Considering a career in law enforcement? BPD and many other police departments in Massachusetts hire new officers through Civil Service. The next police officer exam will be held on March 23. The application deadline is Tuesday, February 5. More info: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/2019-municipal-and-mbta-transit-police-officer-exam
Text to 911 Is Available in the Commonwealth
On December 14, 2018, Text-to-911 was deployed across the Commonwealth. This is one of the most exciting changes for accessibility to emergency services in more than 20 years. When a citizen sends a text message to 911, it will be routed to an emergency call center based on the location information provided by the carrier. For this reason, when a citizen sends a Text-to-911, they should make every effort to text the town name, address or location that they are located in.
What is Text-to-911?
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile device.
How Do I Reach Text-to-911?
When using a texting app on a device, type the numbers “911” into the “To” or “Recipient” field.
What Information Should I Give Text-to-911?
You should make every effort to text the following:
• what is happening (nature of the incident);
• location including the address/location and town name;
• any additional details about the location you can provide such as landmarks, cross streets, nearby business names, apartment number, floor, room or suite numbers, or any details that may be helpful in locating you.
When Should I Use Text-to-911?
Texting should only be used during an emergency when you are unable to make a voice call to 911. Making a voice call is the most efficient way to get access to emergency services. Text-to-911 will be useful for citizens who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. Text-to-911 eliminates the need to use ancillary Teletypewriter (TTY) equipment, or third party services to access 911.
What Happens Next?
The 911 professional in the emergency call center will ask you many questions, will assist in sending first responders to the location you identify, and may provide instructions on things for you to do.
Why Didn’t My Text Go Through?
Messages sent to Text-to-911 may not be received. If you attempt to send a Text-to-911 where the service is not available, wireless carriers provide an automatic “bounce-back” message. Bounce-back messages are intended to minimize the risk that you mistakenly believe that your text was sent and received by an emergency call center. As part of the bounce-back message, you will be advised to contact emergency services by another means. Text-to-911 is currently available throughout the Commonwealth. However, across the country, Text-to-911 may only be in certain locations. Whenever possible, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency.
Are There Any Text-to-911 Limitations I Should Know About?
Text-to-911 uses native texting technology called Short Message Service (SMS). Therefore, you must have a text or data plan on your mobile device to Text-to-911 and you should avoid sending:
• multi-media such as pictures, videos and emoticons;
• a message to more than one person as a recipient;
• messages exceeding the 160 character limit, as the messages will be broken and may be delivered out of order.
Text-to-911 rules do not apply to the following: third party texting applications (apps) on mobile devices that do not support texting to and from U.S. phone numbers, apps that only support texting with other app users, or texting through social media. This can include message services over WiFi networks, where a text or data plan is not required.
Fatal Residential House Fire Under Investigation
Billerica – On Monday, January 21, 2019, at approximately 7:00 PM, Billerica Fire and Police received a report of a possible house fire at #29 Andover Road. Upon arrival, a working fire was observed with significant fire breaching the windows of the home’s first floor. Billerica Fire Department spent multiple hours fighting the fire, which was complicated due to the extremely low temperatures. The estimated wind-chill during firefighting efforts was approximately negative sixteen degrees. At approximately 10:20 PM, rescue personnel were able to enter the structure where the homeowner, Romolo Capobianco, 78, was located deceased. The Billerica Fire and Police Departments, including the Massachusetts Fire Marshall’s Office along with State Police are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Billerica Police and Fire Departments would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Romolo Capobianco. Romolo was affectionately known as the “Tomato Man” from his long history of growing and selling tomatoes at his Andover Road home and our local Farmer’s Market. He also served for many years on the Billerica Housing Authority. He will be missed by all.
Any additional questions should be directed to Deputy Chief Roy Frost, 978-215-9653
Billerica Police Department Receives Donation From Local Company
Idemia, located on Concord Road in 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 six years ago as part of a statewide project. The original purchase included three years of support services which expired on 12/19/15. 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. We are fortunate to have them as part of the Billerica community.
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 Receives Federal Grant to Enhance School Safety
Billerica – The Billerica Police Department has been awarded $19,320 to enhance surveillance at the new Billerica Memorial High School grounds.
“Our goal is to provide law enforcement officers with the most updated equipment and technology available to ensure their safety while they serve on the front lines to protect our communities,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “These awards will provide Massachusetts police officers with life-saving protective gear such as bulletproof vests, helmets and medical equipment as well as a range of technology items to bolster public safety.”
This competitive opportunity allowed local municipal police departments to solicit grant funding to address their equipment and technology related needs. Priority was given to applicants that solicited funding for items that would further enhance overall protection of officers on the streets or for items that would provide additional safeguards to protect schools and students from random acts of violence.
This grant will go a long way in ensuring enhanced security at the new Billerica Memorial High School for students, faculty and residents that use these facilities.
Commonwealth Press Release – Baker-Polito Administration Announces Local Law Enforcement Equipment And Technology Grants
Fraud Suspects – Identity Needed
Billerica – The male (red shirt) and female seen in the video below are suspects in an identity fraud of an elderly victim. The Billerica Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying both suspects. Please call Billerica Police at 978-667-1212 or use our anonymous tip service if you have any information that may help with this identification. Anonymous tip form is HERE.