Lanesborough Police Advisory Panel to Clarify Role
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Officials want to revise the long-standing Police Advisory Review Commission to clarify its role.
Police Chief Robert Derksen and standing Chair Aaron Williams spoke to the Select Board on Monday about the future of the panel, citing years of officials questioning its purpose.
"I'm not looking to dissolve the committee today, even after this conversation," Select Board member Michael Murphy said, adding that it is an opportunity to make revisions.
The five-member commission is tasked with coordinating with the chief for the search and interview process of law enforcement, making recommendations to the Select Board, and advising the board on issues relative to the department. The first iteration is said to date back to at least the 1970s.
The panel was formed at a town meeting but it appears it was never written into the bylaws. Town counsel will be contacted to weigh in on its legal standing and determine if further action is needed.
"I know in 2018 because I watched the video this morning that even [Select Board member Timothy Sorrell] when he was police chief questioned whether or not the committee still serves a purpose," Derksen said.
"They are a great group of people and they've been nothing but supportive since I've been here."
However, he reported that it is currently only an interviewing body and was formed with the intent to also monitor offer discipline, which is now handled by the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. The POST Commission also interviews officers who have not previously worked in the state.
Derkson reported that there have been "issues" related to a need for human resources training, such as members doing background investigations on applicants before the interview and risking a break of confidentiality.
The panel met once in 2023 and once this year.
"I would like to have either some level of training or non-disclosure agreements even signed by the committee members that they understand the things discussed are confidential," he said.
"It's not appropriate for committee members to launch their own background investigation. This is just an interview panel."
There are no official guidelines written for the committee concerning this process.
"It seems like the last three chiefs have questioned whether or not this committee is still necessary," Derksen said.
Sorrell, the former police chief, said it was good input from the community and avoided the feeling of "rubber stamping." He recognized that there aren't too many communities that have this type of panel and recommended making some guidelines.
"I kind of like the idea of keeping the committee going but maybe have some guidelines, maybe meet with the chief every so often, so he can update you on police procedure in the commonwealth or whatever," he said.
"So then you have a basis of knowledge rather than forming a committee at the last minute and throwing bodies on it to interview somebody."
"Frankly, I like the idea of a citizen's group playing a role," Murphy said, later adding that it is important "in this day and age."
It was agreed that the commission would come together and discuss a path forward. One member has resigned and another will be resigning at the end of the fiscal year, making attendance another topic of discussion.
"One purpose, I would like to serve is maybe in a support role for the police chief where he can maybe communicate his needs or his thoughts about the Police Department. Maybe we can kind of work with the selectmen or act as a liaison," Williams said.
In other news, the Senior Park Initiative plans to have a kickoff event on May 5 at Bridge Street Park.
Last year, resident Linda Pruyne started an initiative for the underutilized park, aiming to install a small gazebo for shade, a pickle ball court, and a Whiffle ball field. It was also designed with easy accessibility with paths, nearby parking, and handicap-accessible tables.
The proposal is of no cost to the town and is planned to be paid through fundraising.
"I'll be posting some information on Facebook to let people know what it's going to be and I hope we have a good attendance," Pruyne said.
