Police Chief Provides Rundown on MarketStreet Security Plan

Lynnfield Police and Fire personnel have been preparing for several years for the coming of the largest development project in town history - and this week, Police Chief David Breen went before the selectmen to provide a rundown on public safety plans for MarketStreet Lynnfield. 

Breen reported that he has been in steady contact with the private security team that will staff MarketStreet, as well as police chiefs from a number of nearby communities that have their own large retail developments. The Police Chief reported that MarketStreet security is in the process of purchasing radio equipment that will allow immediate contact with police during an emergency. 

Back in July, this website noted that Steven O'Connell of Lynnfield is currently training to become the town's newest police officer this fall. Breen informed selectmen this week that O'Connell will actually be ready for duty on Black Friday, the notorious shopping day after Thanksgiving. Two additional officers are expected to complete their academy training by March. With these future officers still in training, Breen reported that the department would not staff an officer regularly at MarketStreet for now - although he noted that police will be there "when certain situations dictate" as well as for details and other tasks. Plans to have a bike officer on duty from time to time at MarketStreet will also apparently have to wait until the new officers are on the force. 

Breen declined to speak about some details of the security plan in public, but noted that there will be cameras in use at MarketStreet and that police and the private security team have met on matters like response protocols, policies with shoplifters, and more. 

Area law enforcement and loss prevention professionals are also meeting regularly to discuss new crime trends facing retailers and others, noted Breen, and the town's officers have toured MarketStreet and participated in coordinated training with fire and rescue personnel as well. 

Looking ahead, Breen expressed concern about the traffic outside of MarketStreet, noting that despite the rear entrance via the Sheraton Colonial off 128 in Wakefield, "MarketStreet is a de facto single-entrance mall." He cited Black Friday and Christmas shopping season as times when gridlock could become especially bad there - although he also noted that the developers will pay for traffic officers during that time.

Other traffic and crime issues at MarketStreet Lynnfield will be assessed in the coming weeks, said Breen, noting that some time will be needed after the current grand opening phase to more clearly determine future needs.