Findings Of Police Management Study Released

A new consultant's report says the Framingham police department shows a high degree of professionalism, but officers interviewed said it also suffers from a "me first, not mission first" culture.

The city hired J. Flagg consulting to conduct a study on the Framingham police department. Sixty-two percent of department personnel were interviewed individually, along with people outside the department who are closely connected with it. The report was handed in to the mayor on Monday, and the results were released to the public on Friday.

The J. Flagg report categorized some of the department's challenges as "growing pains" as the city transitions "from a 'small town' policing and management style to a true, progressive, forward-thinking city model of policing and management."

One challenge cited was a culture of distrust within the department, and that officers reported petty, self-serving behavior in all ranks. Members of the department have the impression that such behavior is part of the accepted culture, although they want it to change.
One officer summed up this attitude by saying, “the general attitude here is it’s me first, not mission first.”

Officer wellness was also brought up as a challenge, including the absence of a policy on relief duty to assist officers who have witnessed death, injuries to other officers or particularly tragic incidents. The report cites the lack of mandatory debriefings or peer support for officers in such cases.
"This issue is by far one of the most challenging facing the department and it needs to be addressed as it affects not only the officers themselves but their peers and families," the report said.

The report noted that approximately 47 percent of patrol officers have served five years or less on the force, contributing to its changing demographics.

The department's strengths include a commitment to professionalism and a respect for the community. The report also noted the department has a strong desire to see positive change within it.

According to the report, use of force data demonstrates a "a high level of training and professionalism" in the department.

In 2018 there have been 21 instances reported of officers accessing a weapon, but in 19 of these cases the weapon was pointed without being used. The only weapons reported to have been used were a Taser, 11 times, and pepper spray, used once. Firearms were reported to have been pointed nine times.

The report concluded that there is no cause for concern about overuse of force, unlawful search or seizure, biased policing, disrespect for minority populations or disadvantaged populations.

"Many cities struggle with these issues and it is a tremendous advantage that Framingham does not appear to have these concerns," the report concluded.

At the close of the report, recommendations for improvement included a collaborative effort by city leaders and police to support the department's mission by publicly recognizing its accomplishments and earmarking funds for officer wellness and support without decreasing the overall police operating budget.

Another recommendation was to revisit the pay structure to find a way to pay officers salaries that will keep them in the department longer. Many officers complained about pay, noting that they can make significantly more money by transferring to other departments.

The full report is available on the city's website.

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Photo Credit: Samantha Mercado/Patch