Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Law Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Acton board discusses local police options after Rollingsford visit
Summary
Select Board members said a local police force would be costly and requires planning; they asked staff to gather detailed staffing and equipment needs and to review Wakefield and Rollingsford comparisons before making decisions.
The Town of Acton Select Board discussed options for local law enforcement at its Aug. 14 meeting after members met with officials in Rollingsford to view that town's staffing and operations.
Dan Norwood, Select Board member, summarized the Rollingsford visit and said the exercise was "eye opening," noting the unexpected costs and logistics involved in creating a local police force — from staffing levels, vehicles and equipment to body cameras, holding facilities and supply needs. Norwood said the town needs to find out what it would take to support a full-time sheriff or police complement rather than make assumptions.
Ed Walsh, Select Board member, and others said comparison with Wakefield should also be considered. Jon Denekamp, Select Board member, suggested that while a full local force may not be necessary immediately, planning now would help the town prepare if contract deputy coverage becomes unreliable.
Resident Joyce Bakshi asked whether crimes per capita and the seriousness of incidents would justify the expense of forming a police force. Board members said current contracted coverage is roughly 20 hours per week and that the board's intent is to plan for contingencies, not to act hastily.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting but directed staff and liaisons to collect more information, including comparative data from Rollingsford and Wakefield and estimates of staffing and equipment needs.
