Barnstable County Sheriff Boat Transferred To Law Enforcement Council

CAPE COD, MA — Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley announced that ownership of the Sheriff’s boat, a source of significant discussion and debate during the recent campaign, has been transferred to the Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council (LEC).

The LEC is an official organization that provides for collaboration between the local police and public safety departments to enhance public safety in Barnstable County, of which the BCSO is a member.

"Throughout the campaign, I noted that the patrol operation of the boat was not consistent with the Sheriff’s core mission of corrections, rehabilitation, and treatment," Buckley said.

"This transfer relieves the Sheriff’s Office of the ownership and financial responsibility of the boat. Transferring the boat to the LEC allows the boat to continue to be used as an asset to support public safety in Barnstable County."

The boat became a major topic of discussion during campaign season when it was used at an A-list Massachusetts wedding in which then Gov. Charlie Baker presided over the ceremony.

A Cape Cod Times report found that, because the boat was used during working hours, the couple didn't pay for use of the boat.

Buckley was critical of this use at the time, which led to her creating and fulfilling this campaign promise.

Further, Buckley noted that this move allows for greater collaboration between her office and local departments.

"We will continue to support and collaborate with our local law enforcement partners and look forward to continuing to serve the people of Barnstable County together," she said.

Buckley fulfilled another campaign promise in eliminating the county's contract with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency on her first day in office.