Morale challenges for local police departments

NORWOOD, Mass. — As the country deals with social justice issues and the role of policing, there are morale challenges for local police departments including here in Massachusetts.

We talked to police and people getting ready to begin a career law enforcement.

Northeastern University is known nationally for its Criminal Justice program. Zach Butenas is in his third year and committed to a career in law enforcement, knowing the challenges currently unfolding.

“I think nerves are high but I think we saw with the Chauvin verdict, I think slowly things will start to come together and the system will fix itself,” said Butenas.

Norwood Chief William Brooks has been on the job for 44 years and has heard stories about police backlash after the Chauvin verdict and other high profile incidents.

“I was talking to an officer the other day from another department and he said he was just running traffic enforcement and kids going by started taunting him,” said Brooks.

Brooks also spends time making sure his officers don’t let national incidents impact their mindset and morale.

“I think the more we can train and talk this stuff through and be supportive of police and for the public to let them know they support us,” said Brooks.

In Norwood, they are actually using those national videos as an educational tool with their officers.

“It’s always an opportunity to look at it and in some of the cases the use of force was problematic and in others the use of force was justified,” said Brooks.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed a police reform bill last year that creates a mandatory certification process for police officers and increases accountability and transparency.

Brooks says his department has always been focused professional policing and helping others.

“We provide service to the community and then we are here if something goes sideways, something goes wrong. Every cop I know came on the job to just help people,” said Brooks.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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