Elizabeth Freeman Center Relocates

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) has moved its main office from 43 Francis Ave. to 66 Allen St. in the center of Pittsfield.
 
Its satellite offices at 168 Main St. in Great Barrington and 61 Main St. in North Adams will continue to operate as normal.
 
This move addresses challenges posed by the current office, which no longer has the capacity to address the growing needs of survivors and the community. After months of searching for solutions, Elizabeth Freeman center completed the purchase of the building, made possible by a mortgage from Lee Bank, on August 19th, 2024.
 
"We are thrilled to take this step forward in our mission to serve survivors," said Divya Chaturvedi, the new Executive Director of EFC.
 
EFC is the primary domestic violence program and rape crisis center for Berkshire County. The organization has staff sited in four county courts, two police stations, Berkshire County Kids' Place, and Berkshire Pride, as well as a safe shelter. EFC serves over 4,000 survivors and their families every year and provides violence prevention/sex education to approximately 600 youth in Berkshire County schools. 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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