The Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC) describes itself as "a consortium of more than 46 local police and sheriff departments in the south metropolitan Boston area which covers 600 square miles and has a corresponding residential population of 850,000 people."
Like other "Law Enforcement Councils" (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC is a non-profit corporation set up as a professional membership organization for the purpose of linking police forces across the region in communications, joint training exercises, collective purchases, and joint actions. LECs in Massachusetts have played a central role in militarizing police forces by organizing SWAT teams and purchasing military equipment such as Lenco Bearcats and other armored vehicles for these forces. LECs have tried to assert their status as private organizations to refuse public records requests about their activities. Both the Northeast Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) and the Greater Boston Police Council (GBPC) have explicitly linked the origin of LECs and their "mutual aid agreements" to the policing of anti-war protests in the 60s and 70s. NEMLEC also mentions the civil rights movement and uses coded racist language about the "disorder" arising "as people migrated from larger cities" to explain their origins. (See separate entries on NEMLEC and GBPC) Meanwhile, meeting minutes of the Southeast Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council show the SRHSAC using federal grant money for Metro LEC purchases of military equipment and training. (See separate entry on SRHSAC.)
Metro LEC has several militarized units, including a SWAT Team and a Regional Response Team (RRT). Regarding its Criminal Investigative Division (CID), Metro LEC writes: "ISU detectives may be of assistance to the RRT [Rapid Response Team] and SWAT in virtually all applications. If the RRT is tasked with managing a large crowd, detectives may mingle with protesters or place themselves at the fringes of the crowd for the purpose of gathering intelligence."
A list of Metro LEC's "member agencies" can be found here, and Metro LEC's Executive Board consists of the following officials: Chief Jeffrey Silva, Westwood Police Department, President; Chief Ron Sellon, Mansfield Police Department, 1st Vice President; Chief Christopher Soffayer, Millis Police Department, 2nd Vice President; Chief Gary Sullivan, Easton Police Department, Secretary; Chief Thomas Lynch, Franklin Police Department, Treasurer; Chief Ken Berkowitz, Canton Police Department, At Large; Chief Donna McNamara, Stoughton Police Department, At Large; Chief Mark Thompson, Scituate Police Department At Large; Michelle Goodwin, Norton Police Department, Assistant to the Executive Board.
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The Abington Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Ashland Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Attleboro Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Avon Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Bellingham Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Braintree Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Canton Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Chief of the Canton Police Department Ken Berkowitz is a member of Metro LEC's Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Cohasset Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Dedham Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Dover Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Duxbury Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Franklin Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Chief of the Franklin Police Department Thomas Lynch serves as Treasurer of Metro LEC's Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Hanover Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Hingham Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Holbrook Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Hull Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Mansfield Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Chief of the Mansfield Police Department Ron Sellon serves as 1st Vice President of Metro LEC's Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Marshfield Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Medway Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Mills Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Easton Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Chief of the Easton Police Department Gary Sullivan serves as a member of Metro LEC's Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Milford Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Milton Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Needham Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Norfolk Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Norton Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Michelle Goodwin of the Norton Police Department serves as "Assistant" to the Metro LEC Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Norwood Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Plainville Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Plymouth County Sheriff's Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Plymouth Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Quincy Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Randolph Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Rockland Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Sharon Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
Southeast Regional Homeland Security Advisory Council (SRHSAC) obtains US Department of Homeland Security grants to provide military equipment and training to police forces within its region, and SRHSAC works together with Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) to further integrate participating police forces and militarize these forces for the suppression of popular uprisings and for urban warfare. SRHSAC meeting minutes in 2022 show the allocation of $380,000 for the purchase of a Fire CAT (a military armored vehicle) to help integrate regional fire departments into the Metro LEC SWAT team.
The Stoughton Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Chief of the Stoughton Police Department Donna McNamara serves as a member of Metro LEC's Executive Board. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Walpole Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Wayland Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Wellesley Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Westwood Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council. Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies, while operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Weymouth Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.
The Wrentham Police Department is a member agency of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (Metro LEC). Like other Law Enforcement Councils (LECs) in Massachusetts, Metro LEC functions to increase regional collaboration between police and sheriff's departments, while organizing SWAT teams and obtaining military equipment for use by its member agencies and operating largely out of public view as a semi-private organization.