The Abington Police Department (APD) works around the clock to keep our community safe, supported, and connected. The department is organized into three key bureaus: Administrative Services, Operations and Patrol Services, and Support Services. This structure balances behind-the-scenes management with 24/7 patrol and emergency response. APD’s responsibilities extend far beyond law enforcement, including traffic safety, criminal investigations, community outreach, school partnerships, and innovative wellness programs for officers. With deep ties to Abington, where nearly half of the department grew up, APD is both a hometown department and a professional team that is committed to safeguarding the town while building trust and engagement with residents.
Impact
APD impacts the lives of residents every day in ways both visible and behind the scenes:
Public Safety: Proactively patrolling neighborhoods, sharing information on crime trends, and collaborating with outside agencies to address criminal activity.
Community Engagement: Partnering with Abington Public Schools and the Council on Aging, hosting Coffee With a Cop, movie nights, and an annual DARE camp.
Support Services: Providing victim advocacy resources, recovery coaching, and outreach through partnerships with county and regional organizations.
Family & Child Safety: Offering car seat installation services and participating in programs like Project Safelink, which supports families with vulnerable loved ones like those with autism and dementia.
Emotional Support: K9 Sergeant Harlow, along with his handler, Officer Gladys Morgan, our comfort dog, provides companionship and aid both in Abington and beyond. They are part of the Plymouth County Comfort Dogs team and respond to large-scale tragedies across the region, offering support to those in need.
Staffing
The Abington Police Department is made up of a dedicated team of sworn officers and civilian staff who keep operations running smoothly:
Sworn Officers:
20 patrol officers
8 sergeants, 2 lieutenants, 1 deputy chief, and 1 chief
Civilian Support Staff:
3 part-time desk attendants and 1 part-time firearms records clerk
1 full-time records clerk and 1 part-time property and evidence control officer
1 full-time executive assistant to the Chief of Police
1 part-time court prosecutor
The department is also in the process of hiring two additional full-time desk attendants, which will offset more than $100,000 in overtime costs. Together, this combined team ensures that officers remain available for patrol and community safety while vital administrative functions are carried out efficiently.
Did You Know?
Abington PD files one of the highest numbers of criminal complaints with Brockton District Court, second only to Brockton itself.
With only two patrol officers and one sergeant on duty per shift, APD works diligently to monitor more than 67 miles of roadway, including four state highways. Staffing challenges make it difficult to address every traffic concern immediately, but officers remain committed to safety across all neighborhoods.
Despite being a smaller department, APD offers specialized teams including drone operations, mobile operations, UTV patrol, tactical bike units, and even SWAT participation through regional collaborations.
Earlier this year, 47 candidates applied for the opportunity to serve with APD, demonstrating the department’s reputation as a desirable workplace.
Recently, several Officers chose to stay with APD when offered positions in larger departments. Their decision showcases the strong loyalty to the community and department.
Goals and Projects
The next 12–24 months will be a period of growth and innovation for APD. Major initiatives include:
Drone Deployment: Two drones will assist officers in large-scale searches and emergency response.
Virtual Reality Training: Three Axon VR training systems provide realistic, scenario-based learning for both crisis response and tactical skills. These trainings utilize short micro sessions that fit easily into busy shift schedules while significantly reducing logistical and material costs. These mobile VR systems are cutting-edge technology which were secured by the APD Grant Team.
Staffing Milestone: Seven recruits will graduate from the academy, allowing the department to reach its fully funded staffing level for the first time in years.This milestone will reduce forced overtime, enhance our ability to proactively enforce the law, ensure continued officer presence in our schools, expand our detective division, and allow officers to attend training without putting a strain on the overtime budget.
Accreditation: Undergoing an October 2025 assessment by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) to strengthen accountability and professional excellence. Accreditation enhances transparency, builds public trust, reduces liability and risk through improved policy compliance, and contributes to greater operational efficiency.
Body-Worn Cameras: Officers will begin wearing cameras in January 2026. The Body Worn Cameras improve evidence collection, assist in resolving complaints, support criminal investigations while enhancing transparency and accountability. This new technology is possible because of the APD Grant Team and collaboration with the Union.
Wellness Program: Expanding officer health initiatives, including a grant-funded wellness room to support physical fitness, mental health, and stress reduction.
Community Involvement:
APD launched its first Neighborhood Watch program. Residents will be able to take an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safe by learning how to observe, identify, and report suspicious activity.
Community members are also invited to participate in events such as:
Chat with the Chief sessions
Public demonstrations (like the recent Project Safelink showcase)
Upcoming open office hours with Chief Bonney, which will provide residents with informal opportunities to ask questions and share feedback.
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