Town of Dunstable, MA

While meeting the ever increasing challenges to sustain needed public safety resources, the Police Department continues to implement innovative and cost saving business approaches. The Police Department remains committed in obtaining the most out of each tax dollar. Currently, the Police Department procures many of its large capital resources (e.g. cruisers) through a cooperative bidding process. This process allows the Police Department to take full advantage of the competitive bidding process. The Police Department shares in this partnership with the Plymouth County Sheriff Department. Although public procurement procedures may not always be expedient or convenient, this strategy allows the Department to obtain a lower than market price.

In addition, the Police Department continues to realize a discount savings through the bulk purchases of police department supplies. Many of the police station bulk supplies are purchased bi-annually, thus providing an overall savings to the town.

In order to maximize savings during police training, the Police Department employs the expertise of in-house trainers with specialized skills who train and re-certify Dunstable officers. This initiative provides in-house expertise while avoiding costly outside tuition fees. Additionally, the Dunstable Police Department has entered into a (cost free) partnership with the Massachusetts State Police to provide distance learning via computer to all officers. This approach eliminates transportation costs and minimizes police overtime costs. Officers receive regular distance learning on a variety of policing subjects.

Regional training programs reduce overall training costs. The Dunstable Police Department continues to share the costs of a mandatory in-service training program provided through the Lowell Police Academy. This regional training program significantly reduces the individual costs of training each officer. This annual weekly training program allows offers to receive legal update training and first responder re-certification as required by state law.

In closing, the police department will continue to keep readers informed in matters concerning the business operations of the police department. With no easy answers ahead, it is important to provide readers a complete understanding of the business complexity associated with providing a basic level of quality services.

Wishing all well, until next time!

James G. Downes III
Chief of Police