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police

Police log for Jan. 1–7, 2021

January 14, 2021

January 1

Carroll School, Baker Bridge Road (10:25 a.m.) — Officer found a door was open and secured it.

Concord-Carlisle High School, Concord (3:19 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in looking for a party in the area of the high school who was involved in a burglary.

Beaver Pond Road (3:46 p.m.) — Fire Department responded for a report of a water main break.

Battle Road Farm (8:29 p.m.) — Resident reported their neighbor was causing a disturbance by banging on the common wall between residences. Police contacted the neighbor and asked them to stop banging.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (10:19 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in locating a green pickup truck that was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Route 2 near Emerson Hospital. Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate.

January 2

Conant Road (2:00 p.m.) — A family member requested a well-being check on the resident. Contact was made and everything is fine; they will follow up with the caller.

Hanscom Drive (5:23 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported a motorcycle crash. A Lincoln officer located the party who dropped the motorcycle. No injuries, minor damage to the motorcycle.

January 3

Concord Road (9:55 a.m.) — Caller reported a party walking on the railroad tracks. MBTA tower notified; officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

Birchwood Lane (12:11 p.m.) — Resident turned in a box of ammunition they found and would like to have destroyed.

Concord Road (4:36 p.m.) — Complaint of car illegally parked near Walden Pond. Parking ticket issued.

Blackburnian Road (4:38 p.m.) — Caller reported a suspicious package along the side of the road. Officer responded and found it to be a cement casing, which was removed.

North Great Road (8:37 p.m.) — MassDOT reported a person walking on the roadway and were concerned about them being struck. Officer located the party and brought him to the train station.

Beaver Pond Road 10:00 p.m.) — Caller reported a party over age 12 walked out of the house after being upset. Officer located the party walking back to the residence; everything was fine.

January 4

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (12:00 p.m.) — Caller reported a vehicle pulled to the side of the roadway with someone on their hands and knees outside the car. Officer checked the area but the car was gone on arrival.

January 5

Lincoln Road (1:40 p.m.) — A Town Hall employee requested a well-being check on a man outside. Officers checked on the party, who was found to have been missing from Watertown for several days. State police had issued a Silver Alert on man. Watertown police were contacted and the officer brought the individual back to his residence in Watertown.

Lincoln Road (2:01 p.m.) — Party reported finding a golden retriever with tags with illegible numbers. The Animal Control Officer came to take the dog.

Old Concord Road (3:58 p.m.) — The owner of the golden retriever called to report it missing. Animal Control contacted the owner and returned the dog.

Bedford Road (4:05 p.m.) — Fire Department assisted a party with a vehicle lockout.

January 6

South Great Road (1:58 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the parking lot. The party had pulled over to rest and said they will be on their way shortly.

Moccasin Hill (11:23 a.m.) — Caller reported an outside odor of natural gas. Fire Department reported a slight odor; National Grid was contacted to respond.

January 7

Tabor Hill Road (4:36 p.m.) — Caller reported a chimney fire. Fire Department responded along with Concord firefighters. The fire was extinguished shortly after arrival.

Farrar Road (4:44 p.m.) — Caller reported driving by a house on Farrar Road with fire coming from the second floor. Wayland and Concord Fire Department also responded but found no fire; it was the reflection from a lantern.

Category: news, police

Anonymous emails were leaked by Burney’s daughter, police say

January 12, 2021

Jennifer Burney in 2016.

After an investigation that included subpoenas to internet service providers, Lincoln police concluded that the adult daughter of a former town official was the one who sent emails that leaked her mother’s formal complaint against the town.

Former Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney filed a complaint in September accusing Town Administrator Tim Higgins and former Assistant Town Administrator Mary Day of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. Burney alleged that Higgins and Day had thwarted her efforts to secure time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act and then working remotely so she could care for a family member under 18.

Her complaint, which was not public record, was leaked to LincolnTalk and the Lincoln Squirrel in separate emails from two different fictional email addresses. The LincolnTalk email was spoofed to appear as though it came from someone named “Debra French.” Police determined that a real Lincoln resident named Deborah French had nothing to do with it and subsequently opened an investigation into possible identity fraud and harassment.

In November, the town closed its own investigation into Higgins’s conduct after an independent investigator found that there were no facts to support any of the allegations made against him.

Lincoln police, via the district attorney’s office, issued subpoenas to Comcast and Cox Communications, an internet/cable service provider in Rhode Island, to identify the IP address of the computer that sent the anonymous emails. It transpired that the sender’s home address was that of Tara Atwood, 37, of Newport, R.I. who is Burney’s daughter, according to Chief of Police Kevin Kennedy.

Atwood has confessed to sending the emails, Kennedy said. Debra French was a “fictitious name she came up with… She was appalled that she caused this woman [Deborah French] any distress over it — that was clearly not her intention.” Atwood was not charged with a crime for using French’s name because she did not obtain anything of value by doing so, he said.

To be charged with criminal harassment, a person must commit three separate episodes of harassment against the victim, and Atwood did not do this, Kennedy said. However, “should her behavior continue towards any of the victims here, criminal charges could be filed because she’s been put on notice.”

The victims in the case are Higgins and Day as well as former Assistant Director of Planning and Land Use Paula Vaughn-McKenzie, because Atwood’s emails claimed that she and Higgins were having an extramarital affair — an allegation that Kennedy called “fabricated” and “completely untrue.”

Burney worked for the town from January 2016 until she went on leave last summer and Vaughn-McKenzie was named acting Director of Planning and Land Use. Vaughn-McKenzie has since been appointed to the role permanently.

Kennedy said that Atwood’s motivation for sending the emails was “to make sure the claims in [Burney’s] letter were in fact going to be investigated.” Burney was not aware that Atwood had sent the emails until about a week later, when Atwood admitted it to her mother, he said. “Obviously Jen was very upset at that… Jen clearly did not approve of any of this behavior.”

Right after the emails were sent, Burney denied sending them, saying she considered her complaint addressed to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen to be confidential.

Neither Burney nor Atwood returned emails from the Lincoln Squirrel seeking comment on Tuesday.

Category: government, news, police

Police log for December 15–23, 2020

December 30, 2020

December 15

Granville Road (6:38 a.m.) — Officer on patrol found a package that had fallen off a delivery truck. Package was delivered to the residence.

December 16

Pierce House (3:36 a.m.) — A vehicle was seen with its lights left on belongs. It belongs to the caretaker, who was contacted.

Tower Road (9:00 a.m.) — Officer on a work detail reported a strong odor of natural gas. Fire Department and National Grid contacted; National Grid to handle.

Ashland, Mass. (9:28 a.m.) — A Fire Department member responded to Ashland for a dive team activation.

Lincoln Road (12:41 p.m.) — Minor two-car accident in the parking lot of the red commercial building; no injuries.

Town Hall (11:46 p.m.) — Officer saw two individuals walking near the front door of Town Hall. Officer checked the building and all was secure. The individuals went to a nearby home.

December 17

Oriole Landing, Mary’s Way (12:57 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog charged at him while at the residence. Animal Control Officer was notified to handle.

Sunnyside Lane (5:34 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on the residence. Officer responded and confirmed that the resident is OK.

December 18

Old Cambridge Turnpike (10:04 a.m.) — Caller reported an outside odor of natural gas. Fire Department responded and reported residual gas at the meter.

December 19

Old Concord Road (3:26 p.m.) — Caller reported a vehicle blocking the emergency gate on Old Concord Road. Cars were gone when officer arrived.

North Great Road (9:44 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled over to the side of the roadway. The driver was fine; he had pulled over to gather something in his car.

December 20

South Great Road (9:32 a.m.) — Caller was looking for information from the Fire Department.

December 21

Woodcock Lane (12:37 p.m.) — Car hit a utility pole. The road closed due to pole damage and one person was transported to local hospital; vehicle towed from the scene.

Lincoln School (1:40 p.m.) — Caller reported that buses at the school had snow on their roofs which they considered dangerous. Officer responded and evaluated and found no danger.

December 22

North Great Road (3:08 a.m.) — An unoccupied vehicle was parked in the visitor’s center lot. No one was nearby.

Lexington Road (2:20 p.m.) — Caller reported a vehicle was parked at a neighbor’s residence when no one should be home. No vehicle was located when the officer arrived.

Hallett Hill Road, Weston (5:09 p.m.) — Weston Fire Department requested an engine to respond to a residence for a reported house fire. Lincoln firefighters were cleared by Weston 20 minutes after arrival.

South Great Road (7:16 p.m.) — A vehicle was parked in front of Stonegate Gardens with no one around.

December 23

Lexington Road (7:20 p.m.) — Paperwork was delivered to the residence.

Lexington Road [different address from above] (7:22 p.m.) — Paperwork was delivered to the residence.

Lincoln Police Department (7:49 p.m.) — Officer assisted Weston police in using Lincoln’s breath test machine for an arrest.

Category: news, police

Police log for December 7–14, 2020

December 16, 2020

December 7

Old Concord Road (9:42 a.m.) — Officer responded to a minor two-car crash; no injuries.

December 8

Mackintosh Lane (9:50 a.m.) — Caller reported that a tree crew was blocking his driveway. Officer responded and spoke to the crew. If anyone needs to come in or out of the road, they’ll move.

Donelan’s Supermarket (12:25 p.m.) — Caller requested Fire Department assistance with opening her car with two dogs inside. Cancelled while end route; caller was able to get the door unlocked.

December 9

Davison Drive (3:43 p.m.) — Caller reported a man in a U-Haul van was going through their mail. Vehicle fled when confronted. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate. Investigation is ongoing.

December 10

Lincoln Road (8:56 a.m.) — A tree crew was taking down marked trees and the caller didn’t want a particular tree taken down. The tree was removed due to its condition and a notice of removal hearing had been on the tree.

December 11

Wells Road (3:52 p.m.) — Lincoln Woods management reported a that vehicle is parked next to the dumpster hasn’t moved for two months. Vehicle belongs to a resident.

December 12

Old Bedford Road (1:44 a.m.) — Officer reported an unoccupied vehicle parked by the loading dock of the building. No one was around and the building was secure.

Wells Road (3:59 p.m.) — Caller reported two kids with backpacks were knocking on doors in the area. Officers checked the area and spoke with two juveniles who denied their involvement. No contact with any other parties.

December 13

Virginia Road (1:18 p.m.) — A resident wanted the Fire Department to do a well-being check on their neighbor who is not feeling well. Neighbor was fine; units cleared.

Sandy Pond Road (3:17 p.m.) — Officer checked on two people at the pumping station. They were sent on their way.

Weston Road (7:57 p.m.) — Officer checked on vehicle pulled over to the side of the road. The party was making deliveries.

December 14

Hanscom Air Force Base Vandenberg Gate (7:25 a.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces reported a party is at the gate had a warrant. Officer found that the individual has a receipt for the fines paid; they were advised to call the court.

Conant Road (11:30 a.m.) — Caller believed a delivery driver opened their garage door and delivered a package to the wrong residence. The package was taken to the correct residence.

Lexington Road (10:24 p.m.) — Report of loud music playing in Flint’s Field. Officers checked the field and the cemetery but were unable to locate any noise.

Category: news, police

Police log for November 30–December 6, 2020

December 8, 2020

November 30

Deerhaven Road (8:51 a.m.) — Caller reported someone was blowing leaves onto their property. Officer responded and spoke to the reporting party. The issue was unfounded; caller satisfied.

Trees, branches and/or wires down on Page Road (two calls), Trapelo Road, Codman Road, South Great Road, Old County Road, South Great Road, Bedford Road, Woods End Road, Beaver Pond Road, North great Road, Ridge Road- Several reported of trees down as a result of the storm. Eversource, DPW were in town dealing with the trees and wires.

December 1

Baker Bridge Road (1:24 p.m.) — Resident turned in old ammunition to be destroyed.

MassPort Civil Terminal, Hanscom Field (4:33 p.m.) — Fire Department units responding up to Hanscom for an Alert 2 for a plane with control issues coming in and burning off fuel. Fire units staged but then cleared after plane safely landed.

December 2

Brooks Hill Road (3:51 p.m.) — Report of fraud involving unauthorized charges on a party’s credit card.

December 3

Wells Road (12:59 a.m.) — Caller reported a loud vehicle running in the apartment complex. Officer checked the area; vehicle was gone on arrival.

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (1:42 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle pulled off to the side of the highway. Everything was OK; a party was being dropped off at a nearby residence.

December 4

Old County Road (7:37 a.m.) — Caller reported that a disabled person walked away from a group home in Waltham and the caller believed they’ve located the party on Old County Road. At the same time, Waltham police reported finding the party in their city. The caller was advised that the missing party was located in Waltham.

Lincoln Police Station (5:44 p.m.) — A party came to the station requesting to speak with an officer regarding clarification on a civil matter.

December 5

Cambridge Turnpike )1:51 a.m.) — Caller reported their electric stove was making an odd sound. Fire Department responded to check. Firefighters unplugged the stove but were unable to determine the cause of the noise.

Old Conant Road (2:03 p.m.) — Caller reported fraudulent charges on their credit card.

North Great Road (4:15 p.m.) — Report of a one-car crash near Sunnyside Lane. No injuries; vehicle towed.

Trees, branches and/or wires down starting at 4:49 p.m. on South Great Road, Tower Road, Sunnyside Lane, Stonehedge Road, Concord Road, Huckleberry Hill. DPW and Eversource responded.

Mill Street (6:30 p.m.) — Lexington police asked Lincoln police to close Mill Street at Lexington Road for traffic entering Lexington due to a large tree across the road in Lexington.

December 6

Wells Road (11:17 a.m.) — Caller asked to speak to an officer for assistance with a family member. Officers responded and assisted the party.

Category: news, police

Police log for November 23–29, 2020

December 2, 2020

November 23

Tower Road (3:18 p.m.) — A party turned in two license plates they found. The owner was contacted and will pick them up.

November 24

Grasshopper Lane (5:41 p.m.) — Caller reported a dog on a leash was aggressive towards him while out on a walk. Animal Control was contacted.

November 25

Todd Pond Road (11:42 a.m.) — Caller requested an officer about an unwanted party at the house. Officers responded; a party was at the residence getting personal belongings. After the belongings were retrieved, the involved party left without incident.

Scott Circle, Hanscom Air Force Base (12:49 p.m.) — Caller requested information/advice regarding a Facebook Marketplace transaction that they suspected was is a scam. Officer spoke to the party and it indeed appears to be a scam.

Mary’s Way (1:56 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak with an officer regarding a suspicious phone call they received.

Lincoln Police Department (3:16 p.m.) — A resident turned in an old firearm, asking that it be destroyed.

November 26

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (2:04 a.m.) — Officer stopped a vehicle traveling 108 mph on Rte. 2. The operator, Alain Neves, 29 of 50 Spencer Rd. in Boxborough, was arrested for OUI–liquor, possession of a Class B (substance (cocaine), reckless driving, operating after suspension of license, and speeding. He was later bailed to appear in Concord Court the next day.

November 27

North Great Road (1:56 a.m.) — Party walking along Rte. 2A wearing dark clothes. Officer spoke to the party walking along Rte. 2A wearing dark clothing. Evan Chaggaris, 50, of 36 Church St. in Everett was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Lynn District Court.

Lincoln Road (9:13 a.m.) — A car struck a telephone pole near Upland Field Road. No injuries; vehicle was towed from the scene. Verizon was contacted regarding the damage to the pole.
South Great Road (2:18 p.m.) — A car hit the traffic island at Lincoln Road. No injuries. The vehicle was towed from the scene.

North Great Road (3:39 p.m.) — Caller reported their son and friend were lost on the trails in Minute Man National Park. Officers responded and the two parties met up with the parents (there had been a miscommunication about a meetup location).

Old Farm Road (5:00 pm.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer about the caller’s dog and a neighbor allegedly making false claims. An officer spoke to the party, who has been in contact with Animal Control.

Aspen Circle (8:10 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone bought a computer using his credit card. They reported the transaction was cancelled.

Morningside Lane (10:22 p.m.) — Caller reported that kids rang their door bell and left. Officer responded and spoke to two kids who were playing in a yard.

November 28

Heritage Road, Hanscom Air Force Base (2:45 a.m.) — Hanscom security forces reported a disturbance at a residence on base. Officer responded and assisted the victim in the incident. Hanscom security is handling the investigation.

Silver Hill Road (8:58 a.m.) — Caller reported a cardboard box on the side of the roadway. Officer confirmed it was trash; DPW to remove.

Old Sudbury Road (1:19 p.m.) — Officer spoke to a party who was putting some items in a field. The party is the owner of the property.

South Great Road (3:31 p.m.) — Caller reported that a vehicle pulled into the lot of Drumlin and when approached, the driver said they were looking to buy a house. Caller reported seeing them earlier in a different parking lot. Officer responded but the vehicle was gone on arrival.

November 29

Lincoln Road (11:18 a.m.) — MBTA reported an unruly passenger on the train. Officers responded and spoke to the involved parties. An argument had occurred due to an issue with a party not wearing a mask. Officers calmed the situation down and the train continued on its way

Lincoln Road (5:42 p.m.) — Caller reported a suspicious car in the parking lot but was unable to describe the car or persons in vehicle, or what was suspicious about it. No response by officers.

Category: news, police

Police log for Nov. 13–21, 2020

November 26, 2020

November 13

Lincoln Police Department (2:37 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in front of the station. Operator had pulled over to rest, checked out OK. Same party was parked at Doherty’s Garage at 2:58 a.m. but then went on their way.

November 14

Sandy Pond Road (4:31 p.m.) — A person walked into the station reporting their neighbor is having an outside fire. Fire Department checked and it was a cooking fire,

November 15

Cambridge Turnpike westbound (12:07 a.m.) — Motor vehicle crash near the Concord line. No injuries; state police will handle the crash report/investigation.

Old Winter Street (11:02 a.m.) — State police requested an officer to make contact with homeowner regarding a crash. Party was not home.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (4:13 p.m.) — State police reported a vehicle was involved in a crash and left the scene near Emerson Hospital. Officers in the were unable to locate them.

Lincoln School (4:18 p.m.) — Caller reported kids climbing on construction equipment. Officer responded and saw two kids sitting on a construction vehicle tire but they were gone on arrival.

November 16

Lincoln Police Department (2:00 p.m.) — Party walked into the station requesting a well-being check on their daughter who is living in Boston. Officer contacted Boston police and gave them the information for the well-being check.

November 17

DeCordova Museum (6:28 a.m.) — Caller reported that a worker was stuck in an elevator. Fire Department responded and got the worker out of the elevator. Maintenance is contacting the elevator company.

November 18

Greenridge Lane (12:14 a.m.) — Caller reported hearing someone yelling for help but couldn’t tell where it was coming from. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

Griffiss Street (3:47 p.m.) — A civilian was caught shoplifting at Hanscom Air Force Base Exchange. The items were returned to the store and an officer took a report to document the incident.

Page Road (7:54 p.m.) — An elderly housing residence in Milton called because one of their resident reported that a family member in Lincoln threatened them. An officer spoke to the parties involved; the elderly party was upset over Covid restriction/quarantine

November 19

Lincoln Cemetery (1:19 p.m.) — A caller requested assistance with getting a family member in a wheelchair out of a pothole in the cemetery.

November 20

Hallett Hill Road, Weston (5:16 a.m.) — A Lincoln ambulance responded to a Weston residence to transport party to a Boston hospital.

Silver Hill Road (12:29 p.m.) — A party advised he was just terminated from a job and isn’t sure where he was. An officer met up with the party and drove him to the train station to get back home.

November 21

Lincoln Police Department (12:45 a.m.) — A party walked into the station looking for directions.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (1:34 a.m.) — Officer checked on a party pulled over in the breakdown lane. The person was using their cell phone.

Trapelo Road (1:50 a.m.) — An officer observed a vehicle pulled over with all its lights off. When the officer turned around, the vehicle was gone but was later found on Stratford Way. The officer spoke to the parties inside, who were staying at a house on Winter Street.

Concord Road (8:51 a.m.) — Caller complained about landscapers working with leaf blowers. The landscapers were gone when police arrived.

Todd Pond Road (11:37 a.m.) — Multiple callers reported a sick raccoon. An officer responded and had to dispatch the raccoon.

Concord Road (9:33 p.m.) — Report of a deer that was struck by a car and in the roadway. Officer responded and the deer went off into the woods.

Category: news, police

Investigation into allegations against Higgins is closed

November 24, 2020

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to close its investigation into the conduct of Town Administrator Tim Higgins, who was accused of discrimination, harassment, and intimidation by former Director of Planning and Land Use Jennifer Burney.

Assistant Town Administrator Dan Pereira, who oversees human resources issues for town employees, said on November 24 that Burney is no longer employed by the town and her last day was October 1. “We cannot comment further on personnel matters, but would like to express our appreciation for her service to our community,” he said.

In a formal complaint leaked to the public in September, Burney accused Higgins and former Assistant Town Administrator Mary Day of Family and Medical Leave Act violations and gender discrimination. She alleged that Higgins thwarted her attempts to work on a remote schedule to accommodate a family member during the pandemic lockdown and also alleged that Day unexpectedly resigned after being intimidated by Higgins.

An independent investigator “found that there were no facts to support any of the allegations made against Mr. Higgins and recommended that the investigation be closed,” according to a statement released by the Board of Selectmen on November 23. “The board reviewed the report with Mr. Higgins and voted unanimously to close the investigation, without taking any further action. The board now considers this matter closed and continues to have the highest confidence in Mr. Higgins’s professionalism, character, and integrity in his role as our Town Administrator.”

Selectmen received the investigator’s report on October 30, almost a month after Burney’s last day on the job in Lincoln, according to the statement. Selectman James Craig said he would have no further comment on the matter. Reached by email, Burney also declined comment.

Paula Vaughn-MacKenzie has been acting director of planning and land use since the summer, when Burney first went on FMLA leave to care for a family member. Given her departure, “we are eager to fill this critical role and will announce a transition plan in the coming weeks,” Pereira said.

Higgins read this statement at the selectmen’s meeting on November 23:

On being advised of the recent allegations against me, my only public comment then and since has been to express confidence in the town’s investigative process and in the capabilities of a discerning community. My faith in the process and in the people of Lincoln was not misplaced. I thank the board for undertaking a thorough, independent investigation which has concluded that all allegations made were ‘unfounded and unsupported by the facts.’ It is important to note that the investigation included interviews of multiple witnesses and an extensive review of relevant documents.

I am especially grateful to the many residents, staff and officials who have reached out in concern and friendship, and who have extended the benefit of the doubt throughout. As upsetting as these attacks against my character have been for me personally, the public manner in which they were carried out has caused real pain to other innocent parties — this aspect makes the matter all the more unfortunate and unfair. I am pleased to have the matter resolved and look forward to continuing with the work I enjoy doing, alongside colleagues and friends who make me grateful every day.

Burney’s complaint to the Planning Board and Board of Selectmen was leaked in separate anonymous emails on September 29 to the Lincoln Squirrel and the LincolnTalk listserv, which was temporarily shut down as a result. All LincolnTalk emails must now be approved by a moderator before they are sent on to list members.

One of the anonymous emails was made to appear as though it came from Lincoln resident Deborah French, the widow of former Town Moderator Jack French. The Lincoln Police Department informed her of the spoofing and opened an investigation, but it’s still unknown who sent the emails, and Burney strongly denied she had done so.

Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said on November 24 that there was “still an active investigation” and that police were waiting for certain information. He added that he didn’t know when the investigation would conclude but that there would be a statement at that time.

Category: government, news, police

Police log for November 6–12, 2020

November 17, 2020

Fraudulent unemployment claims were filed this week in the names of residents on Todd Pond Road, Birchwood Lane, Tower Road, Chestnut Circle, Sandy Pond Road, and Beaver Pond Road. because of the volume, the Lincoln Squirrel will no longer include these calls in the police log.

All of these claims are due to nationwide data breaches, and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating, according to Lincoln police. If you’re notified about a fraudulent claim of this type, go to www.mass.gov/info-details/report-unemployment-benefits-fraud to file a report online. The state will then send you a packet in the mail. If you receive a packet even if you didn’t file a claim, don’t ignore it. Police also recommend that you check your credit report to see if any new accounts are being opened in your name.

November 6

Public Safety Building (7:00 a.m.) — The building lost power and switched to generator power.

Bedford Road (12:42 p.m.) — Caller reported that a truck struck her side mirror while she was parked on Bedford Road and continued without stopping. Report taken; unable to locate the truck.

November 7

Hasting Road, Weston — Weston Fire Department requested a Lincoln ambulance for a medical call.

Donelan’s Supermarket (4:23 p.m.) — Caller reported that a child was left alone inside a vehicle. Officer responded but the vehicle was no longer parked. He took a report and followed up with the involved party.

Bypass Road (7:32 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing an outside fire on Bypass Road. Fire Department responded and located a small fire pit.

Donelan’s Supermarket (11:16 p.m.) — Caller reported an unattended bag outside Donelan’s. Officer responded and found that it was an empty bag.

November 8

Oak Knoll Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller reported seeing a dog walking around the Oak Knoll area with no people around. No calls had been received for a missing dog.

Lincoln Cemetery (3:29 p.m.) — Caller reported finding a dog wandering around the cemetery. Animal Control was asked to contact the caller.

November 9

Short Hill Road (7:23 a.m.) — Caller reported a tree down on wires. Officer found the wires belong to Verizon, which was notified.

November 10

Virginia Road (7:44 a.m.) — Caller reported being locked inside their bathroom and unable to open the door. Fire and police responded but were canceled en route when caller was able to get the door open.

Tower Road (2:56 p.m.) — Officers responded to a one-car crash on Tower Road near the Weston line. No injuries; vehicle towed from the scene.

National Park, Hartwell lot (7:52 p.m.) — Officer checked on a camper vehicle parked in the lot. Everything was fine.

November 11

Mill Street (4:16 p.m.) — Caller report that someone was putting leaves from their lawn onto the traffic island on Mill Street near Lexington Road. The caller was unable to identify or describe the person.

November 12

No notable calls.

Category: news, police

Police outline benefits and FAQs on body-worn cameras

November 16, 2020

Following is a statement and FAQ about body-worn and cruiser cameras submitted to the public by the Lincoln Police Department, which is requesting funds for this equipment in next year’s budget.

The topic of body-worn cameras was raised during one of three Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism forums. Information stemming from all three forums will be the topic of the second State of the Town meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 18. Click here for details on the three SOTT meetings this week.


As part of the Lincoln Police Department’s FY22 capital budget submission, the Department is requesting $61,400 for the purchase of 16 body-worn cameras for officers and five dash/prisoner cameras for police cruisers. The chosen vendor is GETAC.

In light of recent events across the country, there have been debates on a national, state and local level on police reform. Aside from changing police policy and procedure, many advocates are demanding all police officers wear body-worn cameras to accurately document police-citizen interactions, particularly in use of force situations. Furthermore, the use of such cameras are considered best practices as outlined in President Obama’s Task Force of 21st Century Policing which the department has embraced since 2015.

The perceived benefits of the cameras are that they:

  • increase transparency, legitimacy, and community trust
  • increase internal accountability
  • improve officer behavior
  • improve citizen behavior
  • expedite resolutions of complaints and lawsuits
  • document circumstances of how and when force is used
  • create opportunities for training
What is a body worn camera (BWC)?

It’s a camera worn on the exterior of the police officer’s body which is clearly visible on their chest, which captures and records audio and video of the police/citizen encounter.

Why are officers wearing cameras?

BWCs serve as a tool to document a police officer’s interaction with citizens. They are also valuable in maintaining community trust, transparency, and accountability. Given the great relationship we share with our community, the department continues to be proactive in strengthening our connection with its citizens.

When will police officers be recording with their body cameras?

Police officers will activate their BWC and cruiser cameras whenever they respond to calls for service or have citizen contacts where they anticipate taking law enforcement action.

What about my privacy during police encounters?

The Lincoln Police Department is aware of the legitimate privacy concerns associated with BWC. Our officers will record, per policy, when investigating criminal activity or a violation of law. Prior to the release of any recording, the department will ensure compliance with department policy, Rule 14 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, and/or the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which may allow the redaction of certain elements of the recording including innocent parties and nonrelated identifiers such as registration numbers, addresses, etc. Our priority is to protect the right of privacy and ensure the safety of nonrelated parties.

Are there situations where officers cannot use their BWC?

Typically, officers will not record in places where there is an expectation of privacy, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and medical care facilities — unless there is reasonable suspicion a crime is being committed or the recording of the location is material to an investigation.

Before entering a private residence, without exigent circumstances, officers must obtain occupant consent before recording inside the residence. If the occupant declines to give consent, and absent exigent circumstances, the BWC shall be turned off while inside the residence. However, when responding to an exigent circumstance inside a private residence, the BWC will be activated throughout the exigency. Once the exigency is over, and when practical, officers must obtain consent from the occupant(s) in order to continue to record. Any request to turn the BWC off and the officer’s response shall be recorded.

Can I ask the officer to turn off the BWC?

Yes. After receiving notice of being recorded, the citizen may ask the officer to turn off the recording. However, the request to turn off the recording and the officer’s response will be recorded for documentation purposes.

Are officers required to tell citizens that they are being recorded?

Under Massachusetts law, officers are required to give notice to citizens that they are being audio recorded. Officers are not required to inform citizens that they are being video recorded while in a public place. However, per policy, officers are required to provide citizens with notice that they are being both audio and video recorded.

Can the officer tamper with the audio and video recording?

No — the GETAC system is specifically designed to prevent the user from altering or deleting any recordings.

How are the videos stored?

All videos are stored in secure cloud servers in compliance with the FBI Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) standards.

What is the process for obtaining a copy of a video recording?

The release of any recording must be approved in advance by the chief of police or department designee. Recordings shall be released in accordance with department policy, Rule 14 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, and/or the Massachusetts Public Records Law. The chief of police may authorize the release of any recording deemed to be in the best interest of the community and public safety.

What happens to a video once it is recorded?

At the end of each shift, officers will upload the data to a cloud-based service to store the files. Depending on the type of video captured, data will be saved in accordance with department policy, Rule 14 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Massachusetts Public Records Retention and Disposition Schedule.

Why is it necessary for in-cruiser camera system when officers have BWC’s?

The in-cruiser camera system will have two cameras, one facing forward (dash camera) documenting the perspective of the officer’s view. The dash camera is able to capture a wider perspective when officers respond to calls for service, conduct traffic stops, and have interactions which occur in front of the police cruiser. The second camera will be in the rear passenger compartment (prisoner camera) where a prisoner is seated while inside the cruiser.

Who can I speak with should I have questions?

You can contact Chief Kevin Kennedy at 781-259-8113 or kkennedy@lincolntown.org.

Category: news, police

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