Framingham Chief Issues Statement On Coronavirus Enforcement

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Acting Framingham police Chief Ronald Brandolini issued a statement Tuesday saying that officers will be used to enforce coronavirus safety rules, including checking on large gatherings.

Brandolini's statement comes one day after Framingham saw its biggest rise in new cases in any reporting period dating back to May — and after local officials said $500 fines would go out without a grace period to anyone caught breaking health and safety orders around public gatherings.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday allowed lower risk communities to advance to phase three of step two of the reopening plan. But Framingham cannot advance to that stage due to the city's high-risk status.

Public gatherings in Framingham are limited to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Baker recently expanded the number of people allowed to dine at a table indoors from six to 10, but Framingham officials are not following that increase.

Here's Brandolini's full statement on coronavirus enforcement:

The Framingham Police Department is committed to assisting the Framingham Health Department with the enforcement of the governor’s, mayor’s and health director's COVID-19 executive orders to the fullest extent that the law and practicalities allow.

Officers have been ordered to respond to reports of large groups and gatherings and to collect and document as much information as possible under the circumstances. The pertinent information that is documented will be forwarded to the Framingham Health Department who will then impose fines. Officers will also educate persons present at these gatherings regarding the restrictions and request compliance.

Officers lack the legal authority to enter private premises without consent, a warrant, or exigent circumstances. Also, there is no right of arrest for alleged Covid-19 violations and there is no legal requirement that an individual produce identification or provide his or her true name in these situations. These legal constraints may hinder the Police Department’s ability to provide as much information to the Health Department as we would like. Nevertheless, we remain firmly committed to assist the Health Department to the fullest extent possible.

I encourage the public to comply with the Governor’s restrictions and to postpone large gatherings until it is safe for them to resume.