Sharon Police Chief Reacts To Senate Reform Bill

SHARON, MA — Sharon Police Chief John Ford expressed frustration with the negativity surrounding local police in recent weeks — citing the toll it has taken on officers — as he reacted to the State Senate's passage of a police reform bill early Tuesday morning.

The Massachusetts police reform bill was passed at 4 a.m. without public debate.

"The current tide of negativity towards our profession on the heels of this long lasting pandemic, which has emotionally drained my officers and their families, has been truly unprecedented," Ford posted on social media. "The political push for a police reform bill, without adequate discussion and even analysis as to what is working and what needs reforming is deeply disturbing."

The bill would ban chokeholds, limit the use of tear gas, license all law enforcement officers and train them in the history of racism. It would also controversially scale back a legal protection for police and other public employees that currently shields them from civil lawsuits unless there was a clearly established violation of law.

The Senate bill, which was developed after weeks of public protest around the country in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, would impose a new level of oversight on police that has been proposed for years on Beacon Hill, but has failed to gain traction until now.

"It's hard to stop an Irishman from expounding on just about anything," Ford said. "But, at this point, I am beyond words except to state to our community that the men and women of the Sharon Police Department will continue to faithfully serve, continue to protect all lives and property, continue to develop bonds of trust with all people and will continue to outreach, particularly to those that are marginalized and at risk.

"Thank you, for the many kind words, notes of encouragement and positive support. It makes a difference."