Class 14-17 Week #5

Class #5 Major Crimes with SPD Detective Division

The class began with the first ride-along report of the current session. The student accompanied Officer Leslie on his 8 a.m.-Noon shift; he reported witnessing several stops for moving violations, responding to a kitchen fire, and responding to a minor fender bender. The most interesting event was an attempt to serve a Section 35 “warrant for apprehension” for reported alcohol abuse. However, the person was not at home. Sgt. Lawrence commented that this type of warrant can be served only when court is in session, because the person is taken directly to court. People are aware of this requirement and make a point of NOT being home during court hours. The student gave officer Leslie a grade of “A.”

Detectives Terence Murphy and Al Robichaud then discussed the role of the detective division and showed the class several surveillance videos of shoplifting and robbery attempts. In one video, a raccoon 

accompanied the suspects into the convenience store, taking advantage of the (broken) open door to search for a late-night snack. Unknown what crime the raccoon was charged with.
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The detectives talked about the use of GPS to track suspects; with a warrant, officers can attach a GPS to the underside of a suspect’s vehicle and follow him/her to what they anticipate will be a drug transaction. They also explained the use of confidential informants for “controlled purchases” of drugs. There is a direct correlation between a majority of crimes in Sandwich and drug addiction; heroin is the most common drug being bought/sold at the moment, often laced with fentanyl, which has led to an increased number of overdoses. So far this year, there have been 12 reported overdoses in Sandwich.
                                                         Contributing Editor, Donna Leiss

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Next week’s class will be Joint Operations with Deputy Chief JJ Burke from the Sandwich Fire Department.

May 9th will be the tour of the Barnstable County Jail (it’s a Tuesday).

Photos courtesy of Pauline Fortin and  Bob Nichols