Chelsea Police Department 2012 Annual Report | Page 29

Animal Control Officer
The Animal Control Officer manages all cases of domestic and wild animal issues throughout the City. Recently, reports of wildlife inhabiting and nesting in city areas has become more common, and is a danger as well as a concern to residents. This phenomenon is due to the loss of a wild animal’s natural habitat as urban areas expand. The ACO is charged with educating the public and mitigating these specific complaints. In 2012, the Animal Control Officer responded to more than 250 calls related

to animals. Police Prosecutor
Lieutenant Janice Murphy is the Chelsea Police Department's court prosecutor. The functions of a police prosecutor is a critical component in the prosecution of cases presented at the court following civil or criminal action applications submitted by the police. Lt. Murphy works to ensure the District Attorney’s Office is provided with supporting materials necessary for successful prosecution of criminal cases. This role includes coordination of Officers attendance at Court for testimony, providing accurate police reports, presentment of evidence, and communicating the requests of the Court to the Chelsea Police Department.

Resident Officer Program
The Department has partnered with city housing complexes to house Chelsea Police Officers at several locations throughout the city. This nationally recognized program provides officers and their families to live at each site paying a reduced rate. These officers are required to provide added security and to organize residents in community and neighborhood crime watches. Currently, officers reside at several units of the Chelsea Housing Authority.
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