Salem, Massachusetts, Community Policing During Special Events

Salem, Massachusetts is known as “Witch City,” and is inextricably linked to Halloween, which has become a month-long celebration in the town. The Operations Plan for Halloween reads, “The primary goal of all law enforcement personnel is to maintain and foster a family atmosphere throughout the evening…the very nature of Halloween in Salem poses unique challenges…that require officers to be both flexible and vigilant…” Community policing plays a major role in Salem’s planning and operations. Partnerships are key while the department learns, plans, and coordinates this major, month long event in the city. Read the full story