What can’t we know, due to protecting privacy (as is appropriate)? How is that overseen?

The Commonwealth's public records law currently prohibits the Police Department from discussing calls with medical and mental health issues. The law also seeks to protect the privacy of victims of certain crimes such as domestic assaults and sexual assaults. We also cannot discuss personnel files.

Each week, the Chief gives an update to the Town Manager and Deputy Town Manager on all calls that have taken place in Lexington. They are also contacted immediately when there is a serious incident and are given updates on any investigation. We also work closely with the Human Resource Director on personnel matters.

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1. Does the Lexington Police Department have a protocol for addressing cases which involve run away teenagers or cases where child abuse may have been involved?
2. How does a police officer make a decision on whether a vehicle should be stopped to question the driver?
3. How are officers trained on making motor vehicle stops?
4. What methods do you have for formally documenting complaints?
5. How are calls for domestic disputes or drug/alcohol use/overdose handled?
6. What can’t we know, due to protecting privacy (as is appropriate)? How is that overseen?
7. How do Town Departments like the Police, Fire, and Human Services departments work together?
8. How often are firearms used by officers?
9. What are the Lexington Police Department's policies on use of lethal force and less than lethal force?
10. Policies are important - but how can you be confident that the policies are being respected?
11. Can you please explain how undercover police officers and vehicles are used in Lexington?
12. What weapons do police officers carry?
13. How are video cameras used in Lexington, such as body cameras or police cruiser dashboard cameras?
14. Is it possible that Lexington Police Officers could have body cameras in the future?
15. How are school resource officers used? Are they an effective tool in our school system?
16. Is there a quota system in place for the number of tickets officers must write?