On October 18, 2024, the Danvers Police Department announced the arrest of a 15-year-old juvenile in connection with a serious incident involving multiple charges, including solemn battery against a person with intellectual disabilities and hate crime-related offenses. The arrest followed a thorough investigation led by Captain Nasri Sanborn and his team, who expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts with the district attorney's office to ensure accountability and justice.

During the meeting, Chief of Police highlighted ongoing concerns regarding youth behavior in Danvers Square and surrounding neighborhoods, noting a significant number of complaints related to erratic bicycle operation and disruptive activities. Since October 16, the department has received 111 complaints involving youths, with a notable focus on bicycle-related incidents. Officers have engaged with juveniles and their parents to promote safe and respectful behavior, while also documenting interactions for future reference.

The police department has implemented various community initiatives, including a partnership with Boston Children's Hospital to reward children for wearing helmets and a bike rodeo aimed at promoting bicycle safety. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly in parental engagement and timely reporting of incidents. The department emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing these issues.

Chief Sanborn also addressed the impact of recent juvenile justice reforms, which have limited the ability to charge individuals under 12 and decriminalized certain behaviors on school grounds. This has raised concerns among law enforcement regarding their capacity to manage youth-related incidents effectively.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the need for increased police presence in the community, particularly during peak hours, and the importance of fostering positive relationships between officers and local youth. The chief reiterated the department's commitment to community policing and welcomed suggestions for improving safety and engagement in Danvers.