By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Chief of Police Mark Leonard assured Marlborough Rotarians that the city is safe and well-protected by a dedicated, well-trained team of 65 police officers.
“We are fully able to handle all situations that occur. We are also part of a regional SWAT team,” he said in his presentation at the club’s July 28 meeting.
In response to a question on “bothering” the police if there is a suspicious occurrence, he said, “When in doubt, bother us. If you see something questionable happening – a suspicious person – and you hesitate, it could be far more serious.”
In keeping with the Police Department’s mission statement – “Ensuring public safety through a combination of education and law enforcement efforts in partnership with the community” – a safety program has been initiated in local schools.
ALICE – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate – is an enhanced lockdown procedure that allows for several safe options, depending on the situation.
“We have rolled out the ALICE protocols in the high school, [1Lt. Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School] and the Assabet Valley [Regional Technical] High School,” said Leonard.
In educating and helping the community with the effects of the opioid crisis, the chief and his staff are cooperating on a program with the Hudson Police force.
“We are looking into replicating something that East Bridgewater does, a program where twice a month a meeting is set up as an open house – a drop-in style meeting with various recovery groups, clinicians, Narcan educators, and people in recovery who offer information and assistance to those suffering from addiction and their family members,” he said.
He asked Rotarians and all residents to bring all expired medication to the kiosk in the lobby of the Police Station, 355 Bolton St.
“Getting rid of old medication safely is important,” he said.
The department is also taking into consideration recent violence against police officers.
“After the incidents in Ferguson, Missouri and the Dallas shootings, I have spoken with Reverend Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd, senior pastor of the Greater Framingham Community Church. Together we are attempting to engage more with minorities and members of the black community to build trust and respect,” the chief said.
Rick Bennett, president and CEO of the Marlborough Savings Bank, introduced Leonard, stating that the chief joined the Marlborough Police Department in 1985 as a patrolman working the evening and midnight shifts. He was promoted to sergeant, working all patrol shifts, and then became supervisor of the Traffic Enforcement Unit. He was promoted to captain, in charge of various divisions within the department, and in 2001 he was promoted to chief. Leonard attended the FBI National Academy in 1997, has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Worcester State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University.
