Town of Dover Police Department
For immediate release:
DOVER, MA – At their scheduled meeting on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to appoint Scott M. Flaherty, Matthew O. Lavery, and Joseph S. Woollard to the part time position of Special Officer with the Town of Dover Police Department.
“I am pleased to recommend these three highly qualified candidates to the Board of Selectmen for the Special Police Officer position,” noted Chief Peter A. McGowan. “Not only will these three gentlemen be a nice fit for the town, but they each have a strong law enforcement foundation for us to build upon to make them strong assets to this department. I look forward to their successful completion of training and welcome them aboard.”
Flaherty, a Foxboro native, holds a bachelor degree in criminal justice from Suffolk University and currently works as an officer with the Northeastern University Police Department in Boston.
Lavery grew up in the city of Quincy and received his bachelor degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College. He currently works as an officer with the Wheaton College Police Department in Norton.
Woollard, also a Foxboro native, attended Plymouth State University where he received his bachelor degree in Criminal Justice. He currently works as a Sergeant with the Framingham State University Police Department in Framingham.
Prior to applying to the department, candidates for Special Officer must have completed a Reserve Police Academy of over 260 hours of training, hold an associate’s degree or equivalent credits in any discipline, a valid driver’s license and CPR certification. Candidates that meet the initial requirements are subjected to an interview panel, as well as an intensive background investigation by DPD detectives. Ultimately the Chief selects candidates who he recommends to the Selectmen for employment.
After completing required state certifications and an extensive Field Training program, Special Officers work weekend shifts on patrol and attend regular training. They hold the same arrest powers as regular Dover Police Officers, and will be considered for future full time employment openings.
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Media inquiries may be directed to DPD Media Services. Please do not contact the Emergency Communications Center directly on this matter.
