Amherst Police See an Increase in Motor Vehicle Breaks

In recent weeks, the Amherst Police Department has seen an increase in the number of reports being filed for breaking and enterings into motor vehicles. In many of these reports, valuable items such as laptops and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) appear to be the primary targets.


Some of these incidents appear to be crimes of opportunity where the suspect(s) entered the motor vehicles through unlocked doors. Some victims reported leaving their GPS units in a conspicuous place, such as the dashboard, where the GPS could easily be seen by a potential thief. However, please be aware that numerous victims have also reported that their motor vehicles were locked and the stolen valuables were not in plain view.

The Amherst Police Department encourages citizens to take a few simple precautions in order to help deter these thefts.

• Properly secure your vehicle by locking the doors anytime you are away from it - even for a short period of time. Thieves are less likely to target a motor vehicle that is locked.

• Be sure to properly secure all valuables and, if at all possible, take these items with you and do not leave them unattended inside the vehicle for an extended period of time. In the event that your vehicle is broken into, thieves will not be able to take your property if it is not left inside the motor vehicle.

• If you must leave items in your vehicle, please make sure they are secured somewhere and out of view. Simply put, valuable items in plain view make thieves more likely to break into a vehicle, whether it is locked or not.

To report a breaking and entering, or if you have any information regarding a breaking and entering/suspicious activity, contact the Amherst Police Department at 413-259-3000 or the TIP LINE at 413-259-3344.

White Ribbon Day: 3/1/12

March 1st is White Ribbon Day to pledge to end the violence against women.
View this video produced by Jane Doe Inc and Take the Pledge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QESMmmLBD0M&feature=youtu.be

Amherst Emergency Communication Center is Hiring

Amherst is seeking an Emergency Dispatcher, performing clerical and technical duties for the operation of a 24 hour 7 days a week Emergency Communications Center. The Center is responsible for emergency communication and dispatching services for police, fire, hazmat and emergency medical calls. The successful candidates must have open availability for any shift assignment on a 4 day on/2 day off shift rotation. Availability for weekends and holidays is required, as this is a 24 hour center. The successful candidate must possess excellent communication skills to communicate both orally and in writing, and must have the ability to effectively deal with people who may be in crisis situations. Previous emergency communications experience desired, but not required. This is a full time position with a starting salary range of $1,226.50 - $1,403.69 BIWEEKLY, plus benefits. Conditions of employment include passing a background investigation and pre-employment drug screening. Apply online at http://www.amherstma.gov/ or download and complete the Application for Employment from http://www.amherstpd.org/ and mail to: Town of Amherst Human Resources, 4 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst MA 01002 by February 24, 2012. Amherst is an EEO/AA employer. Questions may be forwarded to Michael Curtin at 413-259-3111 or via email at curtinm@amherstma.gov.

New APD Officers Appointed

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is pleased to announce the appointment of three new patrol officers to the Amherst Police Department. Kasey J. Nagle, Benton J. Carr and Andrew C. Hulse were appointed after an extensive selection process which included a written examination, interview panels, physical and psychological testing and interviews with the Chief of Police and Town Manager.

Kasey J. Nagle, 25, is the son of William P. Nagle and Mary Jo Nagle of Florence, Massachusetts. He is a 2006 graduate of the Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut. In 2010, Mr. Nagle graduated with honors from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in public administration at Westfield State University with an anticipated graduation date in May 2012. Mr. Nagle currently resides in Florence, Massachusetts.

Benton J. Carr, 24, is the son of Robert Carr and Laura Cizek-Carr. He is a 2006 graduate of Granby High School in Granby, Massachusetts. In 2010, he graduated from Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts, earning his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Mr. Carr was previously employed as a seasonal corrections officer for the Hamden County Sheriff’s Department and as a security guard for MJ Norton Security Inc. in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

Andrew C. Hulse, 21, is the son of Donald Hulse and Corinne Hulse of Palmer, Massachusetts.
A home school graduate, he was a member of the Palmer High School Band and Palmer High School Varsity Football Team who was awarded his high school diploma in June 2008. He obtained his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Holyoke Community College in 2010 and is a 2012 graduate of Westfield State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Mr. Hulse currently resides in Palmer, Massachusetts.

Mr. Nagle, Mr. Carr and Mr. Hulse are all currently enrolled in the Western Massachusetts Regional Police Academy in Springfield, Massachusetts with an anticipated graduation date in June 2012.

5 Officers Awarded Letter of Merit

On January 25th, 2012 Lieutenant Jerry Millar, Officer Carlos Gutierrez, Officer Nicholas Chandler, Officer Joshua Harris and Officer Scott Soverino were issued a letter of Merit. Given by their peers, these officers were recognized for their actions and professionalism in the apprehension of a robbery suspect on December 25, 2011. All of the officers demonstrated outstanding teamwork while taking into custody the suspect, who the awoken homeowners discovered stealing their Christmas gifts. Their subsequent investigation showed that the suspect had broken into a total of five homes that morning. Well done to these fine Amherst Police Officers.