Published: 4/18/2021 5:00:07 PM
Modified: 4/18/2021 5:00:03 PM
WENDELL — Having entered an inter-municipal agreement with Leverett last year for that town to provide its policing services, Wendell officials have applied for up to $120,000 in state funding to support using its Police Station at 4 Center St. as a substation for Leverett officers.
After the new policing arrangement began, Leverett Police Chief Scott Minckler said he and Officer William Campbell started cleaning out the Wendell Police Station. Inventory was taken and all police evidence in the building was brought to the Leverett Public Safety Complex at 90 Montague Road. Other items were thrown away, recycled or put in storage.
Wendell Selectboard Chair Dan Keller said the potential grant funding would come from the state Division of Local Services. He said Leverett’s officers “spend a fair amount of time” at 4 Center St., which can be used as “a little substation” where officers can park their cruisers, use a restroom, go inside to warm up, use a computer and complete other tasks.
At a Selectboard meeting last week, Keller said applying for the grant has been exciting, and he recently learned the money can be used for capital improvements.
“So, we’ll see what happens,” he said.
Keller said he believes the agreement with Leverett has worked incredibly well so far. He said Leverett officers complement Wendell, and residents have described the officers as friendly and helpful.
According to Minckler, the two towns are hammering out a long-term contract as they sit in the middle of a short-term one that runs through June 30.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-772-0261, ext. 262.