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Templeton police chief urges staffing increase to 11 full‑time officers, flags training and budget pressure
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Summary
Police Chief Bennett told the Templeton Select Board on Nov. 27 that mandatory state training and shrinking part‑time capacity have prompted him to request raising the department's full‑time staff to 11 officers, warning that services could be cut without new funding.
Police Chief Bennett told the Templeton Select Board on Nov. 27 that mandatory training mandates from the Massachusetts Police Training Committee and the state's POST requirements are increasing unfunded obligations and are driving a request to expand full‑time staffing.
"I'll be requesting to increase our current full time staffing to 11 full time officers, including myself, to eliminate the part time shift in the next year's budget," Bennett said, describing recent turnover and a near‑seamless promotion from within after a part‑time officer resigned. He reported that the department currently has 10 full‑time officers, three part‑time officers (one on indefinite leave), and that training and recertification requirements have stretched part‑time coverage.
The request followed a report that the department took possession of a new cruiser acquired with ARPA funds and that one Ford F‑150 interceptor remains out of service after a crash. Bennett warned that without added funding the department may have to reduce services, including eliminating the midnight shift. He estimated the department would need an increase of roughly $150,000 to $175,000 next fiscal year to provide minimum services.
Board members and residents pressed for the basis of the staffing target. A member noted that professional guidance such as ICMA recommends data‑driven staffing models rather than a flat officer‑per‑1,000 metric; Chief Bennett said the FBI and common practice are used locally but conceded methods vary. The board also discussed whether dispatch duties should be counted toward police FTEs — with one member arguing dispatch work performed at the station reduces the number of officer hours otherwise needed on site and Bennett responding that dispatchers are not qualified to handle sworn police duties.
Several speakers raised operational concerns: officers assigned to court or school details reduce patrol coverage, mutual aid fills some gaps, and paperwork from EMS and other calls creates additional workload. Board members discussed funding options and the prospect of a Proposition 2½ override to support long‑term staffing increases.
The Select Board did not take an immediate vote on a staffing appropriation during the meeting; the topic was discussed as part of budget planning and flagged for further work in capital and operating forecasts.
