Full Notification

West Springfield, MA: West Springfield has used funds that were allocated to the Town through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) to purchase new equipment and provide additional training to the Police Department. The Town purchased new firearms, tasers and bicycles for the Police Department and also invested in a new records management system and additional training. These investments will help to enhance the services the Police Department provides to the public and help to modernize operations.

The most significant investment was made to replace and upgrade the Department’s current records management system with a new cloud-based platform. The new system uses the most current technology and also enhances the security of the system to ensure the most sensitive information in the Police Department’s control is protected. Additionally, ARPA funds were used to provide Exterior Response to Active Shooter Events (ERASE) simulation training as well as funding overtime for additional trainingthis summer.

In addition, the Police Department was able to purchase eight (8) new bicycles using ARPA funding. Four off-road bicycles were purchased that will be used to patrol areas such as Bear Hole and the West Springfield section of the Connecticut Riverwalk, including Tom’s Launch. Four street bicycles will be used for street patrols in the Merrick, Memorial, and Mittineague sections of West Springfield. The Department was also able to replace outdated tasers and purchase new Glock firearms with red dot optics systems.

“I am pleased that we were able to use ARPA funds to support and modernize the Police Department's operations and equipment,” noted Mayor Reichelt. “I appreciate the work of Chief Connor and the command staff in identifying these needs and putting in the effort to make these purchases happen. Much like our investment in the Fire Department, I commend the Department for utilizing these funds in a way that benefits members of the Department directly with better gear and equipment and also enhances the services we are able to provide to the community at large.”

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