January 28, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Interim Police Chief David Jones was the sole candidate interviewed last night for the permanent chief opening resulting from former Chief Glenn Olsson's retirement last summer.
Jones, who has served in a number of capacities with the Hingham Police Department over the past 20 years -- patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief -- in addition to interim chief for the past several months, was first interviewed by a panel of three South Shore police chiefs as a starting point, and then last night by the selectmen. Citizens were invited to submit questions for the board's interview.
"When I was a patrolman I said that one day I would like to be police chief, and that still stands today," said Jones, who grew up in Hingham and went through the Hingham Public Schools. "I enjoy coming to work every day and working with our public safety partners in the regional dispatch center [at Town Hall]."
An item on the board's Feb. 9 agenda will call for consideration of a potential appointment to the police chief position "if you find you have a qualified candidate," Town Administrator Tom Mayo told the board following the one-hour interview.
Jones was asked questions related to the leadership and vision for the department; administration and day-to-day operations; community policing and community relations; and a miscellaneous category for other types of questions.
The biggest challenge facing the HPD today, he said, is the COVID-19 challenge, which has changed everything about the way the department operates -- including responding to calls, training, and shift changes.
Jones said he leads by example and that he learned something from every one of the chiefs he worked under -- from Joachim-Ingo Borowski, Steve Carlson, and Taylor Mills to Michael Peraino and Olsson.
A big challenge facing all police departments, including HPD, according to Jones, is "integrating the requirements of new police reform legislation where so much is unknown, including the certification process," Jones said. "This will provide a big challenge to the department, but I'm confident we will be able to meet the requirements."
Jones emphasized the need for a social worker -- included in the HPD's Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal -- to accompany officers when they will be interacting with individuals with mental health issues, substance misuse disorder, and domestic violence incidents. The HPD currently shares a social worker with the Weymouth Police Department.
When asked how he would handle a situation in which he received a directive from the town administrator or selectmen that he didn't agree with, Jones had this to say: "Keeping an open line of communication is the key. I would request a meeting to seek an understanding of [what was behind the directive] and then discuss alternatives or go with the original order."
When asked about the importance of preserving sensitive information, the interim chief said he and all the other officers are held to a high standard, and that if a member of the department betrayed that trust, they would be held accountable.
When asked for his thoughts about the national discussion around the use of force by police officers, Jones said "transparency and accountability are paramount." He noted that HPD is among 42 percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide that voluntarily report any use of force data to the FBI. "I would continue that practice," he said.
The subject of body cameras was broached. "I noticed they are in the capital outlay plan [on a recurring basis] and was wondering if you support their use," Selectmen Chair Mary Power said.
Noting that the cruisers have three cameras each, Jones cited issues related to the constantly-changing technology, high data storage costs, and most of all, privacy.
"Body cameras are always on, even during a well-being check in someone's private home, and that is public information that goes on the public record," Jones said. "I think there's definitely a future for them [with the HPD], but until those issues are addressed, we're not ready for them here just yet. We reevaluate the situation every year."
When asked by Selectman Joseph Fisher how President Joe Biden's statement yesterday making a commitment to advance racial justice and equity for all relates to the HPD, Jones said, "There's zero room for any hate or discrimination in law enforcement. All members of the HPD live by the department's core values -- integrity, service, and excellence in leadership."
Power read a question from a member of the community who has two small Black sons and "in light of recent tragic events . . . was wondering "if and when to introduce them to the police department so they aren't harassed or targeted and feel safe living here."
Jones said residents with concerns are encouraged to stop by the police station to introduce themselves or to connect with any of the officers who are out and about town. He reiterated that there is no room for hate in Hingham and that HPD officers embody the meaning of those words.
Power said the board has heard from members of the community who are Black, indigenous, and part of the LGBTQ community who say they feel unsafe in Hingham and asked Jones how the HPD could help marginalized members of the community to feel safe in Hingham.
Jones explained that a dedicated phone line and email address are available to citizens to reach out to the HPD civil rights officer.
Fisher also asked Jones how he, if chosen as police chief, could ensure that the social, political, racial, and other turmoil in the country is not causing internal struggles within the HPD. The key, Jones said, is training about implicit biases -- which the HPD is undergoing now.
Jones said the department is moving toward seeking state accreditation. These programs are designed to help law enforcement agencies establish and maintain standards that represent best practices, policies, and procedures.
At the end of the interview, Jones expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the permanent police chief position. "This is the culmination of many years of dedication, and I look forward to the challenges that possibly lie ahead [if he is appointed as chief]," he said. "I thank the men and women of the HPD for their continued professionalism and their commitment to our residents."