Monday, November 19, 2012
The National Center for DWI Courts held a conference at the Regency last month to highlight the effectiveness of a certain type of drug court several states are pursuing across the nation.
With drugs and alcohol recurring as a hot topic in Westford over the past year, one group arrived at the Regency last month with what they believe is a solution for the worst substance abuse offenders. In a talk hosted by the National Center for DWI Courts, or the NCDC, local law enforcement and judicial figures heard the benefits of the growing type of court geared solely on repeat offenders accused of significant or repeat claims of drug and alcohol abuse. This type of court, known as a DWI court, (or OUI court in Massachusetts) now exists in 600 local courts across the country, including Ayer District Court, which serves Westford. Unlike traditional drug and alcohol cases, DWI court teams focus not just on punishment, but also addiction…
Saturday, November 17, 2012
A search by the Westford Police K-9 unit provided no drugs, although Westford Academy principal James Antonelli indicated that drugs had been found at various points in recent weeks and urged parents to remain vigilant regarding new drugs and prescription
In a letter to parents on Friday afternoon, Westford Academy principal James Antonelli indicated that no drugs were found on campus during an unannounced "Building on Alert" search earlier that day. The search, which was conducted by the school in conjuction with the Westford Police K-9 unit and other local law enforcement agencies. Friday's search took approximately 35 minutes according to Antonelli, with instruction continuing while hallways and parking lots were emptied. Currently, the search conducts 2 to 3 of these unannounced random searches per year under its current policies. Despite the results of Friday's search, Antonelli indicated that marijuana and prescription drugs had been found on campus at numerous points during the …
Thursday, August 16, 2012
A preliminary hearing on Monday night brought several recommendations from increased, but infrequent searches at Westford Academy to new classes to the addition of a potential new school resources officer.
Looking to fight the issue of drugs in Westford Public Schools, Superintendent Bill Olsen recommended several new initiatives to the School Committee on Monday night for decisions to be determined at a future meeting. The proposals grew from a forum earlier this year on the topic of drugs in town hosted at Nabnasset Lake Country Club as well as frequent discussions with Selectman Andrea Peraner-Sweet, Westford Academy principal James Antonelli, Westford town manager Jodi Ross and Westford Police chief Thomas McEnaney. Olsen’s proposals included planning several unscheduled walkthroughs at Westford Academy and possibly the town’s Middle Schools by Westford Police K9 Officer Corey Peladeau, potentially looking at bringing in speakers and …
Friday, May 11, 2012
Today, we ask the Westford Patch community about their thoughts on how the problem of drugs should be addressed in town, or if it is a problem at all.
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Friday, May 11, 2012
Earlier this month Westford Patch covered a seminar at the Nabnasset Country Club on the issue of drug use in Westford, a topic that has been a subject of heated debate among many readers here on Patch. Today, we ask you all a follow up question: what should be done, if anything, about drugs here in town? We'll be checking back here closely, so please follow the terms of service, or your comment might be deleted and your account may be suspended.
Alexander Brockway
11:43 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Well, I will tell you something... I went for a walk the other day and in a 1/4 mile stretch I saw 6 cans of beer(5 different brands on the side of the road). Considering that only a small percent of drunk drivers get caught, I would prefer that the community works on raising that percentage instead of the punishment. more ›