Tewksbury Leaders Challenge State's Policy Change On Hospital Security

TEWKSBURY, MA — Town officials are speaking out after the state's decision to remove less-than-lethal weapons from safety personnel at Tewksbury State Hospital.

The Select Board passed a motion demanding that state leaders reverse the decision, according to WCVB 5-ABC. The state policy bans security from using tools such as handcuffs, batons, and pepper spray.

The Tewksbury Police Department posted records of the number of calls for service from January 2020 to December 2025. Tewksbury State Hospital received 4,367 calls during that time, more than any other location in town and a rate of about 16 calls per week.

Police Chief Ryan Columbus spoke about the issue at Tuesday night's Select Board meeting.

"In my opinion, this decision is negligent," he said. "It is not grounded in data, and it does not reflect the realities faced on that campus every day. The individuals working there encounter volatile and, at times, dangerous situations, and taking away critical tools only increases the risk to staff, patients, and the broader community."

Columbus said he is working with the Executive Office of Public Safety in hopes that the policy will be reviewed and ultimately reversed.

"This is not something I will let go," he said. "I will continue to advocate strongly for the safety of everyone involved."

Recently, a man was arrested on allegations that he assaulted a pregnant staffer at the hospital.

Related: Man Charged In Assault At Tewksbury State Hospital, Police Say