POLICE

Today on The Rundown, panelists discuss Gov. Maura Healey’s new gun law, what consequences face Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi after his O.U.I arrest, the golden treasure hunt has been resolved in the woods of western Mass., and much more.

According to a department spokesperson, Sheriff Nick Cocchi was handed the suspension by the human resources department and accepted it "without issue." That was after his arrest on a driving while intoxicated charge on Sept. 21, 2024.

If decertified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission a sheriff would lose his job and be placed on a decertification list.

Cocchi was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence on Saturday. After his arraignment Monday, the sheriff told reporters he takes "complete responsibility for my actions." Cocchi had been driving a government vehicle.

As state attorney general, Maura Healey lauded a bid to update the Massachusetts wiretapping law and flagged it as "an important issue." But since taking office as governor, Healey has been mum on the topic.

Police have arrested 18-year-old Nathan Colon, who they allege was racing another car when he crashed into and killed Kristine Andrews, 36, as she was crossing Boston Road on foot. Colon has pleaded not guilty.

UMass Amherst's newly formed Demonstration Policy Task Force released a report Wednesday with recommendations on policies and guidelines for students who want to protest on campus.

The Springfield police are having officers patrol across the city on foot in an effort to bolster community engagement.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni spoke at the meeting about the recent hate speech incident in Southwick.

The Pittsfield Police Department has launched a pilot program to respond to vulnerable populations and people in mental health crises. Clinicians and plain clothes officers travel together in unmarked police cars, which can deescalate situations.