Westborough Police Chief Honored For Commitment To At-Risk Youth

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Westborough's Police Chief Alan Gordon was recently honored for his commitment and dedication to supporting at-risk youth and programs for them.

On Monday, Sept. 18, the Massachusetts Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative hosted an awards breakfast recognizing statewide initiative’s 10th anniversary and honoring individuals whose work in the juvenile justice field has contributed to JDAI’s success, said the announcement.

JDAI is a public safety partnership focusing on improving outcomes for justice-involved youth whose mission is to ensure that “the right youth is in the right place for the right reasons” through strategies that engage public, private, and community-based stakeholders.

"I was very honored to receive the award," Gordon told Patch. "I had three goals: I wanted to bring the training that was available into service that all police officers receive; explore ways that we could avoid incarceration for youths who commit crimes; and establish a diversion program that we in Westborough already use to avoid youths who commit minor offenses from being thrust into the juvenile court system. Our program deals with the youth and their family which is an important aspect in the prevention of future crimes from being committed."

Gordon was among the honorees recognized for his service to JDAI as a representative of the Massachusetts Association of Chiefs of Police. JDAI said in a statement that Gordon lended an invaluable voice on behalf of public safety officials across the state on the need for system-wide supports for at-risk youth. He was honored with a Special Recognition award for his leadership, perspective and commitment to a more efficient juvenile justice system.

“Chief Gordon’s service to the town of Westborough and to the whole Commonwealth has gone above and beyond the call of duty again and again,” said Rep. Carolyn Dykema in a statement. “JDAI’s recognition of his work to support justice-involved and at risk youth as a public safety advocate is a well-deserved honor.”

“Helping at-risk youth reflect on their behavior choices and supporting opportunities for better decision-making leads to fewer youth involved in our juvenile justice system,” said Rep. Hannah Kane in a statement. “JDAI recognizing Chief Gordon’s commitment to supporting these efforts while representing public safety officials across the state is a fitting honor and the town of Westborough should be extremely proud of Chief Gordon’s service.”

Photo Credit: Office of Representative Carolyn C. Dykema