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Winter Parking Ban 2023-2024

Posted By Winchester Police on November 12th, 2023

WPD will be issuing warnings for a short period of time before ticketing starts. Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines. Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed.

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Overnight Parking Ban

Posted By Winchester Police on November 1st, 2022

The Winter Parking Ban is an effect. Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines. Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed.

For residents who live in or around the center of town, vehicles can be parked, overnight, in the Jenks lot and in the non metered spaces on Aberjona Drive. Those vehicles MUST be moved prior to businesses opening in the morning.

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WPD & Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Complete Interactive, Scenario-based Training

Posted By Winchester Police on July 1st, 2022

Winchester Police and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office
announce the completion of interactive, scenario-based training

WINCHESTER, Mass – Winchester Police Chief Daniel O’Connell and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today that 33 local officers recently completed scenario-based training facilitated by the sheriff’s office.

Utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center (MTC), Winchester officers were put through a series of video-based scenarios focused on the effective use of de-escalation skills, as well as responses to active shooter and hostage situations. Following each scenario Winchester trainers and officers discussed and assessed each response.

The training sessions were conducted June 13-17 in Winchester.

“I would like to thank Sheriff Koutoujian and his officers for bringing this live interactive training to the officers of the Winchester Police Department. I have been through the training myself and know first-hand the value it brings to an agency,” said Chief O’Connell. “The ability to practice a variety of police scenarios interactively and apply/practice de-escalation skills is critical in modern day policing.”

“Collaboration is a critical component of keeping our communities safe,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “This scenario-based training supplements the extensive training that officers across Middlesex County receive on a yearly basis. We’re proud to work with Chief O’Connell to ensure Winchester officers could participate in this valuable training.”

In 2021, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office worked with 32 agencies to facilitate the training including the Malden, Medford and Stoneham police departments.

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Man Arrested in Connection with Assault in Middlesex Fells

Posted By Winchester Police on November 27th, 2021

MEDFORD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Christopher Mason and Winchester Chief of Police Daniel O’Connell have confirmed that Brady McCue, 28 of Medford has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault and assault and battery of a 48-year-old woman which occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. today near South Border Road on the Medford/Winchester line in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

McCue has been charged with armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, kidnapping and four counts of aggravated rape in connection with allegedly attacking the victim. The victim, who was not known to him, was walking in the area of Leslie Road Trail Head at the time of the attack. The preliminary investigation suggests that McCue allegedly struck the woman with a rock multiple times before sexually assaulting her and then fleeing the scene. Investigators from the Massachusetts State Police and Winchester Police were able to collect evidence from the scene which allowed them to quickly identify the alleged attacker and locate him at his residence.

McCue was arrested without incident. Subsequent investigation into the location of the assault revealed that it occurred in Medford. McCue is expected to be arraigned on Monday in Somerville District Court.

The victim is being treated for serious injuries at a Boston hospital. She is in stable condition.

This case is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police Troop A, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and Winchester Police. Medford Police officers also assisted in this case.

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Accreditation 2021

Posted By Winchester Police on May 8th, 2021

Chief O’Connell is pleased to announce that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is scheduled to arrive on June 15,2021, to begin examining various aspects of the Winchester Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities.

Verification by the Assessment Team that the Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain state Accreditation — a self-initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, for the profession.

Achieving Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence. Anyone interested in learning more about this program is invited to call (Chief O’Connell or the Department’s Accreditation Manager Sergeant Ed Donohue).

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Medication Safe Disposal Update

Posted By Winchester Police on October 28th, 2020

The medication take back kiosks in the police station lobby are now open.

Be Safe at Home – Help protect our environment. Bring unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Winchester Police Department for proper disposal. Disposal is available 24 hours a day.

Guidelines for Disposal:

Take unused, unwanted or expired prescription and non-prescription drugs to the Winchester Medication Disposal Kiosk located in the lobby of the Winchester Police Department.
Keep medications in original bottle or packaging if possible.
Mark out your name and address on the prescription labels.
Put any liquid or glass container in a Ziploc bag provided at the kiosk and securely close the bag. Insert pill containers or Ziploc bag into the kiosk’s mail slot and close the lid.
Winchester Substance Abuse Coalition sends collected medications to be incinerated as part of the ecological and safe disposal protocol.

For more information on this program, pick up a flyer in the Winchester Police Station lobby vestibule.

For information on Prescription Medication Abuse, visit the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force website. There, you will be able to view an hour long webcast on Prescription Medication Abuse. The webcast, produced by St. Petersburg College describes Winchester’s Medication Take back Program as a model for other communities.

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Letter From Chief MacDonnell

Posted By Winchester Police on June 3rd, 2020

June 2, 2020

I, as well as Police Chiefs across Massachusetts and the nation, denounce the egregious and criminal actions and inactions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department that resulted in the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd. Nowhere in police training are the actions of these officers taught or contained in police policy manuals. These actions stand out in stark contrast to the values and standards of conduct that we at the Winchester Police Department embrace.

This current tragedy is not representative of the professional conduct, democratic policing and procedural justice that is demonstrated by the vast majority of police officers throughout this state and nation on a daily basis. The officer directly responsible for the death of George Floyd has been arrested, charged with a homicide and sent to prison. Three other Minneapolis officers have been terminated and are likely to also face criminal charges related to the death of George Floyd. Let me be clear, there is no excuse or justification for the actions of the Minneapolis Police officers who are responsible for George Floyd’s death.

Our core values as individuals and as a nation must include being accountable and taking responsibility for our actions. It has been my experience and observation that our individual choices and decisions, actions and inactions, have, by far, the most significant and certain impact on our success and outcome as individuals and as a nation. Far too little attention has been paid to this in the media, across dinner tables, and in community conversations. All Americans are entitled to equal justice under the law, and no person should ever be deprived of opportunity or put in danger because of their race or ethnicity.

All Americans across this nation have a constitutional right to protest peacefully to bring about positive change. It is unfortunate and disheartening that some individuals have used this tragedy to justify and engage in the burning and looting of buildings, property and businesses and also to justify felonious attacks on police officers throughout the nation. We can be better as individuals and as a nation.

Sincerely, Chief Peter MacDonnell

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Winchester Police Department Services and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted By Winchester Police on March 17th, 2020

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Winchester Police Department is asking for assistance from residents. While we are open every day, 24/7,we will be limiting access to our building to the general public. If you require records, email Jennifer Rolli in our records department at jrolli@winchesterpd.org and after preparing your request, the records will be left at our front desk or can be emailed to you.

If you require assistance during an emergency, dial 911 and the Winchester Police Department will respond accordingly as usual.

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Updated LTC Guidance: Suspension of Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted By Winchester Police on March 17th, 2020

Below is information regarding the application and renewal of firearms license to carry (LTC) procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate your cooperation.

All applicants are instructed to mail in their new or renewal applications.

Include a check for the application fee along with the application. Processing will not be initiated without the appropriate fee included.
Applications are available on the FRB website here: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-firearms-license.
For new applicants, Winchester PD is temporarily delaying the in-person portion of the licensing process including interviews, fingerprinting and photographs in order to comply with the Governor’s social distancing guidelines.
If you apply for a renewal prior to the expiration of their license (and who get a receipt acknowledging so), your license will remain valid until the agency approves or denies it. As a result, delaying the in-person portion of the licensing process will not prejudice these licensees.
If you apply for renewal after the expiration of their LTC, c.140, sec.131(i) states that for the purposes of c.269. sec.10 an LTC shall be deemed valid for a period not to exceed 90 days beyond the expiration date unless the LTC is revoked. Note this provision applies only to LTC and not FID Cards.

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Safety Reminders Ahead of High School Prom and Town-Wide Events

Posted By Winchester Police on April 29th, 2019

Winchester Police and Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community Offer Safety Reminders Ahead of High School Prom and Town-Wide Events

WINCHESTER — As residents of all ages look forward to Winchester’s spring traditions of the En Ka Fair, senior prom and Town Day, Chief Peter MacDonnell and Winchester Police wish to offer information and tips for remaining safe during each event.

The En Ka Fair takes place on May 17 and 18, senior prom is scheduled for May 29 and Town Day will be held on June 1.

“Each of these events is well attended enjoyed by Winchester’s residents,” Chief MacDonnell said. “Our top priority is ensuring that everyone has a good time and gets home safely. We want high school seniors in particular to be conscious of their behavior and the importance of making good decisions on prom night.”

Residents should be aware that some roads will be closed during these events. Beginning on Tuesday, May 15 at 6 p.m. and continuing through the morning of Sunday, May 19, Skillings Road will be closed in both directions from the high school entrance to the Town Hall intersection in order to accommodate the EnKa fair. On Thursday, May 15, Mount Vernon Street will be closed in both directions from the rotary to the Town Hall intersection starting at 6 p.m. and also continuing through the morning of Sunday, May 19. For both the fair and Town Day, motorists should exercise extreme caution due to increased pedestrian traffic on town streets and sidewalks.

Winchester Police will have an increased presence at each event, but fair and Town Day attendees should remain vigilant and maintain awareness of their surroundings. Anyone who sees something that appears suspicious or out of place should immediately notify an event organizer or public safety officials. Parents please keep in mind that during this time of year, risky behaviors (such as underage alcohol use, vaping and/or juuling and marijuana use) among our middle and high school aged youth may increase.

Prom can be one of the most memorable and exciting events of their high school career, but for parents, it can be a stressful night. Students should remember the decisions made before, during and after prom can have long-term consequences.

Chief MacDonnell recommends parents reinforce the importance of good decision making with their children, and encourages families to remember the following guidelines as prom night approaches.

Think responsibly: Students are responsible for their own actions, and should not feel pressured to take part in inappropriate behavior — prior, during, or after the dance. It’s OK to say no, even if others are participating.

Travel safely: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers. Always buckle up, no matter how short the trip. It’s the law.

Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
Don’t text and drive. Texting and cell phone use while driving is illegal for Massachusetts teens under 18 years old.

Plan ahead and know the law: After prom parties should be supervised. Students should make plans to be with friends and notify parents or guardians where they’ll be and how to reach them.

The Good Samaritan Law (M.G.L. 94C §34A) states that a person experiencing a drug-related overdose (or someone with the overdosing party) who seeks medical assistance will not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance.
The law now also provides immunity from prosecution for those under twenty-one who unlawfully possession alcohol (c. 138 § 34C) and those who unlawfully purchase alcohol (c. 138 § 34A) when seeking medical attention for alcohol incapacitation. The person who calls for medical attention and the person in need of medical attention are immune from prosecution from these alcohol related offenses.
Under the Social Host law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes or any property controlled by them.

Communicate: Parents should reinforce to their children that they will not tolerate underage drinking, and that’s it is illegal. Get students’ itineraries for the evening, including whom they will be with, where they’ll be going before and after the prom, and the phone numbers of where you can contact them. Come to a fair decision on a curfew and express any concerns about their health and safety.

Be understanding: Family members are urged to make it clear to their children that they can call them at any time for help, advice or a ride.

The Winchester Police Department is here as a resource for the community and our ultimate goal is to keep all people who live in or visit Winchester safe.

Please join us for a community presentation on the Challenges We Face With Underage Drinking on Tuesday evening May 7, 2019 from 7-8pm in the Winchester High School Library/Media Center. This program is being co-sponsored by the Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community and the Winchester Police Department. All are welcome to attend.

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