[Adopted 5-17-2017 by Order No. FY 17-129 (Ch. 46 of the 2002 Code)]
A. 
The Town of Greenfield understands the importance of establishing direct and personal relationships between law enforcement and members of our community. This is particularly true for members of groups who are sometimes the targets of harassment, discrimination, or hate crimes.
B. 
In an effort to improve communication and to ensure that there are individuals in place who can serve as liaisons from law enforcement to those groups or their members, the Town of Greenfield establishes and defines the role of the Civil Rights Officer. The purpose of this position is to build relationships with the public so that law enforcement can be of assistance in meeting the objectives of good and appropriate communication with victims and the community at large.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CIVIL RIGHTS OFFICER
A police officer assigned by the Chief of Police to serve as the liaison between the community, the victim and the Police Department where alleged hate crimes are concerned.
HATE CRIME
Any crime defined as such under Massachusetts General Law.
The Civil Rights Officer shall:
A. 
Receive regularly specialized training in the area of working with people from diverse backgrounds and with special needs.
B. 
Act as the liaison to the Human Rights Commission.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 136, Human Rights Commission.
C. 
Attend Human Rights Commission meetings as requested.
D. 
Serve as a link between victims of hate crimes and victims and the Police Department.
E. 
Update the community, through the Human Rights Commission, on the status of reported hate crimes in the community as is permitted by law and good law enforcement practice.
F. 
Keep track of hate crimes committed in Greenfield and assist in the reporting of the same as required by state and federal law.
G. 
Assist in the training of other officers in how to respond to the needs of victims of hate crimes.
H. 
Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief or Police or the Public Safety Commission.
Nothing in this article should be read as preventing the Chief of Police from designating himself or herself as Civil Rights Officer or designating more than one Civil Rights Officer.