An entire police department has resigned in Massachusetts, complaining of poor equipment and unsafe working conditions.
The four-member police force of the small town of Blandford submitted their resignations in a letter to officials on Monday, effective immediately.
Interim Police Chief Roberta Sarnacki wrote that she and her colleagues had been working with police cars that do not operate properly, often having to answer calls from their personal vehicles.
She also complained of ill-fitting or expired bulletproof vests, poor radio communications, inadequate staffing and improper wages.
"For some time we have been dealing with unsafe working conditions. Policing is inherently dangerous, however it has been made much (more) so by our town's administration," the letter read.
The police department's Facebook page is advising all residents to call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies following the sudden resignations.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi told 22News that six deputy sheriffs had been assigned to the town for the night and morning commute so residents could have peace of mind.
Blandford Selectboard chair Cara Letendre also said it was "unfortunate" that Chief Sarnacki had led the officer walk out.
The Blandford police department was offered "multiple public meetings and the opportunity to engage and provide their opinions for the direction of the force," she said in a statement.
Chief Sarnacki explained in the letter that Blandford officers make $14 (£10.67) and $15 (£11.43) an hour and the department's best car is 18 years old, overheats, has no air conditioning and the electric seat is stuck in the reclined position.
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The letter also revealed that department radios do not work in most parts of the town and officers cannot call for help if back-up is needed – instead using their own mobile phones to contact Berkshire dispatch of Massachusetts Police.
Officers on the force said they regretted leaving the town without coverage, but had no choice since their own safety is being put at risk.
An entire police department has resigned in Massachusetts, complaining of poor equipment and unsafe working conditions.
The four-member police force of the small town of Blandford submitted their resignations in a letter to officials on Monday, effective immediately.
Interim Police Chief Roberta Sarnacki wrote that she and her colleagues had been working with police cars that do not operate properly, often having to answer calls from their personal vehicles.
She also complained of ill-fitting or expired bulletproof vests, poor radio communications, inadequate staffing and improper wages.
"For some time we have been dealing with unsafe working conditions. Policing is inherently dangerous, however it has been made much (more) so by our town's administration," the letter read.
The police department's Facebook page is advising all residents to call 911 for police, fire or medical emergencies following the sudden resignations.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi told 22News that six deputy sheriffs had been assigned to the town for the night and morning commute so residents could have peace of mind.
Blandford Selectboard chair Cara Letendre also said it was "unfortunate" that Chief Sarnacki had led the officer walk out.
The Blandford police department was offered "multiple public meetings and the opportunity to engage and provide their opinions for the direction of the force," she said in a statement.
Chief Sarnacki explained in the letter that Blandford officers make $14 (£10.67) and $15 (£11.43) an hour and the department's best car is 18 years old, overheats, has no air conditioning and the electric seat is stuck in the reclined position.
More from Massachusetts
The letter also revealed that department radios do not work in most parts of the town and officers cannot call for help if back-up is needed – instead using their own mobile phones to contact Berkshire dispatch of Massachusetts Police.
Officers on the force said they regretted leaving the town without coverage, but had no choice since their own safety is being put at risk.
