Possible Hinsdale-PD Merger with Dalton.

An Update on the possible Hinsdale/Dalton Police Department Merger (Oct. 14, 2022)

Municipal Resources, Inc., the consultants helping Hinsdale and Dalton explore a possible Police Department Merger, have issued their report (via this link and the Police Department's webpage ). Each Town's respective Select Board Chair, Police Chief, and Town Administrators met Wednesday afternoon via Zoom with the consultants to review and discuss the next steps.

I cannot stress how important it is that Hinsdale Community Members understand what the State's Police Reform Law, approved on Dec. 31, 2020, means for smaller Police Departments such as ours. Before you decide whether you are for or opposed to a merger, learn what is at stake. Between additional training, equipment, and the competition for fully-trained officers (read salaries), the challenges in sustaining a Police Department are significant.

Opportunities for Hinsdale Residents to discuss the way forward Hinsdale will need to decide by mid to late January about continuing to pursue a Police Department merger with Dalton or not. To get this matter to an ATM Vote in May, we will need to prepare and work out (at least some) of the details and an action plan. Therefore, I asked the MRI Consultants if they would be available for three or four small group sessions (35+/- people each) in which residents and Town Officials could discuss the pros and cons, and they agreed. Two sessions will be held on Oct. 27, and we are working together to find a couple of additional dates. Once we finalize the dates, times, and places these will take place, I will share the information and ask people to sign-up to attend a specific session -- that way. These do not have to be the only events, but it is t least a start. We can maximize the opportunities and have manageable conversations. Please watch the Town homepage ANNOUNCEMENTS for updates.

To further your understanding, I suggest reading the following documents:

http://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2020/Chapter253

http://www.mma.org/gov-baker-signs-police-reform-legislation/#:~:text=Charlie%20Baker%20signed%20legislation%20that,or%20promote%20only%20qualified%20applicants.

http://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-police-reform-legislation

http://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Adec44474-2ddc-4a74-aab5-b575db51bdf8&viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover

http://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/local/small-departments-feel-pinch-of-training-requirement-in-police-reform/article_621330b6-cadc-11eb-885c-db9b80cbb3b2.html

http://www.gazettenet.com/Small-town-police-departments-prepare-for-financial-burden-of-police-reform-bill-43626606

http://www.westernmassnews.com/2022/09/21/getting-answers-impact-massachusetts-police-reform-bill/

This is a significant decision for both Towns. Thank you in advance for not leaping to conclusions about a merger.

Robert D. Graves

Town Administrator

39 South Street

Hinsdale, MA 01235