NEW BEDFORD DISTRICT PROBATION OFFICERS
USE POLICE RADIOS TO PRESERVE SAFETY OF
OFFENDERS AND THEMSELVES

Members of the New Bedford District Court Probation Warrant Team are using a new communications tool -- police radios -- to help them stay one step ahead of absconders.

The five-member team, one assistant chief and four Probation Officers, use the two-way police radios for communications and safety reasons. Six Motorola radios were purchased with a $2,200 federal Weed & Seed grant for use by the New Bedford District Court Probation Department. The Weed & Seed grant was awarded to the City of New Bedford. The Probation Department police radios have a special frequency. Because of this, the Probation Department was required to obtain an FCC license to operate the radios.

"The two-way radios are a very important safety tool when it comes to the apprehension of probationers and entering their residence. When a Probation Officer transmits a communication to another, all members of the warrant apprehension team can hear that communication and are made aware of what is taking place at any given time," said New Bedford District Court Chief Probation Officer Barry Williams.

Williams said the police radios have made a marked difference in how Probation Officers respond to emergency situations. The Chief recalled at least three recent incidents when the two-way radios helped preserve the safety of offenders as well as the Probation Officers.

During a recent warrant sweep with New Bedford Police, the radios were instrumental in saving a female probationer from harm, according to Williams.

The offender acted in a threatening manner to herself and others, vowing not to "go back to jail" when confronted by her probation officer. The Probation Officer in the woman's apartment alerted the warrant apprehension team and New Bedford police via police radio. The team and several police officers responded by entering the front and back entrances of the woman's apartment. She was then apprehended by New Bedford Police, according to Williams.

Williams said messages transmitted using the radios are heard by all members of the Warrant Apprehension Team which allows them to assist each other when an emergency arises. Team members include First Assistant Chief Probation Officer Clinton J. Martin and Probation Officers Dennis Halls, David J. Branco, Donald J. Chausse and Vincent L. Godwin.