Community Services Bureau

The Newton Police Department’s Community Services Bureau (CSB) is responsible for investigating many activities that occur within the city. The CSB investigates all bias- related incidents (hate crimes/hate incidents) and all juvenile-related issues and crimes. We also act as the media liaison for the Department.

One of the most sensitive areas of investigation involves the bias-related incidents. Hate has permeated history and has no boundaries. It can be found in every town, city, state, region and country. Newton is not exempt. Persons have a right under the constitutions of both the United States and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts not to be interfered with, intimidated, threatened, victimized or oppressed. Citizens should not have their personal freedoms infringed upon because of who they are. The CSB investigates thoroughly every bias-related incident that is brought to our attention. We work very closely with both the Newton Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Defamation League. These partnerships ensure that victims receive the most help possible.

The CSB is also responsible for the investigation of juvenile issues. The Newton Police Youth Officers work very closely with the Newton public and private schools. Our officers can be found throughout the year assisting the schools with any problems that may arise. Additionally, our youth officers maintain an excellent rapport with many different private and public organizations. One of these partnerships involves the Newton Youth Interagency Task Force. These relationships help facilitate outreach to the youths of this city. Our goal is prevention and intervention. There are occasions when enforcement and criminal prosecution of a juvenile are necessary, but these occasions are the exception and not the rule. The CSB has a close working relationship with the juvenile probation officer. This relationship has proved fruitful not only for the child but for the community as well.

For five weeks in the summer, the CSB runs the “Cops and Kids” Program. Each week 25 different kids spend time with officers from this department. This program builds a level of understanding and trust with those involved and forges friendships between the police and children.

Finally, as the Department’s media liaison, the CSB provides necessary information to keep the public informed. Those who have been arrested will have their names released to the media and those who have criminal complaints taken out against them will not. Other pertinent information and Press Releases that can be potentially helpful to the community will be released.