Letter from Chief of Police to Residents

On June 1, 2020, Police Chief Nelson issued the following letter to all residents of the Town of Bolton:

To all residents of the Town of Bolton,

I, as your Police Chief, along with all of the women and men at the Bolton Police Department strongly condemn the actions of the Minneapolis Police Officers involved in the death of George Floyd.

Every Bolton Officer is accountable to our mission statement which I strongly uphold;

The mission of the Bolton Police Department is to forge a working partnership with all persons within the Town of Bolton, regardless of age, race, sex, religious or ethnic backgrounds.  Through mutual respect and understanding we will solve problems in an effort to promote a better standard of living throughout the community.  By embracing both the traditional values and innovative spirit that makes Bolton unique, we will reduce fear, control crime, and enhance the quality of life within the community.

On behalf of the entire Bolton Police Department, I would like to personally express our support for the message below from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police.

"The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, representing Police Chiefs in all 351 cities and towns and most college campuses has also denounced the egregious actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department, whether by action or inaction, that resulted in the death of George Floyd on May 25. Massachusetts Police Officers have thoroughly embraced the six pillars of the principles embodied in the final report of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing and remain committed to professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people."

Six Pillars Framework

1.   Building Trust and Legitimacy

2.  Policy and Oversight

3.  Technology and Social Media

4.  Community Policing and Crime Reduction

5.  Training and Education

6.  Officer Safety and Wellness

Your police department is committed to community policing that is fair and just not only to the residents of the Town of Bolton, but to all people.

Sincerely,

Warren E. Nelson, Jr.

Chief of Police