Burlington Police Increased Patrols at Mill Pond Reservoir This Summer and Charged Multiple Violators

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington police hiked up enforcement around the Mill Pond Reservoir during this summer, resulting in the charging of multiple violators and a decrease in volume of both trash and motorized vehicles on conservation area trails.

Police chief Michael Kent announced Thursday that the department launched a new set of bike patrols to monitor the area from late June through Labor Day Weekend. Police charged 14 people and issued three civil citations on various charges ranging from the underaged possession of alcohol and bathing/swimming in a public water supply to unleashed dog violations.

"The town seeks to provide safe, clean, reliable drinking water to our residents, and those who swim or litter in our reservoir are creating a potential hazard," said Department of Public Works Director John Sanchez in a statement. "I am grateful to Burlington police officers for making this concern a priority."

Police say that officers conducted 31 bike patrols on an overtime basis, with each lasting four hours. Police are also reporting that the increased patrols resulted in a decrease in both the volume of trash and number of motorized vehicles on the trails, which were a primary complaint of visitors to the area.

"I commend the officers who took on overtime shifts this summer to address the problems surrounding the Mill Pond Reservoir," Kent said in a statement. "Residents should familiarize themselves with the rules surrounding the conservation area and take into account the reservoir's purpose before going for a swim."

The police department listed citations and warnings given out by police this summer.

• Bathing / swimming in a public water supply - 8 criminal hearings, 9 warnings
• Persons under 21 in possession of alcohol - 6 criminal hearings, 1 warning
• Marijuana possession - 3 civil citations
• Littering - 1 Town of Burlington bylaw violation
• Motorized vehicles on town property - 3 warnings
• Juveniles operating motorized vehicles - 2 warnings
• Unleashed dogs - 5 warnings
• Allowing dogs in a public water supply - 4 warnings
• Canoeing in a public water supply - 1 warning

Police are also reminding residents that small campfires are prohibited from the conservation area.

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