To the citizens of Manchester-by-the-Sea who support our police

department, please accept my sincerest thanks. I know you represent the vast
majority of our community. To the small minority of naysayers, those who
dont understand the principals of policing in a modern society, I thank you
for the opportunity to explain.

At the very core of who we are and what we do are the principals of service,
security, and safety for our citizens and our police officers. We are
committed to this at the highest levels possible. I am extremely proud of the
highly motivated, highly trained, and dedicated men and women who
continually serve you.

Policing has changed significantly over the years. I, along with all members
of your police department, have kept current, changed as society has
changed, maintained the highest level of training and will do whatever is
necessary to deliver the best and safest service possible.

There has been a significant shift in crime from the cities to the suburbs.
Technology has allowed for more criminal activity and victimization of our
citizens and an increasing level of violence against police officers and
society in general.

The first community I worked in as a police officer was a small town much
like our own. There were 2 officers who were shot and seriously injured.
These shootings led to the end of their careers and nearly cost both of them
their lives. No community, regardless of size, demographics or
socioeconomic status, is immune from crime, criminal activity, or danger.
Just look at incidents in Newtown, Connecticut or other tragic stories that we
see on the nightly news.

As I write this letter I am awaiting the funeral arrangement information for
Officer Stephen Arkell of Brentwood, New Hampshire who was killed last
night responding to a domestic violence call. This is the type of call we
respond to everyday. As I attend his funeral service I will again be reminded
that this too was not L.A. and crime and violence is not isolated only to
cities.




To respond specifically to recent criticism: Yes, our cars are black and
white as they have been for years, and as they are in 92% of Massachusetts
and 95% of the United States, not just L.A. The reason: Police patrol is
designed to increase visibility and a feeling of community safety, deter
crime, and allow for our vehicles to be quickly identified in the event a
citizen is in need of immediate assistance. Secondly, our new K-9 program
is one designed around the principal of community policing, community
service and safety. When our K-9 unit finds its first missing child, assists in
the arrest of a criminal, or helps recover stolen property, I am confident that
even the naysayers will agree it has value to our community, and as a result
of grant funding, it comes to us at no monetary cost.

I remain - proud to serve,
Chief Glenn McKiel