New England Police Union Urges Westborough To Fix Police 'Staffing And Compensation Crisis'

WESTBOROUGH, MA — The New England Police Benevolent Association shared its support for the Westborough Police Department in a statement on Wednesday.

The labor union representing law enforcement officers across the region is urging the town to recognize a staffing and compensation crisis for the Westborough Police Department. NEPBA expressed concern that Westborough has lost 13 officers since the fall of 2024.

Many of the officers left due to pay concerns, according to NEPBA. Some of the experienced officers who left had previously transferred to Westborough but returned to their previous agencies because pay was more competitive.

Westborough has lost officers to the Massachusetts and Maine State Police, as well as the Millbury, Foxborough, Charlton, Chelmsford, Millis, Falmouth, Uxbridge, and UMass Police Departments, according to the statement.

"These pay inequities have existed for years and continue to hinder the department’s ability to retain and recruit qualified officers," the statement reads. " As a result, remaining officers are stretched thin and forced to cover unfilled shifts to maintain minimum staffing levels, and the department is unable to attract experienced candidates because the compensation structure is not competitive."

NEPBA added that it is common practice in the state for departments to be compensated for the use and responsibility of wearing body-worn cameras. Westborough has worn the cameras for five years without any salary adjustment.

See Also:

• Central MA Nonprofit Receives $40K From Global Organization To Help Local Families
• Where To See Santa In Westborough This Holiday Season
• Holiday Lights, Festivals And Celebrations Fill The Westborough Calendar