Photo: Courtesy of the Canton Police Department Facebook
CANTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the Karen Read murder trial in the background, the Canton Select Board decided to renew Police Chief Helena Rafferty’s contract, despite some residents calling for an overhaul of the police department.
At a Select Board meeting on Tuesday, several Canton residents voiced their opinions on recent cases they believe were mishandled by the police department, including the John O’Keefe murder investigation and the death of Sandra Birchmore.
O’Keefe’s death in 2022 has led to the investigation and trial of his girlfriend Karen Read, who is accused of second-degree murder among other charges.
Birchmore was found dead in Canton in 2021, and an investigation found that she had previously been sexually assaulted by three Stoughton police officers.
Read More: Jurors In Karen Read Trial Begin Deliberations
Canton residents voiced their concerns about the police department and its leadership during the Select Board meeting.
“This business as usual attitude is beyond reprehensible… At a time when all eyes are on Canton, to even consider a contract renewal for the police chief, who allegedly took part of the murder coverup, is equally reprehensible,” argued one resident.
Rafferty was not the Canton Police Chief when the O’Keefe murder investigation began, but residents were still vocal about ending her contract.
“The coverup is terrible,” said one resident.
One of the residents at the meeting wore a shirt with a photo of Read, while another person raised a sign reading "Outside Chief Now."
“Save the town before it’s too late,” urged another resident.
One person shared that they are "concerned about the safety of the people who are not well-connected townies.”
Ultimately, the Canton Select Board decided to renew Rafferty’s contract 3-1-1, but only for one year and not three. Town leaders said they’re waiting for the Read case to calm down and for more information to be released from the ongoing audit of Canton Police.
WBZ NewsRadio's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.
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