Pittsfield Citizen Police Academy Fall 2024

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Police Department announced the fall session of the 2024 Citizen Police Academy. 
 
The academy provides an opportunity for individuals to gain a better understanding of department operations and issues and topics effecting modern day policing.
 
The department is seeking interested citizens, volunteers, community-policing partners, local business leaders, and educators to apply for this exciting opportunity. Class size will be capped at 25 participants.
 
Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM starting Sept. 25, 2024 through Nov. 20, 2024. The first class will be at the Police Department at 39 Allen St. All subsequent classes will be held at Berkshire Community College at 1350 West St.
 
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and live or work in the City of Pittsfield.  All applicants will be subject to a criminal history background check, as some prior criminal offenses may be disqualifying.
 
Interested applicants should contact Sgt. Shaun Gariepy, via email at sgariepy@cityofpittsfield.org or phone at 413-448-9700 extension 550 with any questions, or to obtain an application materials.  Applications can also be picked up at the front lobby of the police station. Applications can be returned via email or to the lobby window at the Pittsfield Police Department.
 
The Deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
 
Those not selected for the current session will be placed on an eligibility list to attend a future session.

Tags: citizens academy,   police,   

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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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