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Resident raises questions about police staffing and suspicious deaths; board defers to law enforcement
Summary
A member of the public asked detailed questions about Northfield Police staffing, mutual‑aid procedures and who investigates suspicious deaths; the board said the chief and the district attorney determine investigative jurisdiction and urged the resident to follow up directly with the chief for operational details.
During public participation Matthew Lewis asked the select board about police staffing levels, investigative authority for suspicious deaths and whether Northfield would request independent state or federal investigations if local resources were insufficient.
Town leaders said Northfield’s police department has vacancies and a mix of full‑time and part‑time officers and that mutual‑aid and the state police support investigations beyond local capacity. The chair and town manager repeatedly deferred operational detail to Police Chief Pierre Gomez, who was not on the call, and suggested Lewis schedule a meeting with the chief to review procedures and certifications for death‑scene investigations.
When pressed about two earlier suspicious deaths and whether the board would support escalated outside investigations, board members said they would follow the district attorney’s protocols and would support any investigation ordered by the state or the attorney’s office. Members said the select board does not direct criminal investigations and is not in a position to comment in ongoing cases.
Several members urged caution about discussing investigative details in a public meeting and encouraged the resident to contact the chief or town manager for further information. The board offered to provide contact information and follow up through the manager’s office.
