POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Certified Deputies with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office have begun to assist the Springfield Police Department in serving restraining orders, harassment prevention orders and court summons.
Effective July 10, Sheriff’s Deputies began assisting in the service of civil process Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Springfield Police Officers will continue to serve Emergency Restraining Orders, warrant services and License to Carry (LTC) revocations as well as any and all civil process outside the normal operating hours of the designated members from the Sheriff’s Office.
Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood stated, “We are a 9-1-1 driven department, and our squad officers are incredibly busy throughout their shift. This will allow our officers during the day to become more efficient responding to calls while the Sheriff’s Office can handle serving our civil papers. I’d like to thank Sheriff Cocchi for his continued partnership in helping us improve our services we provide to our residents.”
The Sheriff’s Office, which is already serving civil process in the city of Holyoke to free up the officers there, views the partnership as another means of community engagement.
“In Springfield, this is one of our many partnerships with the city and the police department, and we are proud to work alongside them,” said Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “Wherever there is a need in the 23 cities and towns we serve, that is where you will see us step up to assist.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Once again, Sheriff Nick Cocchi and his dedicated team have stepped up to partner with our Springfield Police Department to assist in serving civil papers as issued from our courts. Although our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Officers will continue to serve this much needed service in our community, having the Sheriff’s Department also assisting in the service of civil process will easy the workload upon our officers. From our unique partnership with the Sheriff Patrols in Forest Park, to the numerous other community outreach initiatives the Sheriff’s Department collaborates and partners with, Sheriff Nick Cocchi is always there ready to assist in whatever capacity we ask.”
On average, officers attempt to serve approximately 20 restraining and harassment prevention orders during this shift, and the amount of summonses varies day to day.
The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office also currently partners with the Springfield Police Department in its warrant apprehension unit, anti-Dirt Bike/OHV task force and in Forest Park.