Town of Dunstable, MA

In this month's article, I will discuss the Police Departments primary mission. The Dunstable Police Department consists of highly trained and motivated police professionals with a variety of experience and skills. The primary purpose of all Dunstable police officials is to protect and serve the residents of Dunstable as outlined in our mission statement.

The specific purpose of the Dunstable Police Department can be categorized into four different areas of purpose: 1) Emergency calls for service, 2) Non Emergency calls for service 3) Investigation 4) Community Policing-Problem Solving

Clearly, emergency calls for service remain paramount and are prioritized. Dunstable Police officers are often first on the scene to render medical attention to sick or injured persons. Additionally, officers receive nearly one thousand nine hundred and seventy Six (1,976 emergency 9-1-1 calls for service each year. The types of emergency calls vary and consist of domestic disturbances, assault and other property related crimes. Any immediate threat to persons or property receives an immediate police response.

Although non-emergency calls for service do not pose and immediate threat to life or person, police officers must often expedite their response. A situation that poses no immediate threat could easily escalate to a heightened level of immediate danger. Officers often respond to verbal disputes that could easily develop into a physical confrontation. Suspicious activity may be an indicator of a potential residential burglary. Because of this concern, officers continue to evaluate and expedite their response to these calls. Non-Emergency calls number several thousand calls each year.

Police investigation remains an integral part of the police department operations. The police Department is involved in daily field and/or criminal investigations. Proactive police investigation can often enhance police effectiveness and deter future crime. Identity theft and internet sexual predators have added to officers investigative workloads. Today's officer must maintain specific investigative expertise and familiarity with court procedure.

Community policing and problem oriented policing are contemporary policing strategies that allow the police department to proactively focus on issues affecting quality of life issues important to the community. Officers continue to deter speeding and burglary by targeting high traffic areas and potential accident locations. Clearly, a reduction in car accidents reduces the costs of human suffering and may also contribute to a reduction in car insurance premiums.

Other problem-oriented community policing strategies involve officers educating residents concerning the risks of property crimes, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Officers continue to dedicate time and resources to partner with a variety of criminal justice disciplines and social agencies in order to seek long term solutions. In addition officers, dedicate significant amounts of time and resources in developing criminal intelligence and implementing strategies to deter residential burglary. Officers continue to closely monitor the activities and behaviors of suspected burglars in order to deter crime.

Although the Police Department's mission can be separated into four purpose areas, please continue to remember that our success in combating crime and enhancing quality of life concerns continues to remain contingent upon our partnership to work together.

As a final note, the Police Department will continue bus stop safety checks this school year. Parents may call the Police department to arrange an appointment to have an officer visit the bus stop. We wish all a safe and happy new school year.

Until next time!

Emergency 9-1-1, Business 978 649 7445

James G. Downes III
Chief of Police