Continuing coverage of the trial of former Hopkinton Deputy Chief of Police John "Jay" Porter, who stands accused of felony rape of a child stemming from his time as the School Resource Officer at Hopkinton High School.
Residents Gayle and Scott Ober criticized Chief Joe Bennett's mid-year self-review for lacking substance and specificity. They detailed that his self-assessment failed to provide tangible evidence of accomplishments or meaningful progress in important areas such as community outreach and officer recruitment. The Obers accused Bennett and the Select Board of using vague claims and trivial matters to mask inactivity and a lack of proactive policing in Hopkinton. They pointed out violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a toxic work culture, expressing distrust in the Board's oversight and asking for accountability.
The Hopkinton Select Board announced it won't act against Police Chief Joseph Bennett until the Northwestern District Attorney’s report in May, respecting its request to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation. Despite public pressure, the statement didn't preclude Bennett's continuance as the First Assistant District Attorney Gagne confirmed the statement's validity.