Pittsfield Asks for Info on Vandalism, Ransacking in Parks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is asking that community members report suspicious activity after two parks were vandalized and ransacked.

On Friday, it was reported that Clapp Park, located on West Housatonic Street, and the Common on First Street experienced recent acts of vandalism that included destruction of the bathroom fixtures and the control room.

Copper was taken from both locations. The metal is commonly stolen and sold for profit.

"Both parks are vital resources to our community. We are devastated that this activity has taken place and are going to try our best to have things repaired in time for spring," the city posted on its Facebook page.

"However, we have a lot of work ahead to have bathroom facilities and splash pads available in these two locations."


The post included pictures of what appear to be control rooms with broken pipes and other materials scattered on the ground.

"We now must purchase, repair, and install new doors, locks, toilets, sinks, dispensers, and mirrors," it reads.

"In addition, we need to obtain replacement parts and piping to properly operate the bathrooms and splash pads."

Both parks have bathroom facilities and splash pads, which are recreation areas that spray water on users during the warm months.

The city asked that if members of the public have seen any suspicious activity in either park recently to report it to the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700.

Additional updates will be shared closer to the spring season.


Tags: vandalism,   

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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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