Pearl Street. Avoid the area please.

10/08/2026

Please call or text the Animal Control line 413-427-6981. This guy has been loose since last night he was on Grant Street this morning and is currently on Lamb Street does anyone recognize him?

This guy has been loose since last night he was on Grant Street this morning and is currently on Lamb street does anyone recognize him? Please call or text the Animal Control line 4134276981