Internal Affairs


There is no alternative to honesty and integrity. Our society demands total compliance to law and its equal application to all citizens by its enforcement agencies. It is with these thoughts in mind that the Internal Affairs Bureau was established. We must objectively evaluate public complaints and, if warranted, take proper corrective measures. We must also guarantee the right of our personnel to a fair and impartial investigation of the complaints that may be made against them. We must maintain at all times a level of acceptable conduct for members of this Department. The very existence of the Internal Affairs Bureau should increase the confidence of the public not only in our ability to perform our required duties, but also to govern and regulate ourselves.

Our willingness to govern ourselves diminishes public demand to have our Department policed by other means. To be consistent with the required high level of acceptable conduct, we must openly submit to and encourage internal security.

In order to meet these objectives it shall be the Department's policy to investigate all complaints received from citizens or other sources that allege misconduct by Department personnel, or complaints against the Department itself or its policies.

  • Protect the Public: The public has a right to expect efficient, fair and impartial law enforcement. Any misconduct by Department personnel must be detected, thoroughly investigated and properly adjudicated to assure the maintenance of these qualities.
  • Protection of the Department: The Department is often evaluated and judged by individual members. It is imperative that the entire organization not be subjected to public censure because of misconduct by a few of its personnel. When an informed public knows that its Police Department honestly and fairly investigates and adjudicates all allegations against its members, this public will be less likely to feel any need to raise a cry of indignation over alleged incidents of misconduct.
  • Protection of the Employees: Employees must be protected against false allegations of misconduct. Although being the focus of an investigation may be an unpleasant or uncomfortable position, the best protection for any employee who has actually done nothing wrong is a complete and thorough investigation, conducted in a timely manner that clearly and unequivocally supports the employee’s honesty or integrity.

Items of Interest


•License to Carry Firearms A or B Eligibility
   • FIrearms Identfication Card Class C
     • FIrearms Identfication Card for Mace or Pepper Spray Class D
     • Link to Massachusetts Firearms Applications
•Citizen's Guide to Complaints