Select Board launches review of Police Dept. operations

The Canton Select Board on Tuesday announced two reviews of the Canton Police Department’s operations — one that will examine the department’s policies and procedures, and another consisting of an audit of the CPD evidence room.

Both reviews have been the subject of numerous resident requests at Select Board meetings following the death of former Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe.

Reading a statement at the outset of Tuesday’s meeting, board member and Clerk Mike Loughran said, “We have heard the individual concerns of our residents. We agree and we have conveyed to our police chief that a thorough and holistic administrative review of the policies and procedures of the Canton Police Department is appropriate, and at our direction, the town administrator (Charles Doody) has begun the process of researching national firms that have the capacity to conduct this work.”

Loughran said the board has received the results of an audit of the Canton Police Department evidence room, and the Mass. Police Accreditation Commission will conduct a detailed third-party assessment of the department in March 2024. The board has directed Police Chief Helena Rafferty to release the reports without delay.

Loughran said legal counsel has advised the board not to address the John O’Keefe case, but the board wanted to make the following public announcement to residents:

“The vitriol and anger that this issue has raised is hurting our community and it is casting a shadow over any semblance of community spirit. Neighbor accuses neighbor. Our public meetings have been attended by news crews and protestors. We need to come together as a community and allow the court process to see through to the end. The Canton Select Board has nothing to do with the ongoing criminal case. Our silence on this matter thus far is no indication of our feelings or opinions. It is merely a reflection of what we have been advised by counsel and by our district attorney — we cannot comment on any aspect of an ongoing criminal case. It would be inappropriate, and it may subject the town of Canton to legal liability.”

In other news, the board resumed the public comment portion of its meetings following a temporary postponement that took effect last month. Three residents who have regularly spoken out about board accountability reported that they have received anonymous letters of intimidation concerning their public viewpoints …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Oct 27 2023. Filed under News, Police & Fire, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.