Police to cover sheriff patrol gaps at Forest Park

Select Board · Meeting of April 7, 2026

Springfield police said they would absorb patrol gaps left by Hampden County Sheriff's Department cuts. The City Council's Public Safety Subcommittee, led by Council Member Jerry Martin, heard that the state-level cut was $26 million. Deputy Chief David Martin and Captain Jeff Martucci described bike patrols, walking posts and C3 and Metro units covering Forest Park and Union Station, where about two deputies are expected to be lost.

Parks Director Tom Ash said the superintendent made "a real commitment" to keep Forest Park a priority. Officials said the plan adds no cost for now, though some patrols will run on overtime. Councilor Hurst pressed on needle pickups, which Ash said are funded separately and unaffected.

Members asked for later meetings on North End C3 and station lobby protocols.

In the full story:

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• Springfield's community access TV: Select Board meeting, April 7, 2026
• The complete report: 770 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of April 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.