As the nation grapples with COVID-19, it’s important to remember that social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation, especially for those of us in recovery from addiction, who rely on supportive networks as part of our healing.

To help support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, Addiction Policy Forum has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the Connections App, a free smartphone app that is scientifically proven to support patients in recovery by reducing relapse and promoting pro-social engagement.

https://www.addictionpolicy.org/connections-app

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and in keeping with the Governor’s social distancing guidelines, the Townsend Police Department is making some additional changes to our daily operations and services that we provide.

• Fingerprinting services are temporarily suspended.
• New and renewal firearms license applications should be mailed to the department attention “Firearms Licensing.” Applications can be found online here:
  https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license. The in-person portion of the licensing process including interviews, fingerprinting and photographing is suspended. Licensees who apply for a renewal prior to the expiration of their license (and who get a receipt acknowledging so), will remain valid until such time as the agency approves or denies the license. Additional questions regarding the LTC/FID process should be directed to Lt. Mark Giancotti (978) 597-6214 ext. 1506.
• Records requests should be made via email to kclark@townsendpd.org or by telephone 978-597-6214 ext. 1501.
• We ask that citizens refrain from delivering food items to the department. While we greatly appreciate the sentiment and support, it is imprudent to accept food at this time.
• The administration of the Townsend Police Department will remain available to meet with citizens by appointment only. Please call to schedule an appointment.

While not necessarily in keeping with the Townsend Police Department’s customary approach to citizen relations, these changes are necessary in light of the public health emergency we are facing. We understand the inconvenience that these changes may cause and hope to return business as usual as soon safely possible.

Respectfully,

James Sartell
Interim Chief of Police

The Townsend Police Department continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in collaboration with state and local emergency management agencies. This message is intended to provide you with information on the Townsend Police Department’s efforts to safeguard our employees from the impact of COVID-19 as we continue our mission to deliver effective and efficient police services to the community we serve.

As you are aware, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak. While there is no reason to think that Townsend is at any higher risk than other cities and towns, the Town’s governing body and public safety agencies have taken steps in an effort to provide for the health and safety of our employees and the Townsend community. As such, we will continue to encourage good hygiene practices including washing hands and limiting person-to person contact. We will continue to advise community members that have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing to stay away from others, practice social distancing, and to contact their medical provider if needed. We will work with our community partners to meet the needs of at-risk populations to reduce risk within their environments.

We are monitoring this public health emergency and will adjust agency protocols accordingly. Effective today, March 16th, we have changed the call procedure for officers allowing them to take reports and gather information from reporting parties telephonically. This does not mean that officers will not respond to calls that require an immediate response, such as motor vehicle accidents, crimes, or incidents that present an imminent and/or immediate threat to safety. Residents are asked to contact the police as you normally would.

We want to do our best, in partnership with you, to reduce the risks of COVID-19, by safeguarding our employees from any unnecessary exposure. We have provided information about the virus to our employees as well as information on how to mitigate risk of exposure to them and their families. An internal reporting process has been put in place in the event an employee is exposed to, or exhibits symptoms of the virus as well.

As this public health emergency evolves, we will adjust our practices to best protect our employees while continuing to deliver safe and effective police services. The health and safety of our employees, as well as the health, safety, and well-being of our fellow citizens are, and will remain, our number one priorities.

Respectfully,

James Sartell
Interim Chief of Police