CUMMINGTON – Police Chief Michael Perkins resigned late last month due to deficiencies in the handling of “certain departmental responsibilities,” the Select Board said in a statement.
The board said that Perkins’ resignation comes in the wake of a report from attorney James Lampke, whom the town hired to evaluate the administrative and financial practices within the Police Department.
“While the review found no evidence of theft or misappropriation of funds, it identified deficiencies in the handling of certain departmental responsibilities,” the board said in the statement. “The review recommended disciplinary measures, including a suspension without pay.”
Perkins, rather than face disciplinary measures, instead submitted his resignation. He could not be reached for comment.
Select Board chair Kenneth Howes did not comment beyond the statement as to what deficiencies the report identified, but in recent months several residents have complained that Perkins has neglected to file their applications for license-to-carry firearms permits.
For almost five years, resident Saul Casdin has been the most vocal in expressing his frustration at never having received his permit. Additionally, during the the Select Board’s June 26 meeting, several residents said they have not received permits after six months when the process typically takes two months.
“During the Public Comment period, David and Stef Clark reported that they had applied to renew their LTC in February (David) and in March (Stef),” the meeting minutes on that day stated. “Because to date neither had received their updated LTC, David contacted the Records Bureau and was informed that their information had been sent to the town, but no action had been taken by the town. The Clarks have tried several times to contact the Police Department by telephone, but the voice mailbox is full.”
Interim chief named
The Select Board subsequently appointed Brian A. Cioffi as interim chief for the coming weeks. Cioffi began Aug. 1.
“Mr. Cioffi brings valuable experience to the role, and the Board is confident in his ability to provide steady leadership during this transition period,” the board stated.
Cioffi formerly worked as a police chief in the town of Chilmark, on Martha’s Vineyard, from 2009 to 2016. In 2019, the town of Chilmark reached a settlement in a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a former police officer who said Cioffi pressured her into having sex while he was chief and that he retaliated against after she ended the relationship. The Cape Cod Times reported in December 2019 that the case was settled through a mediator.
Cioffi said on Wednesday that he will, “be here for a couple weeks, helping to get things straightened out,” but declined to comment about his past.
Howes, also, did not respond for comment.
In its statement, the Select Board said the town is committed to transparency, accountability, and the effective delivery of public safety services, and that the town will continue to comply with all reporting obligations under the Massachusetts police reform laws.
“Further updates will be provided as the Town continues its planning for the long-term leadership and structure of the Cummington Police Department,” the board stated.
Samuel Gelinas can be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.
