2011 Town Report - Town of Ludlow

and Officer Whitney and canine Rocky continue to support patrol traffic stops, building checks, warrant services,along with assisting outside services upon request.DEPARTMENTThe Ludlow Police Department ended the 2011 year with 11,403 logged requests for service. Of these requests1,304 involved investigations/incidents, 534 reportable motor vehicle accidents and 481 involved arrests. Alsologged in to the department were 157 destruction of property offenses, 71 burglaries/breaking and enterings, 62simple assault and batteries, 43 intimidation offenses, 115 larcenies, 40 thefts from a motor vehicle, 14forgery/counterfeit crimes, 39 narcotic/drug offenses, 15 disorderly conducts, 37 operating under the influence, 13liquor law violations, 17 motor vehicle thefts, 17 identity frauds and 9 trespassing violations.The Police Department Detective Bureau, recognizing the extent to which illegal drugs have affected ourcommunity, has placed an emphasis on drug investigations over the last year. As a result of the efforts of officersassigned to drug related investigations, drug related arrests have increased by 70% over the previous year.Investigations are initiated based on information received from a variety of sources including street officers,community members, confidential informants and other law enforcement agencies.The primary objective is to conduct investigations with the purpose of arresting drug dealers and seizing assetsacquired through illegal means. The primary focus of the enforcement effort is directed towards mid-level drugdealers. However, investigations range from arresting street level dealers, to those engaged in trafficking quantities.Officers have seen success in prosecutions and last year seized thousands of dollars and a motor vehicle.In addition to his duties as second in command, Lieutenant Paul Madera secured $60,816.00 in grant money for theLudlow Police Department. The 2011 State 911 Grant Award totaled $44,230.00 and the Federal and Statereimbursement for Bullet Proof Vests totaled $16,586.00. Thanks go out to him for all his hard work preparing andsecuring these funds for the Department.Fees collected by the Police Department during the 2011 year are as follows:Photocopies $ 3,255.00Administrative fees 28,731.99Firearm permits 6,450.00Court Fines 6,260.00RMV violations 28,118.00$ 72,714.99 TOTAL FEESI would like to thank the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee for their support during the budget processwhich allowed us to have such a successful year.As always, I’d like to acknowledge and thank all officers and civilian personnel for their dedicated service and teamwork in providing professional and proficient police service to the community.Respectfully submitted,James J. McGowanChief of PoliceSAFETY COMMITTEEThe committee meets on the second Thursday of the month, at Town Hall, to review requests for Class I, II, and IIIlicenses, sites plans, and special permits. This committee also reviews requests submitted by residents for signs,traffic lights and other traffic issues which they feel are of concern. The Safety Committee in turn makes arecommendation to the Board of Selectmen for further action. Members will sometimes make a request that thoseapplicants applying for licenses, special permits, and/or site plan approvals, appear before the Safety Committee in86