Orange chief, Selectboard discuss frequency, merit of no-knock warrants
Orange Police Department. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ
Orange police cruiser. Staff File Photo/Paul Franz
Modified: 7/16/2021 4:46:06 PM
ORANGE The town’s police chief came before the Selectboard on Wednesday to discuss no-knock warrants and their use after one member expressed continued concern about the controversial police tactic.
Chief James Sullivan said a police reform bill signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker late last year requires no-knock warrants to be issued by a judge and only after authorities have articulated probable cause to believe a particular individual is armed and dangerous and would be a threat to officers’ safety if a police presence was announced. Sullivan said authorities must also prove there are no minors or people ages 65 or older in the home, though the state’s website mentions there is an exception when those children or older adults are themselves at risk of harm.