It is believed that this will not stifle the ideas or discussions that take place. Advisory board member John Reed of Hyannis, known for his work with the town's youth, said that it's about time something like the advisory board happened. He is optimistic about the opportunity to meet directly with the chief and the senior administration, but also about the make up of the committee. We all don't come from the same background and interests. Jack Thomas of Cotuit, who served on the Barnstable Police Department in the early '80s, also serves on the board, which has already met several times.
All communities can qualify if their numbers warrant it.
In Massachusetts, Barnstable is number 13 for these statistics, behind such luminaries as Boston, Springfield, Worcester and Brockton. One hope of lowering those numbers is by involving the community in the department, and the department with the community. The idea is that when there's a relationship or partnership with the department and the community it serves, problems are caught sooners, and, even better, prevented.