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Saturday, May 28, 2011

Atkinson will have independent review of police department

From the Eagle Tribune;


May 27, 2011

Atkinson will have independent review of police department
By Cara Hogan
chogan@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Fri May 27, 2011, 12:14 AM EDT


ATKINSON — Police Chief Philip Consentino said he welcomes an independent review of the management of his department.

Selectmen voted unanimously at a special meeting Wednesday to hire Municipal Resources Inc. to study the day-to-day management of the Atkinson Police Department over the next 90 to 100 days.

The town will pay $5,000 to MRI, which specializes in management reviews, candidate searches and studies of local municipalities.

"They will be looking overall at the police department, at management structure, staffing levels, equipment, capital planning," Selectmen's chairman William Bennett said. "That does not mean replacing the chief. But it means looking at how are we utilizing the manpower we've got."

Selectmen gave Consentino a letter yesterday morning, explaining their decision.

"I welcome this with open arms," Consentino said. "Once a group of professionals comes in and sees how we have to operate — understaffed and lacking in facilities — they'll understand. It's a shame for the town to have to go spend all this money, but if they're not happy with the way it's being run, go for it, see what happens."

Consentino said selectmen should have done a better job informing the public about the meeting. The notice for the special meeting was posted 24 hours in advance in Town Hall, as law requires, but no one other than the selectmen and town employees attended.

"Nobody seemed to know about this meeting. Why does every resident have to come to the Town Hall every day to check if something was posted?" he said. "If it involved a particular department head, wouldn't you think they'd at least call that department head and say, 'Hey, we're having a meeting?' I had no notification at all."

Bennett said the board was waiting for MRI's proposal. When they found out it would be ready, he said, they scheduled a meeting.

"It's not an emergency meeting, it was just moving things along expeditiously," he said. "We weren't doing things in the dark of the night."

The board hasn't signed the contract with MRI yet, but Bennett said they expect it to be finalized in the next week. For the 100 days the company is working, Consentino has to run the department short one officer.

May 27, 2011 6:14 PM

176 comments:

Anonymous said...

Police Agencies are very traditional organizations that are resistant to change. When the department needs to incorporate a new law or practice into its daily routine the administration devises a method or form, puts out an order, and rarely looks at the issue again. As chiefs of police change and the decades pass, police departments continue to do what they have done in the past and unless a specific problem arises, little internal or external review is conducted. Professional, external organizational assessments allow for a very much needed look at your police department. The process allows for conversation between highly qualified police consultants and your police leaders as well as a review of current policies and practices. The resulting assessment report becomes the basis for a strategic plan to take your police department to the next level.

Department assessments are conducted by experienced current and former police executives utilizing their extensive knowledge of modern police methods as well as an ability to bring national best practices to the local level. A complete department assessment would cover approximately twenty-five specific areas such as police department facilities, staffing and scheduling, fiscal management, personnel practices, training, communications, use of technology, and policies and procedures. MRI police consultants are attuned to those situations and practices that interfere with successful prosecutions, citizen relations, or personnel management. While at your department and reviewing your policies MRI police consultants are also looking for potential liability rich situations that may require immediate attention. A plan to conduct a review of a specific number of police activities can be formulated to meet the specific needs of an individual department.

Anonymous said...

In ever increasing numbers, police agencies are deciding to engage in the accreditation process in an effort to improve the effectiveness of their organizations and join the list of departments that are recognized as meeting national best practices in their field. Drawing on its cadre of experienced police executives, MRI can assist police agencies complete self-assessments and prepare for visits from accreditation teams.

National best practices currently exist as standards that are written by the Commission for the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, (CALEA). Many individual states have opted to offer their own “recognition” level accreditation consisting of a lesser number of standards than required for National Accreditation. Having achieved a level of recognition or accreditation promotes pride by employees, appreciation by the community, admiration by peers and the possibility of liability insurance discounts.

Municipal Resources can assist your police department by discussing the benefits of adopting national best practices, conducting a preliminary review to see where your department stands currently on the road to accreditation, provide assistance with policy and procedure development, as well as creating methods to document conformance. The assigned MRI consultants will work closely with the department’s accreditation manager and administration to focus the work of the team toward the attainment of the desired level of accreditation.

Anonymous said...

Municipal Resources can assist police departments with internal affairs investigations. Utilizing an outside non-law enforcement investigator with extensive police practices and culture experience offers tremendous benefits for the police chief, the department, and the community. Assigning an MRI police consultant to your internal affairs investigation shows the community that the department welcomes a thorough review, while at the same time eliminates all the difficulties with assigning the investigation to a fellow officer. The investigation is conducted with the goal of independently determining the facts of an incident while leaving decisions relative to disposition to the proper authority.

Anonymous said...

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies mandates an inventory be conducted whenever the person responsible for the property and evidence control function is changed in order that records and property are correctly maintained. There is also a mandate that an audit of property held by the agency be conducted on an annual basis in addition to unannounced inspections. Regardless of your department’s position on accreditation, incomplete records and missing property can mean lost court cases, civil suits, and significant embarrassment for the police agency. MRI police consultants are experienced in conducting independent property and evidence audits. The resulting report will act as documentation of compliance for evidence audits and point out ways in which your possessed property and evidence control function can be improved.

Anonymous said...

Is your police department facility the right size? Does it need to be replaced or enlarged? Would a re-deployment of existing space meet the current needs of your police department, at least over the short term? Is your police facility a safe environment for officers and civilian staff as well as prisoners and visitors? Are their potential unsafe conditions that could lead to injury or civil suits? Could internal communications and traffic flow be improved? Can visits to the station by the public be transformed into an opportunity that enhances trust and respect for your officers? Can your existing police facility meet the building requirements for state standards recognition or national accreditation?

The above questions are a sample of the issues that can be addressed by a professional police facility evaluation. MRI can provide experienced police consultants that will work closely with your police staff, to determine the answers to these and other questions regarding this vital municipal asset.

Anonymous said...

On occasion communities find themselves without a police executive for short periods of time. This can be the result of a short term disability or other unexpected absence. The duties and responsibilities of a police department are too important to the residents of a city or town to allow a void to develop due to the absence of the chief. Municipal Resources has the ability to place an experienced police manager in your police department on short notice and remain in place until the current chief returns to duty or a replacement is selected. A number of former police executives are affiliated with MRI that have years of quality police administrative experience. These former officials continue their involvement in the police field through various consulting projects and can confidently take command of any police department with little time needed for familiarization.

MRI police managers know the importance of keeping elected and appointed leaders of the community informed of issues of importance to the police department as well as being visible and accessible to residents and department members. The temporary absence of the police chief can be a difficult time for the department and MRI police managers are experienced in reducing anxiety and maintaining open communications. Arrangements for placing a police manager in your community can be very flexible regarding the number of hours per week and the duration of the assignment.

Being a successful police chief requires years of police experience, training, and education as well as organizational and people skills. Pining a chief’s badge on a high quality but currently unprepared individual does not always generate the desired results. MRI police affiliates can act as a professional mentor to your newly appointed or current police chief who may be experiencing difficulties. MRI police affiliates have a wide range of experience with policing practices and philosophies as well as dealing with specific difficulties that are common in the police business. MRI can establish a police mentor relationship with your police chief based upon the identified needs of the community that might include on site or off site contact in addition to telephone and email communications.

Anonymous said...

What is anon's intent by the above series of 6 cut and paste "comments" ?

Do we need a review or will we get little more than the "interested" attempt to influence the reviewers?

Anonymous said...

How dare he! How dare he make the tax payers foot another bill!

After $5,000 is spent we will be no
better off than we are right now.
Look at what happened with the AG. Was that problem resolved or did it get worse?

We have a problem that no outside agency is willing to help us with. We can expect nothing but trouble and more expenses from this action.

Anonymous said...

Anon @ 11:30, I'm pretty sure the chief had nothing to do with this hiring. The selectman made that decision. Sorry to interupt your fantacy with facts.

Anonymous said...

Hey Bloggers, if you for one minute believe the consultants from MRI are even getting out of bed for a mere $5000.00 , I'd hate to see the next line of Bull #$@$ the BOS and Mr Smith will be selling you.

180 days of review that calculates to 27.77 a day. HMMMMM

Anonymous said...

The original officers of the Municipal Resources Inc. are:
George R. Freddette
Donald R. Jutton
William G Collos
Paul A. Freddette

all of Salem, NH as of 1991. The purpose of the company is city and urban planning.

Another related company listing is : Municipal Resources of New England naming Jutton and Joseph Lessard as officers, both of Salem, NH.

Anonymous said...

Wow with all these Salem Cops on the payroll at MRI, are we sure Mr Smith doesnt have any connections to them. It seems whenever the town hires some type of firm whether it's an electrician, an hvac, a consultant or even a private eye there is some connection to Mr Smith. Hmm something fishy going on a clown hall

Anonymous said...

Have you folks bothered even to look beyond your elbows and consider the possibility that the BOS has chosen an inexpensive way to justify Phil's removal. By using the resulting report the BOS absolves themselves from blame (wouldn't you) and also severely reduces the chance of a law suit by Phil against the town. With the report a judge has more grounds to dismiss it. Yes, I know it shouldn't have to be this way but sometimes you just have to do things the hard way to get them done. Two of the BOS members have considerable brain power between their ears. Have a little faith.

You folks have heaped considerable blame on the BOS for not doing anything. Well, now they are and you are still complaining. Considering all this town has been through wouldn't you consider $5K a cheap way to fix the problem?

Oh, while I'm at it, don't forget the town already has an employee with police enforcement training and managerial experience. Phil Smith could step into the role immediately.

Take a moment and try and look at the bright side. This could very well be the light at the end of the tunnel everyone here has been waiting so long for. Enjoy the moment.

Anonymous said...

We want INSTANT GRADIFICATION! 100 days is a loooooooooooooong time to wait.

Anonymous said...

Some have no training or education, practise nepotism, cannot account for missing equipment, misuse vehicles, bullying.e all the big issues going to be dealt with in 100 days with only $5k?

Give them more money, they'll need it.

Anonymous said...

"Being a successful police chief requires years of police experience, training, and education as well as organizational and people skills. Pining a chief’s badge on a high quality but currently unprepared individual does not always generate the desired results."

yup

Anonymous said...

Did this company place Smith in his job?

MAcciard said...

12:09; You crack me up. ALL of those, if the requirements of a police chief, serve as disqualifiers for our current police chief!

He, has no education beyond haverhill Trades school, No annual refresher training, or firearms or first aid training since 1989, by his own admission.

Anonymous said...

All are Salem cops you say but what you haven't said is of what rank they are . If these men are that qualified to do the work why are they cops today and not on their own in the business? For $5,000.00 it wouldn't surprise me to see them do nothing to improve the department[s]. On the other hand it would be a welcome thing if the chief were gone on their mutual recommendations or not . If it be there be no politics to be played to appoint another chief that alone would be a true improvement for the APD.

Anonymous said...

If they recommneded keeping him and not overhauling the whole dept., they will lose all credibility.

Anonymous said...

The ship has docked! The "rats" are jumping ship! They sense that the "cats" are about to be unleashed......

Anonymous said...

Will the consultants consider resident comments? Maybe the dozens and dozens of complaints that were made to the town should be provided. At least point them to the Atkinson Taxpayer website.

Anonymous said...

As a concerned tax payer, I want to know exactly how much this report is going to cost us. Is it really $5000, or is this the reported amount. Will there be another $20,000 given under the table to pay the final bill? Who really knows what they have up their sleeves. Secondly, is this going to happen to all departments such as the Highway and Fire? What is to stop them? Maybe the time has come to look into every department and get this town back on track. I for one am sick of paying taxes for BS reports done by the clowns running town hall.

As far as Smith is concerned, rumor on the street is that the Selectmen want him out of town hall. Could that be the reason that he is interviewing for Police Chief positions in various towns? JMHO.

Anonymous said...

Ok Chief.

Anonymous said...

LOL


psst, Phil, lemme tell ya a little secret......the end is near and ain't nuthin you kin do to stop it.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Smith backers,, check in Merrimac MA, Univ of Lowell and Kennybunkport to name a few.

Then ask a few salem cops their humble opinion of Mr Smith.

Don't ask Uncle Fred though!

Anonymous said...

Phil, we know you'll fall back on your elderly base to tell the consultants what great police work you do. they can say stuff like:

"Phil gives us rides whenever we need them and wherever we need them. Maine, Boston, Cape Cod, Manchester, Concord, just anywhere! It's free and so convenient."

"He paid my oil bill once so I could afford to attend the senior trips and activities."

"I get nice letters from our chief telling me who to vote for every election. It makes it easy for me cause I don't really follow what goes on in town."

"I love the concerts and the lunches and flu shots. Love that free food!"

"I'm so glad we seniors took Phil's advice to complain about the town moving the deliberative session to the PAC. They can't serve free food at the PAC anc heck that's all I really go for, and vote according to Phil's direction, so I'm glad Phil told us to complain. Those hard steel chairs are not as comfortable as the cushioned seats at the PAC, though."

"I get a nice card and flowers from the chief on my birthday. It doesn't matter he used tax payer dollars to pay for it because I'm entitled."

"I needed a cane. I got one free from the chief. Thanks Phil! I'll vote how you say anytime! As long as you can give me that free ride to the polls!"

Yes, obviously so much great police work done by our chief. It'll easily sway a group of professional police officers so they ignore that toilet of disrepair you've managed the PD to become.

Anonymous said...

Over lunch at Eggie's yesterday, resident Theresa McNally said Consentino has done a "great job" over the years.

"When you have a good thing, leave it alone," she said. "If the selectmen are trying to get rid of him, I'd be angry."

GREAT QUOTE. PHIL DID YOU TELL ALL YOUR BRAINWASHED CONSTITUENTS TO SAY THAT IN YOUR LAST MAILER?

TERESA, I DOUBT YOU READ THIS BLOG AND PHIL PREVENTS YOU FROM BECOMING COMPUTER LITERATE BUT I WILL TELL YOU THIS, YOU ARE EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TOWN. THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. IF YOU CAN GIVE US ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF ANY GOOD POLICE WORK HE'S DONE IN 30 YEARS, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IT. WHAT'S THAT? YOU HAVE NONE? JUST AS I THOUGHT.

A vote for a ride. How cheaply you sold out.

Anonymous said...

I would love to see some Salem police or ex-police officers involved in this study. Atkinson is a huge laughing stock in Salem. If there's anything that needs changing here, they'll find it...happily.

Anonymous said...

This is why there are laws about electioneering and abuse of power. This, is what it gets you, a mess when the laws are not taken seriously and blatant cronyism is tolerated.

Anonymous said...

June 2, 2011 12:40 PM is discribing Atkinson for the last 30 years. Does anyone believe our selectmen, CON-Man, planning board, ZBA and any other town committee will allow that to change? Ya Right!

If you believe that..........we have a bridge to sell you.

Anonymous said...

It's going to change at some point 'cause the lawsuits will bankrupt the town otherwise. They are not going to stop until things quiet down.

Anonymous said...

Over lunch at Eggie's yesterday, resident Theresa McNally said Consentino has done a "great job" over the years.

"When you have a good thing, leave it alone," she said. "If the selectmen are trying to get rid of him, I'd be angry."

GREAT QUOTE. PHIL DID YOU TELL ALL YOUR BRAINWASHED CONSTITUENTS TO SAY THAT IN YOUR LAST MAILER?

TERESA, I DOUBT YOU READ THIS BLOG AND PHIL PREVENTS YOU FROM BECOMING COMPUTER LITERATE BUT I WILL TELL YOU THIS, YOU ARE EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS TOWN. THAT'S RIGHT I SAID IT, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. IF YOU CAN GIVE US ONE GOOD EXAMPLE OF ANY GOOD POLICE WORK HE'S DONE IN 30 YEARS, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IT. WHAT'S THAT? YOU HAVE NONE? JUST AS I THOUGHT.

A vote for a ride. How cheaply you sold out



Why didn't you tell her yourself..These people need to hear this stuff but you kept quiet..What are you afarid of????

Anonymous said...

So now we have to come to the next bog, Joyce, I'm still here. So that sounds great about the block party. I suggest we have it on Granite Ridge in the cul-de-sac. We could have a dunk tank, hmm who could we put in it? Joyce the way you are behaving you arent going to invited to any parties in town. Well maybe you can come to the good bye Bill Fred and Bill party. I hear it's coming soon.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like another threat.

We have someone posing as party-owner and threatening other residents. Nice one.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like the stalker again.

Anonymous said...

The only stalker in town is Ms.Lafrance and as soon as the boys figure out she is stalking and harassing them Joyce will be the one on trial. hahhahahahahha

Anonymous said...

There are far more people educated about the lunacy of town leadership and more get educated every day. To say its one or two people is a real bad display of old spin. Give it up boys. GAME OVER. But you'll never give it up voluntarily will you? Better make sure you don't lose your homeowner's policy (ouch).

Anonymous said...

The town gets cleaned out of thugs top to bottom with a new qualified full time Chief of Police. Thats whats coming and thats what MRI does. Then the new full time Chief and the new team will pull down the remaining criminals in Atkinson who threaten and vandalize. You can already smell the stench of these bums forced out of their rat holes.

Anonymous said...

Kudos to our police department. I want to correct wrong information on this blog. I have a police scanner and listen to Atkinson police calls. Last week Atkinson police were called regarding a noise complaint for power tools at Mediation Lane. Around the same time as the horrendous use of power tools (the dispatcher said it was someone power washing their house, and the person who called police took pictures of the guy washing the house. Isn’t stalking illegal?), the Atkinson Police were assisting Sunoco employees close the gas station for the night, because Sunoco was burglarized recently after closing (I heard this call on my scanner too when it happened). Then a call came in for the police to respond to a medical call. After the medical call, I heard the police say they were assisting Dunkin Donuts employees close for the night. I understand why, it is very secluded and dark late night on Rte 111 where Dunkin Donuts is located. Seems to me the police were doing real police work, i.e. protecting employees from being robbed or assaulted.

I was listening to the scanner the night of the party on Mediation, Saturday night I believe. During the night, The Atkinson Police officer was dispatched to two serious car crashes, i.e. real police work. In my book, serious car accidents take priority over loud noise complaints.

Atkinson has only one police officer on during the night shift. The officer has to prioritize calls.

The Atkinson Police do a good job. If you don’t think so, don’t call police the next time you or your family has an emergency.

Anonymous said...

"Around the same time as the horrendous use of power tools (the dispatcher said it was someone power washing their house, and the person who called police took pictures of the guy washing the house. Isn’t stalking illegal?),"

No but slander is and the dispatcher never said anything about anyome taking pictures. Nothing about picture taking was reported to the police.

Anonymous said...

There were no serious crashes in Atkinson that night. If there were, they'd be public knowledge but here was abolutely nothing in the newpaper about any crashes.

Now you are telling us that they were at Dunkin Donuts helping them close? I thought you said the party was over at 9? DD doesn't close at 9PM. You are just confirming tha this party was still going on in the middle of the night.

It's ok for the police to protect DD employees and leave the residents to fend for themselves? What part about selectively granting police services makes any of this ok?

You are trying to turn attention away from the real problem.

The interesting thing is that there was a party with over 50 cars and well over a hundred people breaking the law by disturbing the peace, using fireworks and drugs and it went on until the middle of the night. Why is it that some people don't recognize this as a problem, were they at the party? What person in their right mind would even attempt to defend anything about this? What taxpaying resident can come here and try to make it sound like the problem is with anyone else than the person who ran the party or those who are entrusted with public safety?

What part of open drug use makes a this just a noise problem?

Over 50 cars and possibly a couple of hundred people constitutes a riot, not a simple noise complaint not to mention drugs.

What police officer is stupid enough to show up in a situation like that with little or no backup unless they "know" they'll be safe and why would they feel safe?

Anonymous said...

By the way, Atkinson has mutual aid so they only have to request it, but they didn't.

Anonymous said...

You are telling me that the officer prioritizes the calls? A part time untraining often unarmed bumpkin is deciding what to do next? He's in charge of himself? Are you for real? If this is really going on, the MRI will have a field day with them. I can't wait.

Donut or 911 call, decisions, decisions.

Anonymous said...

Off to Radio Shack and get a police scanner. I want to hear for myself what the APD is prioritizing. It is a worry that we are unprotected with only part timers not trained or qualified. How can they even do good paperwork? Municipal resources and the BOS can speed things up. Ya think?! Our APD is cut down and disordered public safety should be the BOS TOP PRIOITY. God forbid there should be serious crimes and negligence and the lawyers get at the town.

Anonymous said...

On occasion communities find themselves without a police executive for short periods of time. This can be the result of a short term disability or other unexpected absence. The duties and responsibilities of a police department are too important to the residents of a city or town to allow a void to develop due to the absence of the chief. Municipal Resources has the ability to place an experienced police manager in your police department on short notice and remain in place until the current chief returns to duty or a replacement is selected. A number of former police executives are affiliated with MRI that have years of quality police administrative experience. These former officials continue their involvement in the police field through various consulting projects and can confidently take command of any police department with little time needed for familiarization.

Anonymous said...

I agree. The Chief is saying in today's paper that he is understaffed and we're going to be disappointed.

Is this a promise, a threat or is he just telling the criminals to come on down!?

I say, get MRI here ASAP, before there's another lawsuit.

Anonymous said...

Phil is giving interviews from his hospital bed? Why? To give the appearance he is still in charge? No the tribune uses old quotes to keep the controversy alive.

Police log for June 14 from Atkinson? Nothing in the Tribune.

to Scanner guy: Nice fairy tale.

Anonymous said...

Hey Joyce,

Is it true the boys on Meditation knew you wouldnt approve of their legal party amd they offered you a weekend away but you declined? Were you afraid you would miss the fireworks? Can't wait til your next issue.

Anonymous said...

The boys?

No wonder the town has so many problems, no real men, just boys who pick on women.

Anonymous said...

There are no boys or men picking on women in this town. The only ones doing the picking are those who author this blog. Those who live at home alone. Those who some people in this town believe but guess what? There is a knight in shining armour ready to strike and Joyce, Leon et al are the first to be exposed.

Anonymous said...

You clowns just don't quit. what a bunch of psychos.

The house of cards will crumble as soon as your king is forced to give up his throne and its coming SOON, REAL SOON.

Sooner than you could ever believe.

Anonymous said...

To say that Leon, Joyce and Brownfield are the only people behind your opposition is major spin. They have far more friends and supporters than you'll ever have or know. Your group is built on power, control and money which is doomed to fail once your badged bully leader is gone. The rats are already running from the ship. Bill and Farrar leading the way.

Anonymous said...

You guys are nuts.

You can't 'expose' people who aren't breaking the law...nothing to expose, although in this Town, you can't even expose the criminals because they are protected by the PD.

Anonymous said...

Knight in shining armor in Atkinson? Hardly. This place is a bully haven for men to attack women. Little men, little banty roosters.

Anonymous said...

Did someone say "Napoleonic Complex"?
now, don't go pickin on little peopl with big mouths and big egos who hide behind a bully with a badge.

What a nut job.

Anonymous said...

Two separate incidents. The officer escorting the employees at Sunoco and Dunkin Donuts occurred last week when the power tool noise compliant occurred (I’m certain if your family member or friend worked late night at either establishment, you would appreciate the police standing by while they close up, protecting them from being robbed or assaulted). If you think these types of crimes, robbery and assaults, don’t happen in Atkinson, then you are wrong.

The two motor vehicle accidents (DID OCCURE) occurred Saturday night while the party was in attendance. Not every call makes into the news, especially noise complaints from ONE resident regarding a LEGAL adult party.

Yes, the sole officer on duty prioritizes calls. The lone officer makes the decisions. This occurs everyday all across the country. If you think a noise complaint takes priority over someone’s safety, a burglary, or motor vehicle accidents, you’ll never make it as a police officer. Don’t quit your day job.

You forget fulltime officers also work in Atkinson. A part-time officer can take a bullet just the same as a full-time officer. Most officers shot in the line of duty are shot in small or rural towns, ie., an Atkinson-type town.

If an officer showed up for an emergency situation at your house, would you kick them out the door because they were part-time? I don’t think so.

By the way, the Local Government Center (LGC) will do the police department study for no cost.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for your weak attempt to spin this. I saw the log.

The power tool incident was shut down at 1030 PM. The DD closes at 11. They had plenty of time to have a donut break (30 minutes) after shutting down the power tool noise.

If they had shut it down the first time, at 9PM as in the ORDINANCE, they would have had even MORE time to get a donut, they would have had 2 hours to wait for the employees. Would you prefer that they stayed all night with them to protect them?

Anonymous said...

NO CALLS MAKE THE NEWS, so there aren't any, can't count your imaginary calls.

Besides, there is mutual aid and if the lone ranger is not calling them, he's wrong. How does he know he's not endangering someone who is screaming for their life being accosted by a drunk and can't be heard above the noise of the loud party? Maybe, they cut their leg off with a power tool and no one was around to hear it.

If PT unarmed or untrained officers are making their own rules, what a scam! This town shouldn't be sending anyone out with a uniform without a weapon and without training. If they are unsupervised, this is a real problem.

By the way, the Local Government Center is in trouble with the state and is being sued. I vote for MRI.

Everytime you spin this, it sounds worse to me.

hahaha

G'nite Frank

Anonymous said...

What is the noise ordinance for Atkinson?

Are fireworks illegal? What's the law?

Do part time officers have authority not to enforce the laws? Who is responsible?

Anonymous said...

Municipal Resources Incorporated.

Once the report is ready I want the straight facts. I will read the MRI report and recommendations. As a taxpayer funding the APD for 40 years, I expect the MRI report to be available as a PDF file on the town website as was done by the Town of Manchester by the Sea, (MRI Fire Department review.)

Thank You.

Anonymous said...

Like the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but……..”.

What log are you referring, the “Alien Log”, by Robert Farrell? The power tool noise complaint was not shutdown, because the officer never “shut it down”, because the officer was busy with standing by while businesses on Route 111 closed, so the employees and/or the stores didn’t get robbed, because Sunoco was burglarized two weeks prior. If the noise complaint came in as someone cutting their leg off with a power tool, I’m pretty sure the officer would have responded, because that would be an emergency!

Police officers have desecration, on every situation because all situations are not the same. I bet if you move to Saudi Arabia or Burma you’d be happy, because I hear they decapitate annoying power tool users. Anything else you are not getting?!

Oh yeah, like the surrounding police departments really want to be called for mutual aid to cover a noise complaint, tying up one of their cops on a frivolous house power washing call.

Have you really convinced yourself that because police calls are not in the Eagle Tribune, that the Atkinson Police have no calls? Do you believe everything on the Internet is true too? You believe part-time officers are not trained and unarmed (this isn’t Britain)?! The police academy certifies ALL NH police officers. Wow.

Anonymous said...

The Local Government Center (LGC) will do the the study for free. As a taxpayer, I want an explanation of why this study of the PD was not put up for bid and given carte blanche to MRI?

Does anyone really believe it will only cost $5000.00 for consultants to come in and evaluate the PD for 3 to for 4 months? At 4 months, that would roughly cost $41.66 a day. $41.66 a day for expert consultants, huh? Are they outsourcing to China to get that cheap price? If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

Anonymous said...

You think because there's no police log in the Tribune, there's no police calls? I didn't know the Tribune dispatched calls for Atkinson PD.

Here's a hint sleuth, the PDs give police logs to the newspapers. If the PDs don't give a log to the paper, it doesn't mean there's no police calls.

Anonymous said...

LCG does not represent the best interests of the taxpayers of the state of New Hampshire. Many share this opinion. MRI is competent to review the Atkinson Police Department and make recommendations for improvements in a professional manner. LCG can not make such an assessment. MRI has competent fully trained officers who can stand in immediately for a disabled police Chief. LCG cannot do this.

MY Opinion

Anonymous said...

Please identify the next officer you see on the road, at the closing ceremonies for baseball, on a detail on at your house who does not have a gun on.

The only one 2 who don't have a gun on is Mr Smith and Mr Bennett. Why do I bring their names up because, People of Atkinson, they think they are cops. Mr Bennett drives around with a badge in his wallet so wheneber he gets stopped whether in Atkinson or Plaistow (see Bill we know everything :) ) he pulls it out. Smith may soon be a cop again if Kennybunk calls or maybe the U Mass Lowell job opens again. But for now do you want Smith and Bennett playing fill in for Phil?

Anonymous said...

Consentino does not have up to date training, can't carry.
Cammalleri can't either.

Anonymous said...

The noise compliant for the power washer ( anyone ever hear one of these at 1030 PM?) was made around 9, long before the donut break, unless donut break is 2 hours.

Anonymous said...

Chief says theres no crime and no calls. Do you doubt him?

Now it's the Tribunes fault?

Anonymous said...

Noise ordinace says NO noise that would bother a person between 9PM and 7AM.

The cops are not doing their jobs.

Anonymous said...

Fireworks are illegal unless permitted by the Town specifically, in advance. There was no such permit issued.

Anonymous said...

Where were these two alleged accidents and who was in them? Public information. Put up or shut up.

Anonymous said...

Good morning Joyce, I see you must have slept in today and your just having your first coffee or is it a bloody mary today (after all it is Wednesday). I hear they may be a big game 7 party tonite at your house, when are the invites coming out?

Anonymous said...

To Anon June 15, 2011 8:40 AM:

Good point on the training. I personally know that officer in question and can tell you that he doesn't carry an actual gun. Instead it is a water gun, a very expensive black Glock water gun. With this gun he is able to water the flowers around town. Have you seen the flowers at the PD, they are off the hook. Thank you for bringing that to our attention. You are a true Patriot.

Anonymous said...

Lafrance is a decent hard working person who always tries to do what is right. I know her and admire she stands up to thugs who disturb the peace.

Anonymous said...

Joyce is a kook and anyone who knows her will agree. Check in with her former neighbors on Stage RD and the new neighbors on GRANITE RIDGE. Come Joyce/Leon it's almost time to shut the postings down on this as well.

Anonymous said...

Do you mean the druggies on Stage Rd? No one got along with them and rightly so, unless you like druggies, then you will like the pot smokers on Meditation.

Yes, that's it! That's why you defend them! You approve!

Anonymous said...

So the only people that live on Stage Rd are druggies? Hmm I will pass that along to them in some sort of way. As I will pass along to the gentlemen who live on Meditation that Joyce is diming them out to the DEA.

Anonymous said...

So the only people that live on Stage Rd are druggies? Hmm I will pass that along to them in some sort of way. As I will pass along to the gentlemen who live on Meditation that Joyce is diming them out to the DEA.

Anonymous said...

The O'Leary's on Granite Ridge are the kooks, they vandalized the neighbors. I never read about this in the paper or the police log. Another cover up.

Anonymous said...

I did'nt hear the previous poster say that everyone on Stage Rd. was a druggie and I don't see where they said they were Joyce. Why are you making stuff up again, just to cause trouble? DEA, sounds like you're a cop.

I don't think the person on Meditation is a gentleman if he causes so much trouble.

Anonymous said...

Threatening people is a crime by the way.

Anonymous said...

Someone here is defending the police, why? If they let this go on, they have no excuse.

Why is the town letting them get away with it?

Anonymous said...

No just having fun with a crabby old lady who should try pot and give up the Valium.

Anonymous said...

So now you are trying to call her a druggie? That is slander and a poorly formed defense of your weak position here on this topic.

Anonymous said...

Lunesta on the once a year that your neighbor has a party. So you don't turn into Debbie Downer raining on the parade. Loosen up JL the stress will kill ya!

Anonymous said...

Lunesta on the once a year that your neighbor has a party. So you don't turn into Debbie Downer raining on the parade. Loosen up JL the stress will kill ya!

Anonymous said...

Live free or die

Anonymous said...

The majority of people on granite ridge, mediation, and stage rd don't post on this blog, because they are living life and are not disgruntled.

Anonymous said...

It sounds to me like all the cops are posting here.

Anonymous said...

This party was going on during the day, started in the early afternoon. We drove by on our way to the movies.

Anonymous said...

Please blogmaster post the police log on this fine literary web page. Let the truth be told about how JPD (Joyce's private PD) neglected multiple calls. Be sure to include who the caller was each time. Be sure to note that no one else was disturbed by this noise. Please post the exact words of the Atkinson Noise Ordinance

Anonymous said...

Several people reported that they had a problem with the noise and the fireworks. You should not target one person.

MAcciard said...

To 12:09; 90 days is the time frame to complete the study, it does not mean they will be in town the entire 90 days.

To 8:40; According to his own testimony the Chief has not had any training since 1989, but that hasn't stopped him from wearing his gun to selectmen meetings just to show he can.

To 10:24;

There WAS a drug house on Stage rd. back in the late 90's. It really heated up around late '98 or so just after Baldwin joined the force as a part timer. He used to say that they(the police) couldn't do anything about it because the chief wouldn't give them permission to arrest anyone. If you don't believe me about the house, just ask him. There were tons of complaints, and no concrete action taken. This is all a matter of public record, look it up.

Frank, are these nasty little personal comments yours? Didn't you come close to losing your job over doing that 4 years ago? I guess some lessons never get learned.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mark,

I keep looking over my shoulder, but I don't see you and the Lincoln coming to chat. Do you still own that car?

Anonymous said...

So Mark,

Being a former member of the Budget Committee, do you support the MRI study for $5000.00? I anticipate your answer as being yes. Do you also support the BOS paying more than $5000.00 to MRI, once this group of execs and former police chiefs start to roll their sleeves up and get down to the meat and potatoes of things at 27 Academy Ave.

Allow me to pephrase the question, Do you support the BOS paying MRI in excess of the stated $5000.00 to do a complete study of APD.

Anonymous said...

I think it was a Chryseler.

Anonymous said...

anon 1250

Who are several people? and to Whom did they report the noise to?

Anonymous said...

I think they should pay for the study, whatever it costs. This is long overdue and I for one am very glad the BOS are doing this and they have my support and are gaining respect in my eyes.

Anonymous said...

Even if you log into an anonymous server, you can still be traced. People that are not too smart will overlook the fact that they can link comments to you. :)

Anonymous said...

Funny. If you get more names are you going to attack them too or will you be happy and go away?

Anonymous said...

I heard the Chief ahd two heart surgeries. What is his status, does anyone know?

Anonymous said...

I will be happy and go away

tim dziechowski said...

"Noise ordinace says NO noise that would bother a person between 9PM and 7AM."

Atkinson doesn't have a noise ordinance.

Five years ago Phil went to the selectmen and said he needed a noise ordinance because when he got complaints about loud parties and went to investigate the partiers told him to pound sand.

The selectmen nodded sagely and passed a noise ordinance.

The only problem is that they are not authorized by law to do that.

NH RSAs spell out the powers of towns and
powers of selectmen to pass by-laws and ordinances.

Towns (which means town meetings) can pass noise ordinances. If Atkinson ever adopts RSA 41:14b at a town meeting _and_ our population is over 10,000 our selectmen could pass a noise ordinance or any other by-law legal for towns after a few public hearings.

But we haven't passed a warrant article giving them that authority and our town is too tiny anyway.

The only noise regulation in town that has any legal validity is what's in our zoning regulations under site plans. That was passed by town meeting vote.

All the selectmen need to do to make the noise ordinance legal is put it on the ballot.

Of course, it might not pass, this being such a wild party town.

Anonymous said...

Why did Joyce remove her 3am post? Things getting too hot for her. She can dish it out but can't take it. Who gets to run the blog next week? Back to Carol or Mark for a while?

Anonymous said...

Someone else posted that article and they removed it because others were getting attacked as a result.

Anonymous said...

I can't wait until the topic turns to Franks apology to Brownfield. I hope he apologizes to the town for misleading them in the session, it would be the noble thing to do after we taxpayers pad his legal bill and lost.

Anonymous said...

Hey Officer Cammilleri, I read on this factual, true, and non-bias blog, that you don't carry a gun. That's hardcore dude! Are you certified in secret magical ninja skills instead? That's wicked awesome the police academy, which oversees all NH town police departments, lets you not carry and to use cool ninja mind tricks for your safety and the safety of others. I'm going to recommend sweet ninja skills for my town's PD too!

Anonymous said...

The BOS will wait to pass the noise ordinance until after the wedding taking place in the backyard on Coventry Lane. Of coarse the BOS will be part of the noise. Can't wait going to call the PD starting at 9pm to shut down you know who's wedding party!

Anonymous said...

We have an ordinance, they cannot refuse to enforce it. If it were challenged by a court, it may be unenforceable but the cops cannot determine this, they cannot interpret law.

Anonymous said...

From the Town website :
http://www.town-atkinsonnh.com/

Noise Ordinance

Adopted May 15, 2006

Fred J. Childs, Jr., Chairman; Jack Sapia, Paul Sullivan





It shall be unlawful to make loud or unreasonable noises in a public place, or making loud and unreasonable noises in a private place, which can be heard in a public place or other private places, which would disturb a person of average sensibilities.

It shall be unlawful to allow outside construction, loud parties, radios or loud bands or any other loud activities to start prior to 7:00am Monday through Sunday and shall not continue after 9:00pm at night.

First offense shall carry a $50.00 fine.

Second offense shall carry a $100.00 fine.





BOARD OF SELECTMEN

TOWN OF ATKINSON

Anonymous said...

On July 15, 2002, the Police Chief proposed the Noise Ordinance to the BOS:

ATKINSON BOARD OF SELECTMEN

Regular Meeting Atkinson Town Hall

Monday, July 15, 2002 7:30 p.m.

Present: Mr. DeRosa, Chairman; and Mr. Boyle

Mr. DeRosa called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Boyle moved to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2002 meeting as presented, Mr. DeRosa seconded and the motion passed.



DEPARTMENT HEADS

The Chief submitted the following proposed Noise Ordinance for the Board’s consideration:

" No outside construction, loud parties, radios or live bands or any other activities that could generate noises that are not conducive to a normal person or persons. Shall not start prior to 7:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. All such activities shall cease by 9:00 pm. Exceptions to this ordinance may be approved by either the Board of Selectmen or the Police Chief. All such requests must be submitted in writing 48 hours before the event." The proposed ordinance would carry a $100 fine for a first offense and a $200 fine for a second.





Board of Selectmen Page Two

July 15, 2002

In his research, Atkinson appears to be the only town that does not have an ordinance, he said. The Selectmen took the issue under advisement.

Anonymous said...

The wording in our noise ordinance is taken directly from RSA 644:2 Disorderly Conduct.

This is a misdemeanor when they have to ask you twice.

So this is the law of the State and Atkinson is not enforcing it.

There are no hours of enforcement, all hours of the day or night it is enforceable.

Anonymous said...

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/lxii/644/644-2.htm

Anonymous said...

That would disturb a person of reasonable sensibilities.
That would not apply to Joyce.

Anonymous said...

Interesting. In 2002, the Ckief applied for a FT officers job.

7/29/2002 BOS minutes:

Police Department – Chief Consentino read part of a letter from one of the applicants for the position of full-time officer, saying that he was impressed with the way the town conducted the process of hiring an officer. The Chief mentioned that he was also one of the applicants for the position.

He could work for himself. Taking nepotism to a new level!

Anonymous said...

January 28, 2009

Board of Selectmen
Town of Atkinson
21 Academy Avenue
Atkinson, NH 03811

RE: Notice of Suit – First Amendment Violations

Dear Board of Selectmen:

This office represents the legal interests of Leon Artus, in relation to violations of his First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and to petition the government, by Atkinson Police Chief Philip Consentino and the Atkinson Board of Selectmen.

The purpose of this letter is to place the Town of Atkinson on notice, pursuant to RSA 507-B:7, that Mr. Artus and other citizens will be filing a civil rights lawsuit concerning Chief Consentino’s intimidation and harassment of Atkinson citizens who signed a warrant article petition circulated by Mr. Artus, and the Board of Selectmen’s actions in enabling and permitting Chief Consentino to bully and intimidate residents who have the temerity of criticizing him or taking a political stance against his personal interests.

Anonymous said...

• In 2000, Atkinson resident Steve Lewis circulated a petition for a warrant article to have a full-time police chief appointed. The warrant article in question was much like the one that Mr. Artus circulated earlier this month. Chief Consentino responded by visiting Mr. Lewis’ office in his Chief’s uniform, leaving his cruiser running outside with its blue lights flashing for over an hour. Inside the office, he loudly and abusively castigated Mr. Lewis for having the audacity to initiate the petition.

• In 2005, Chief Consentino flagrantly violated Orders of the Rockingham County Superior Court in a case initiated by Mark Acciard that required him to leave Selectmen’s meetings at any time the agenda turned to matters involving the Police Department or Elderly Affairs Office. He was found to be in contempt of court by Judge McHugh. Chief Consentino retaliated against Mark Acciard by charging him with trumped up traffic offenses and contacting vendors for Mr. Acciard’s business to tell them that Mr. Acciard was “under investigation by the Atkinson Police Department.” Chief Consentino’s retaliatory behavior against Mr. Acciard resulted in yet another defamation and civil rights lawsuit being filed against the Town, which is currently pending.

Anonymous said...

• In 2006, former Selectwoman Carol Grant filed a petition to have Consentino removed from his position as Chief of Police. Her petition cited a lengthy history of rogue behavior which would have justified removing Chief Consentino from the position which he so frequently abused. Among other things, Chief Consentino unlawfully taped Ms. Grant during a conversation, in violation of New Hampshire’s wiretapping statute, and then destroyed the evidence of that illegally taped conversation. Despite these serious violations of the law, the Selectmen have taken no meaningful action to curb Chief Consentino’s flagrant abuses of his official position. A lawsuit filed by Ms. Grant resulted in the Town being forced to pay out another settlement because of the Chief’s outrageous conduct, yet he still holds his position and continues to abuse it with the knowledge and apparent complicity of the Select Board.

• Also in 2006, Chief Consentino angrily erupted during a Board of Selectmen’s meeting when a citizen, Brian Kaye, read a prepared statement concerning his opposition to Chief Consentino’s plan to expand use of a communications tower near his property, and Consentino’s rude and belittling responses to Mr. Kaye’s concerns. Chief Consentino then followed up by sending Mr. Kaye two threatening letters, on police department stationary, demanding that Mr. Kaye provide him copies of his prepared statement. This is yet another example of the Chief abusing his position to intimidate a citizen who dared to speak out against him. After a death threat Mr. Kaye moved to Maine.

In addition to the above-described examples of Chief Consentino’s abuses of office, he has also succeeded in making Atkinson’s police department a “family affair” in contravention to any reasonable standard of nepotism. His wife Jody is director of dispatch, and his son David is a patrolman. Supervision of a wife and son is obviously different from supervising other employees. In addition, he uses Jody to screen calls seeking to complain against him, and insulate him from accountability to Atkinson’s citizenry by having her defer to “a superior” who puts up a smokescreen when people seek to file a complaint.

Throughout all of this well-documented history of aggressive, intimidating, and coercive behavior of on the part of Chief Consentino, the Atkinson Board of Selectmen have refused to take any meaningful action to put a stop to it. The refusal to remove Chief Consentino has clearly emboldened him over the years, to the point that he now is willing to personally confront simple townsfolk who sign a petition for a warrant article to intimidate them into removing themselves from the political process, which they should enjoy a constitutional right to participate in this Saturday. The Town’s inaction constitutes an established pattern and practice of ratifying and complying with Chief Consentino’s flagrant violations of Atkinson resident’s civil rights.

Mr. Artus’ lawsuit will name Chief Consentino, the Town of Atkinson, the current sitting Selectmen, and former Selectmen Jack Sapia and Francis Polito. He will be seeking damages and injunctive relief against both Chief Consentino and the Town.

Please have the Town’s litigation counsel contact me if there any questions.

Sincerely,



Charles G. Douglas, III

Anonymous said...

Same old song and dance, it's so old and tired. Anything fresh?

MAcciard said...

To 1:17;

It wasn't a Lincoln it was a Chrysler 300, and No I do not.

MAcciard said...

to 1:45;

I support the study. I have not seen the contract, and therefore can not comment on it's terms. I do not know if the $5,000 is the price, or if it is a retainer, if there is allowance for overruns, I simply do not have enough information.

However, if it cost the town $30,000 and it really was a top to bottom management review that covered, hours used, and how they are used, number of officer hours per dispatch, number of man hours per call, budget dollars per call, vehicle usage, gas usage, Cost of town dispatch versus the Plaistow Dispatch contract, and compared these metrics to similar towns like Sandown, then it would save the town hundreds of thousands over the next 10 years.

Bear in mind these guys are from Salem, and therefore are probably very familiar with Atkinson, it PD, it's management, and it's problems.

Our PD Administration does not enjoy a very good reputation in local law enforcement circles.

MAcciard said...

Tim, while you raise a great point, and the Ordinance may not survive a Court challenge, it IS currently a Town Ordinance, and therefore the police must enforce it. They have enforced it in the past, and must continue to do so until such time as it is challenged and vacated.

The PD does not get to determine constitutionality.

Anonymous said...

So they will come into this with some knowledge and go from there. Maybe it's the basic package: staffing, training, skills, pay, cars, crime rate, population. They could do alot of basic analysis for cheap money.

I think it's great.

Anonymous said...

If it's over the 5k town policy would be to send it out for bid. May be bias that Phil Smith wants the job, is hiring the firm and has a relationship with MRI. I personally don't think this past the smell test. I want change, but there is a better way.

Anonymous said...

Even if the ordinance is legit, and it isn't, police officers are allowed huge descretion to enforce laws. For example, not stopping uninspected and speeding cars, not charging harressment of neighbors, disorderly conduct cussing at neighbors. You on this blog know who I'm referring too. People in glass houses should not throw stones.

Anonymous said...

No real law enforcement in town. Part timers falling down on the job. Dereliction of duty.

How sad.

tim dziechowski said...

"The PD does not get to determine constitutionality."

Mark...as you and I know, having sworn the oath ourselves...when you take office you swear to uphold the constitution and laws of the state of NH.

I have pointed out the illegality of how the noise ordinance was passed to every selectman and TA since Jack Sapia was in office.

If enforcing ordinances is such a town priority why is Carol Grant's water withdrawal ordinance ignored? Maybe because ordinances are only enforced when it's convenient?

It alarms me that the first half of this non-ordinance is identical to part of the state's disturbing the peace RSA. Why was Phil bugging the selectmen for three years for something that is already in state law? He could have been enforcing the state law all along.

Or the felony timber trespass laws which were broken daily for weeks on Carol Davis's driveway.

I will now shut up, go put the Big Speaker in the window, and crank up the Reggae (and or Bruins game). That will have to hold me until I can find and hire a tuba-playing lawyer who works nights.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the state law was broken then not enforced. Very simple for the Selectmen. Clean house and start over.

Anonymous said...

was wondering why there was no selectmens meeting on Monday

Anonymous said...

Tim, you're such a NERD!

Anonymous said...

Resident to cops: Slow down!
By Elizabeth Dinan
edinan@seacoastonline.com
June 16, 2011 - 2:00 AM
PORTSMOUTH — The police chief and mayor should issue an order barring all city employees from exceeding the speed limit, said South Street resident Marylou McElwain.

"I think it would be a great initiative," McElwain said at a Wednesday morning "coffee talk" with Police Chief Lou Ferland.

One of a half-dozen citizens to join the chief for coffee at Cafe Espresso, McElwain said she frequently sees city employees speeding on Mt. Vernon Street, including school bus drivers and on- and off-duty police officers. Ferland, who was joined by Deputy Police Chief Stephen DuBois and Rockingham County Attorney James Reams, said "we should be role models," while promising to get the word out to his department.

Traffic concerns dominated during more than an hour of discussion among the law enforcement leaders and members of the public. Ferland described technology police use to record the history of traffic speeds in specific areas, before Islington Street resident Regina Maher said a crosswalk in her neighborhood is often ignored by motorists.

"Anytime any one of us crosses, our lives are in danger, to be honest," she said. "Maybe you could put a cop there, or something in the middle of the road, or put up one of those gizmos you've been talking about. I can start taking numbers if you want me to. I don't want an accident."

Ferland said he and his officers are aware of pedestrian accidents in that neighborhood and will continue to be mindful of Maher's concern. He also told her that $30,000 in new grants to the Police Department will be used for various forms of traffic enforcement.


"Some of this money is probably going to be used to deploy in the Gates Street area to see if we can improve the quality of life for you and your neighbors," Ferland told resident Karen Bouffard.

She told the chief that traffic in her crowded South End neighborhood is a constant concern and that she picks up pieces of automotive glass from the streets on a daily basis. Delivery trucks often exceed the speed limit on "very narrow" streets in the historic neighborhood, she said.

In response, DuBois said he is a member of the city's traffic and safety committee, and advised that if Bouffard brought specific concerns to that committee, they would be studied for possible improvement in concert with plans to rehabilitate Gates Street.

A graduate of the citizens police academy, resident Jon Wennberg praised Ferland for the work his department performs. He said he recently witnessed a young woman hanging from the window of a moving car and said police pulled the car over within seconds.

Reams answered questions about previous convictions of bar owners for overservice, driving while intoxicated checkpoints and motorcycle noise. But residents' concerns remained focused on traffic.


"Ninety percent of what I hear is about noise and speeding," Ferland said at the close of the meeting. "I'm not pleased that this is happening, but I am pleased that there are no concerns about murders, or (other large crimes). Our goal is to continue to keep the community that way and we're working on that."

Ferland said while traffic is a constant concern heard at his coffee talks, citizen complaints vary by neighborhood. When he hosted a gathering at Caffe Kilim on Islington Street, he said, residents complained about vagrants in the Rock Street Park and on Brewster Street. When he hosted a talk at Geno's in the South End, Ferland said the discussion was political and focused on budgets.

Anonymous said...

Consentino can meet with you at Eggies on Saturday to discuss the unwanted noise on Meditation Lane. The State Law was also broken and a drug investigation is scheduled.

Show up this Saturday and the Chief and Town Attorney will address ALL concerns of the residents concerning disturbance and noise. Safety and noise complaints are a concern for the Atkinson Police Dept. WE WILL ENFORCE THE LAWS.

Anonymous said...

If only that were true.

Eggie's, right.

Anonymous said...

Is this a new Town Meeting official posting site?

Holding court at a diner?

Anonymous said...

Yes, I believe it is... didn't the selectment post their notice on here when they secretly held that meeting a few weeks ago to hire MRI without going to bid?

Anonymous said...

Imagine if one of these huge parties were to result in an accident with innocent victims hurt. How awful that would be. Not to mention the liability this homeowner and the Town would have after not taking appropriate action.

There is a responsibility that comes with using discretion, in that one is expected to properly consider the law and the facts when making decisions. Anyone who did not exercise sound judgement could also be held liable.

Anonymous said...

I'm guessing the Selectman found legal justification to hire MRI without going to bid and here's my theory.

If it became public and advertised Phil would mobilize every obligated senior that could walk, or get a wheel chair for them, to show up at Town Hall and use the "angry mob" tactic that served him and Frank well for many years. He'll send a mailer to his senior voter base telling them all to call town hall and complain.

Selectman know this and avoided Phil's tactics. I'm betting it'll be the best $5,000 our town ever spent. The only downside is I could have written it and I have written it as the problems are so fantastically blantant and obvious anyone could write it. A taxi service for seniors run out of a PD? Phony baloney budget practices using money for a PD to run a political party using town equipment? It's beynd comprehension how bad off our PD is run.

Anonymous said...

I agree. I don't care that they did not go out to bid in this case. The sooner they get MRI here, the better off we will be.

Nasty remarks, poor service, not doing the job the taxpayers pay for, all the lawsuits, it's ruining this town. Time for better dyas.

Anonymous said...

I cound not agree more. Winds of change are a blowin'.

Get ready you crazy Phil supporters. You gonna looze control. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Oh, and all dem perks us taxpayers been paying for you. Just say by by to them. No more free rides, free gas, free lunch, free anything on my dime a--ho----.

Anonymous said...

Ok, dumb question.

What ever happened to the detective's desire for a neighborhood watch?

I guess he didn't really mean it.

Anonymous said...

He's leaving so there is not need for a neighborhood watch program that would have protected him from having to work a good days work.

Him leaving............PROBLEM SOLVED. Good riddens to a man that never worked a day since he was hired in Atkinson.

In addition, there is no need to replace him. Consentino be damned.

Anonymous said...

Anybody know how long you are down after heart surgery? Hear Mr. Consentino had a bad time of it.

One lady told me 8 days. But another friend says his dad was down for over 2 months and was recovering for 6 months. Any docs or nurses out there know more? Anybody have open heart surgery or relative and know. Anybody know more about Mr. Consentino's operations and what hospital he is in?

Anonymous said...

Normally for a younge person it would take a year to recover. Someone over sixty would take longer. Someone Consentino's age may never be the same again. Most people his age would enjoy the time he or she has left. Only the weak of mind would try to beat the odds over seventy.

Anonymous said...

My father had open heart, in his 60's over 15 years ago. He was a new man after it, went back to work, retired when he wanted and is looking forward to he's 80's. They can do so much with the heart. The Chief I'm sure will be better then ever.

Anonymous said...

Two different answers but thanks. Any doctors out there?

Anonymous said...

Im the doctor of love and i prescribe love, peace and harmony amongst our good neighbors.

Anonymous said...

Heard months of recovery. Rumor is the doctors cut Consentino open a second time the day after the first heart operation failed. Who is left to run the APD? Camilerri "no gun shogun"? "Gun slinger" Farrrrrrar headin out the door in a month. What part timers are left?

Rumor is APD is putting APD back together for emergency salary protection. Part time policeman--- Consentino Jr. ---will take over top job as Chief. Chief Jr. and mom Consentino, (dispatcher), takes written orders from Phil's nursing home bed, you know, tubes and all. Mom Consentino takes Atkinson Police Charity Fund over and dispatches rides to elderly voters. Donations go wherever as usual. It's all CONFIDENTIAL. YOU CALL; WE HAUL!

Anonymous said...

who is having a wedding on conventry??????

Anonymous said...

I also heard went into his heart a second time. Split him twice. Why not just go to Mass General and get it done right the first time? I wouldn't go to a NH hospital if I stubbed my toe. Mass General is what, 50 minutes away?
In Maine they say "Too soon old, too late smart".

Anonymous said...

Did you see the new mailer?

He is still hunting ofr money for his slush fund using the town elderly affairs dept as bait.

HE CAN'T DO THAT!

Anonymous said...

Hey man, I can speed thru town

Party

Smoke dope

No cops. HAHAHAHAHA

Anonymous said...

BOS gets MRI to fix APD ASAP or S.H.I.T. hits fan ASAP.

Anonymous said...

I could have saved the town the "5000" they are giving to Mr Gould and Co.

Report on APD

What are you kidding me? One cop on a shift there's the problem. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

How does one know what is wrong if we do not report statistics and there's no logs? On one hand, we are told we need 2 more FT officers, one the other hand, no crime is being reported.

We have 5 FT officers on during the day when crime is low and at night, we have one PT guy using his discretion.

We do not know what we really need.

Anonymous said...

ok anon 304
We dont even have 5 ft officers.

So we can't have 5 on during the day.

The evening officer m-f is a full time officer as is the midnight officer.

Weekends we have very qualified PT officers, one per shift. Is any of this making sense to you?

Anonymous said...

I will also gaurantee you that there is a log for every shift worked, and should we show up at your house on a Sat Night or meet your son or daughter on the side of the road, is discretion ok?

Anonymous said...

5 has been the norm up until a couple of weeks ago.

So now why do they put PT less qualified officers on during the weekend, the worst time of the week?

Any of this make sense to you?

Anonymous said...

The police log needs to be accurate to the facts. Not a fake report or incomplete or "doctored" report to protect or conceal. Some trouble makers in town will get cautious if their names show up in the papers --police log Atkinson. Likewise, a parent may restrict the dope smoking son by taking away his car keys so the family name is not in the police log.

Think how many trees in town would be saved from cars getting wrapped around them. SAVE THE TREES!!

"Just the facts, mam, just the facts."

Anonymous said...

The facts mam just the facts. Dragnet on TV. From the 60ties?

Anonymous said...

"I will also gaurantee you that there is a log for every shift worked, and should we show up at your house on a Sat Night or meet your son or daughter on the side of the road, is discretion ok?"

Are you asking me if I want you to exercize discretion if they do something wrong? As in look the other way? Give a special favor?

How unethical!

Anonymous said...

maybe mri will find out what is wrong with the duct work at the pd and why every one in the building is getting sick. its been over a year and bos have done nothing

Anonymous said...

Why don't they get the building cleaned? It's not very clean in there, smelly too. Maybe open a window.

Anonymous said...

It stinks in there of corruption. Need the Feds to clean up.

Anonymous said...

Two charged after crashing stolen car
By Cara Hogan

View All Photos
Posted: 06/22/2011 12:14 AM
ATKINSON — Two Lawrence men, allegedly driving a stolen car, led police on a high-speed chase through town before crashing early yesterday morning.

Detective Sgt. Philip Farrar said Officer Kevin Donnelly was on a routine patrol and tried to pull over a white 1994 Honda Accord for speeding on Sawyer Avenue at 6:30 a.m. yesterday.

"The car didn't stop and there was a short pursuit of about a mile or so," Farrar said. "Donnelly called it off because it got too excessive in speed, up to 70 mph on back roads."

The Honda crashed shortly afterward at the intersection of Sawyer Avenue and Main Street, going straight through the intersection and hitting a stone wall.

Farrar said the two men fled the vehicle. "I apprehended them 30 minutes later on the other side of town on Lewis Lane. They offered no resistance when arrested," he said.

Farrar said the two men had disturbed the neighborhood while they ran from the police, knocking on and trying to open doors.

"They were trying to get help, I guess," Farrar said. "A woman said they told her they had missed the school bus, which we got a chuckle out of."

Jeremiah Torres, 18, and Irvin Diaz, 19, both from Lawrence, allegedly stole the car earlier yesterday morning in Lawrence before driving to Atkinson.

Both were arrested and charged with receiving stolen property, conduct after an accident, operating after revocation, reckless driving and disobeying a police officer.

The two men are both known gang members in Lawrence, according to Farrar.

"Lawrence (police) said they have both been involved in shootings down there," Farrar said. "These guys are bad guys; they're the real deal. It would appear that Atkinson is a throughway to Salem from Lawrence and Haverhill, all the crime from Lawrence heading our way every day."

Torres and Diaz are in custody, Farrar said, held on $25,000 cash bail each. They are scheduled for video arraignment today in Plaistow District Court.

• • •

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Anonymous said...

Wow Gangbangers in Atkinson! Nice pinch APD and Chief Farrar just think if you didnt find those criminals, I'm sure a home invasion was next.

Anonymous said...

Homeinvasion? Are you kidding me that would never happen in Atkinson. HMMM Wake up Residents and see what could happen.

Anonymous said...

This could of ended badly. Kids getting on school buses, runners out for their morning run, commutters on there way to work.

Well done Officer Donnelly and Detective Farrah.

Good to know Atkinson is in good hands.

My wife and I live in that area. Scary to have this happen so close to home.

Anonymous said...

This is when you are thankful you have an experienced Officer behind the wheel. If this was a new officer or someone not familiar with our streets...most chases end in death, or costing the city major $$$. Officer Donnelly needs to be commended.

Anonymous said...

I heard Farrar got these notorious gang members off of maple Ave (not Lewis Lane), maybe they were going to Friel's house for a breakfast meeting.

Anonymous said...

Thank you APD for making Atkinson look good in the paper. I'm sure surrounding towns thank you to.
Glad no one was hurt.

Anonymous said...

Hope MRI will recommend a better work environment, support from the BOS, and an increase in wages to keep our fine officers in the Atkinson.

Get well soon Chief! You have a great staff!

Enjoy the good news.

Anonymous said...

Wait a minute 5 positive comments for APD on the Blog, where are Joyce, Leon, Mark and Mr Bennett. Somebody call them immediately this could be contagious.

Anonymous said...

Always fun to see the cops patting themselves on the back for doing their job.

Anonymous said...

July 12, 2011

Man shoots self in Atkinson
The Eagle Tribune Wed Jul 13, 2011, 12:12 AM EDT


ATKINSON — A man was hospitalized after shooting himself Sunday night, police said.

The shooting occurred about 6:30 p.m. at a home in the Rock Ridge Road area. The unidentified man was taken by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital for treatment of the self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He was then transferred to a Boston hospital, according to the fire department. No further details were available.

• • •
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Anonymous said...

Administrator? Please remove the previous posting.