Select Board approves DOJ COPS hiring grant to add one patrol position

The Westborough Select Board on Nov. 4 approved acceptance of a Department of Justice COPS hiring grant that will fund one new patrol position through a three‑year federal reimbursement structure.

Police Chief Todd Menardi and Lieutenant Shipwright said the competitive program supports community‑oriented policing and noted a partnership with the nonprofit Movement Forward that helped the town’s application. "This is a nationwide competitive grant program, and, I'm just really super excited that we were we were chosen," Menardi said.

Lieutenant Shipwright explained the grant finances: it provides up to 75% of approved entry‑level salary and fringe benefits for a new full‑time officer for up to 36 months, with a required minimum 25% local match and a federal cap of $125,000 per covered position. He added that Westborough was awarded the full $125,000 for the single position and that the town must retain the position for 12 months after the federal funding ends.

Staff said FY26 savings from two vacant positions would cover the local match in year one and that the department will phase the full cost into future budgets before the grant sunsets. The board voted 5‑0 to accept the grant and amend the classification plan to add the patrol position.

The police department described anticipated benefits including expanded community engagement, improved data‑driven policing and strengthened recruitment and retention, while the board asked for clarity on reimbursement timing and the contractual obligations associated with federal disbursements.