Greetings from the Chief of Police
Now that a large portion of the winter is behind us, I know many of you are looking forward to spring, as I am. Even during the "off season," the Police Department is busy with its normal work load, special programs, hiring new officers, and preparing for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. This month I will speak with you about hiring new officers, police cruisers, and the multi-use ATV. Next month we’ll discuss leadership and also the School Zone.
New Police Officers
The Police Department recently formed a panel to screen and select new officers. This process, led by Sgt. Craig Danziger combined the expertise of Officers Holway, DeAngelo, and Valli; Tele-communicator Wheeler; Board of Selectmen Chair Curtis Hartman; and one of our residents, Ms Rebecca Bruyn. They worked as a team to comb through all the initial applications, develop a pool of applicants to interview, and then conduct the interviews over a period of two days. The successful candidates were then forwarded to me for my interviews. During the week of February 27th, the last two interviews will occur; and then two names will be presented to the Board of Selectmen for Conditional Letters of Appointment, based upon successful completion of all pre-screening steps. Both candidates also must complete the Police Academy as soon afterward as is possible.
It is especially important to have members of the community participate in this process. This allows citizens to see behind the face of the Department, and our employees to get to know more about the community and its people. It’s a win-win situation. I wish to thank both Mr. Hartman and Ms. Bruyn for taking the time to participate in this process.
Police Cruisers
When I was appointed as your Chief of Police I decided to continue driving a regular police car. It’s fully equipped with all the radios, blue lights, traffic radar, medical, and police gear. This includes a prisoner transport cage so that when I’m out of the office, I’m able to support fully the officers on the street – including my being able to transport an arrestee to the station. Additionally, if I’m off duty or on a vacation period, someone else can use the car, if needed. It makes sense to have our Detective use an unmarked vehicle, and so will the Lieutenant. The difference: now our Lieutenant’s car, even though it's unmarked, also will have all the police equipment, which includes the transport cage.
After last year’s Annual Town Meeting the Department was appropriated $35,000, and ultimately a Dodge Charger Police Cruiser was purchased. Unfortunately it was totaled; and, since, we have received the insurance funds to replace it, minus the $1,000 deductible. At the upcoming Annual Town Meeting we will need to approve the release of that insurance money in order to replace the car. In addition to this, we are planning to purchase this year's cruiser ($35,000 minus the trade-ins) and turn in other cars in the fleet, which are older, use too much fuel, and are worn out.
Further, we are going to count the leased motorcycle as one of our patrol vehicles. Even though we can’t transport an arrestee on it, we are able to patrol with it for an entire shift. It also carries police and medical equipment, so we will count it as a patrol vehicle.
The end result is to buy 2 and get rid of 4 vehicles, thereby reducing the fleet to 8 cruisers and the motorcycle for a total of 9 vehicles. This will allow us to manage better the fleet and reduce our maintenance costs. Each year the cruiser maintenance officer Sergeant David Silvia and I will evaluate the number and type of vehicles to ensure the fleet meets the Department’s needs.
I ask that you support this plan and fund both vehicles.
Multi-Use All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
The Police, Fire, and Beach Departments have experienced emergencies on our beaches and in remote locations not easily accessible by traditional vehicles. For example, we are experiencing medical calls on the beaches and need to transport Paramedics and their gear down to a patient and then transport the patient back to the parking lot and waiting ambulance. Currently it's necessary to hand carry the gear to the patient and hand carry that patient back (sometimes hooked up to medical support equipment,) or wait for a 4-wheel drive vehicle, losing critical time.
We are asking the town to fund a Multi-Use ATV that would be kept at the Public Safety Facility on a trailer. When a call comes in (Police or Fire,) the Police 4-wheel drive or the Fire Department's pickup truck responds at the same time as the Paramedics or Police. The rig will have the ability to carry all the equipment and personnel to the scene at the same time and to return with the stretcher secured on the rig, no matter where in town the incident occurs.
The vehicle will cost approximately $22,800. The requisition will be submitted jointly by the Police, Fire, and Beach departments. I ask that you support this purchase, also. My information is below and I’m interested in hearing your thoughts.
Ride-along Program
As always, our ride-along program is still available. It’s a great way to gain some insight into the police profession and, specifically, policing here in Truro. If you're interested in riding with a Police Officer, please stop by or give us a call at 508-487-8730. Also, please check our website, which is updated frequently at www.truropolice.org.
Kyle Takakjian
Chief of Police
Truro Police Department
344 Rte 6, PO Box 995, Truro MA 02666
508-487-8730 Fax 508-487-8736
takakjian@truropolice.org
See www.truropolice.org for weekly logs, press releases, and other useful information.
