By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Athol, MA) Chief Craig Lundgren issued a statement today about the use of force and procedures in the Athol Police Department. Lundgren addressed concerns about reporting procedures, use of force in the department, and duty to intervene. Officers at Athol PD are trained to shoot as a last resort, but do not always use a warning if a person’s life is in danger. Choke holds are not allowed in the department, and officers are required to report every instance they use force in a written, signed report to the Chief which are investigated for reasonableness in accordance with policies and procedures. Officers are required to intervene should they see a fellow officer use excessive force. Officers can shoot at a moving vehicle if someone’s life is in danger. Last, officers are required to identify themselves when serving a warrant.
“I have worked in Orange and Athol for nearly 40 years now. The complaints I’ve received over that time period for excessive use of force by officers were negligible at best,” said Lundgren. Lundgren went on to say that he could not recall a single one, but admitted there could be a couple that he had forgotten.
“I will add that what happened to Mr. Floyd was tragic, sickening, abhorrent, and sadly, avoidable. But I hope that tragic event does not influence your feelings or opinion of the Athol Police Department,” said Lundgren in the statement.
To read the statement in its entirety click here.