NEWBURY — Newbury Police Chief Patricia A. Fisher reports that the Newbury Police Department has appointed two new domestic violence officers and a new member of the Department’s Motorcycle Unit.
Sgt. Jason daCunha and Officer Katelyn Tully were selected to be the Department’s new domestic violence officers, taking over roles previously held by Chief Fisher and Deputy Chief Aaron Wojtkowski.
Sgt. daCunha and Officer Tully will follow up on domestic violence reports taken by the Department and work with responding officers to ensure there is always someone available should abuse victims have questions or concerns for an officer.
Both will also work closely with the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center and will represent the Department on the Greater Newburyport Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT).
Domestic Violence Officers ensure the Newbury Police Department responds to victims of abuse with the highest level of care and support that is possible, and they also make referrals to the DVHRT when they believe that risk-factors in domestic cases warrant such a referral. The DVHRT then works to minimize or eliminate gaps in the criminal justice system and to ensure victims of abuse have up to date and effective safety plans in place.
As part of the changes, on Oct. 24, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center provided training to all Newbury officers, including four hours of training for all patrol officers and five hours of training for all supervisors. Training topics included recognizing domestic violence, why do victims stay, domestic violence investigations, risk assessment, report writing, the DVHRT and making high-risk referrals to the Team.
“At the Newbury Police Department, we believe that all officers are ‘domestic violence officers,’ but that it’s necessary to have selected officers assigned to the role of Domestic Violence Officer to ensure we’re providing exemplary services to abuse victims,” said Chief Fisher. “Having two points of contact in addition to responding officers allows victims to always have access to someone who can help. Having someone assigned as the Department’s liaison assists partnering community agencies and helps streamline services and resource knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Officer John Baker successfully completed the New England Police Vehicle Leasing – Basic Motor Officer Course. This is an intense 40-hour training class for certified police officers that strives to teach them better balance, precision and maneuvering on police motorcycles.
Officer Baker will now be able to join the department’s Motorcycle Unit, joining Deputy Chief Wojkowski, Detective Sgt. Stephen Jenkins, Sgt. Mark Smigielski, and Officer James Lucey III on the unit.
Officer John Baker successfully completed the New England Police Vehicle Leasing Basic Motorcycle Officer Course, which will enable him to join the Newbury Police Department’s Motorcycle Unit. (Courtesy Newbury Police Department)
