Billerica Police Department Launches Citizen Engagement and Feedback Tool — Power Engage

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Nov. 4, 2024

Media Contact: Robert Mills Phone: (617) 993-0003 Email: robert@jgpr.net

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department will be among the first departments in the Commonwealth to use new software to better connect with the communities they serve.

The Billerica Police Department has launched a new citizen satisfaction and feedback solution that uses text messaging to keep citizens informed and to solicit feedback after non-life-threatening interactions with the department.

“In today’s on-demand society, we understand how important it is to keep citizens informed. Much like private companies use tools to send automatic text message notifications, updates and satisfaction surveys to their customers, the Billerica Police Department is now able to do the same,” said Chief Frost. “We expect that this new solution, PowerEngage, will drastically enhance communication with the citizens we serve.”

Text messages are sent hours or days after the incident and will ask citizens to take a quick survey about their experience with their call for service. It will also allow citizens to provide their own comments and feedback or have an opportunity to thank the responding officer.

With PowerEngage, text message surveys are sent to those whose number is recorded as part of a call for service or even an officer’s report. However, citizens can take a text message survey and provide feedback even if they did not receive a text message. To take a survey and provide feedback to the department even if you have not been texted, click here.

“This new software will enable us to survey residents about their interactions with Billerica Police, which will help us improve quality control and ensure that our officers are being professional and courteous,” said Chief Frost. “At the same time, the software will allow residents to thank officers for positive interactions and allow our department to push important information out to residents via text message. We are excited to be launching this new solution we look forward to receiving increased feedback from our community.”

Residents who do not want to participate can simply not respond to the text message or let the department know in advance by calling 978-671-0900 and your number will never receive a survey. As with all texts, residents may reply with STOP and that will opt them out of all future text surveys from the department.

It is important that everyone knows that these surveys should not be used to report any type of emergency or crime. As always, call 9-1-1 for any emergency or to report any criminal activity.

To learn more about Power Engage, visit: https://www.powerdms.com/power-engage.

Billerica Police Department Receives Another Donation From Idemia

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Idemia, located in Bedford (formally Billerica) has donated another year of support services for the department’s live scan fingerprinting system that Idemia manufactures. The system was purchased by the Commonwealth as part of a statewide project. The original purchase included three years of support services which expired. The donation will continue support for another 12 months at no charge to the Town.

The Police Department would like to thank Idemia publicly for this generous donation as well as other past donations and technical assistance they have provided over the years. They are a great neighbor and partner.

Idemia is a leading provider of identity solutions and services in the United States. For more information about their services and products please visit their website here.

Billerica Police Department Arrests and Charges Two with Stealing iPhone Packages

Billerica Police | MA Posted on by

Daneuri Diaz Romero

Yonaykin Guerrero Peguero

BILLERICA — Chief Roy Frost reports that the Billerica Police Department arrested and charged two men in connection with the theft of Apple iPhone packages from the porch of a Billerica home.

DANEURI DIAZ ROMERO, AGE 24, OF BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

  • Larceny Over $1,200
  • Warrant

YONAYKIN GUERRERO PEGUERO, AGE 25, OF BOSTON, was arrested and charged with:

  • Larceny Over $1,200
  • Failure to Stop for Police
  • Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign
  • Reckless Driving
  • Speeding

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, at approximately 11:18 a.m., Billerica Police were proactively monitoring FedEx deliveries of Apple iPhones due to a recent string of such thefts across the region.

Officer Patrick O’Brien observed a suspect take an iPhone box that had recently been delivered from a home on Nealley Street, and attempted to stop the suspect, who was later identified as DIAZ ROMERO.

DIAZ ROMERO ran into a nearby vehicle driven by an individual later identified as GUERRERO PEGUERO, and discarded the package. The vehicle fled the area and turned onto Boston Road southbound.

Officer O’Brien radioed Billerica Police Dispatch with the vehicle’s description and license plate number, and a short time later Burlington Police stopped the vehicle in the area of Simonds Park in Burlington.

Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident.

DIAZ ROMERO and GUERRERO PEGUERO are scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Lowell District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Newly Sworn-In Officer Robert Lee takes the Oath of Office

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Officer Robert Lee takes the Oath of Office with Town Clerk Donna McCoy

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost is pleased to report that the Billerica Police Department is welcoming a new officer to the department .

Officer Robert Lee, of Billerica, graduated from the Fitchburg State University Police Academy on Sept. 13, and was sworn in Friday by Town Clerk Donna McCoy.

Officer Lee is a Billerica native and graduate of Billerica Memorial High School. Both of his parents, Richard and Susan Lee, are formerly police officers, and Officer Lee grew up fascinated by the work his parents did.

Officer Lee attained the rank of Eagle Scout during his senior year of high school, and then attended Fitchburg State University where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice before attending the Fitchburg State University Police Academy.

Officer Lee will participate in the Billerica Police New Hire Program. This program consists of Field Training, Scenario Based Training and a year of Probation. The New Hire Program is administered by experienced Training Officers.

“Officer Lee showed genuine dedication during the police academy and in his studies leading up to the academy,” said Chief Frost. “I am confident he will progress well in his probationary year while serving the community with dignity and pride.”

From left to right are Lieutenant Commander Frank Mirasolo, Officer Robert Lee, Chief Roy Frost

Former Billerica Police Officer Indicted by Middlesex County Grand Jury after Alleged Inappropriate Relationship with Minor

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                          Media Contact:  Robert Mills
Wednesday, October 9, 2024                                                                                                          Phone (617) 993-0003Email:                                                                                                                                                            robert@jgpr.net

Allegations Identified and Investigated by Billerica Police Department and Forwarded to District Attorney’s Office

BILLERICA — Police Chief Roy Frost reports that, after an investigation brought forward by the Billerica Police Department, a former Billerica Police Officer was indicted by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on charges of rape of a child and possession of child pornography.

On Dec. 3, 2023, Billerica Police became aware of allegations against Officer Alexander Allen involving an improper relationship with a then-18-year-old.

An internal affairs investigation was launched immediately. Allen, who had served in the Department since 2018, was placed on paid administrative leave as of Dec. 5, 2023.

On Dec. 6, 2023, the Billerica Police Department hired Discrimination and Harassment Solutions LLC, to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. Chief Frost notified the Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Commission, of the officer’s status and the investigation, recommending that Allen’s certification be temporarily suspended.

The POST Commission maintains a public record of all disciplinary actions against police officers in the interest of full transparency within law enforcement.

On Dec. 14, 2023, as the department’s investigation unfolded, Billerica Police contacted the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, which opened a criminal investigation.

On Dec. 15, 2023, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office requested that Billerica Police suspend its internal investigation to preserve the integrity of the DA’s criminal investigation.

On Dec. 18, 2023, Officer Allen resigned, and the department notified the POST Commission. Chief Frost has since requested that the POST Commission temporarily decertify Allen as a police officer.

Allen was indicted on Oct. 3. Based on that indictment, another officer was placed on paid administrative leave on Tuesday, Oct. 8 pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation into potential violations of departmental policy related to this case.

“The allegations against Allen, if proven, are deeply disturbing and represent a betrayal of the oath sworn by police officers to protect the innocent and serve the public with integrity,” Chief Frost said. “Upon learning of the allegations, we followed our established policies and procedures, which included launching an internal affairs investigation and notifying our district attorney. There is no room in the Billerica Police Department for the abhorrent behavior alleged in this case.”

(These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. Further media inquiries should be directed to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.)

Chief’s Corner – Fall 2024

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Announcements and Updates

  • The police department is in the process of applying for a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Office of Grants and Research under the FY25 Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The program offers up to $250,000 to departments such as Billerica (greater than 50 sworn) for capital costs related to a Body Worn Camera (BWC) program. Administrative costs and software costs are not covered by the grant program. The Billerica Police administration, along with members of its collective bargaining unit (unions), will work together to identify a vendor that offers the best option for the department. It is our belief that a BWC program serves to increase trust and transparency with the public that we serve.
  • On Monday, September 30, 2024, Deputy Chief Glen Magnan begins a ten-week training program on executive management in Law Enforcement at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. This program is an exclusive professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. Once nominated, participation is by invitation only, with less than 1% of police officers gaining admission. It is our belief that investing in the educational and professional development of our police leaders translates into better overall police organizations and safer communities.
  • Since the beginning of 2024, the Billerica Police have brought on ten (10) new patrol officers. Of those ten, four (4) are currently fully trained and on the road working with field training officers. This is a big increase from the four (4) officers hired back in 2023. The Billerica Police consists of sixty-six (66) sworn officers, along with seventeen (17) paramedics, nine (9) Public Safety Telecommunicators, two full time and one part time (2.5) animal control officers (shared with Tewksbury), and five (5) civilian support personnel. We also are pleased to have multiple volunteers and interns that work to make the department one of the best in the Commonwealth.

Department Initiatives and Programs

  • Billerica will be starting its 2025 Citizens Police Academy. The academy, which is set to being on October 9, 2024, will consist of six (6) Wednesday evening sessions from 6p-830p. It will cover various topics, including:
    • Communications
    • Emergency Medical Services
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Student Resources Program
    • Traffic Enforcement
    • Mental Health
    • Fraud Awareness
    • Animal Control
    • K9 Unit
    • Training Division

To be eligible, you must be a Billerica resident, 21 years old or older, and be able to commit to all six sessions.                          Please contact the Billerica Police to sign up for open slots at socialmedia (at) billericapolice.org.

  • With the start of the new school year, our day shift police officers will be gearing up for their annual Adopt-A-School initiative. This program assigns various officers to elementary schools in their patrol sector, where at the discretion of the school principal, they stop into the school to create positive relationships with students and staff. Officers are also able to assist with making safety and security observations related to the physical school, such as suspicious activity, access control, vehicular and roadway safety, etc. Frequency of the officer visits to the school will vary, with most officers spending 15 to 30 minutes at the school twice per week.