Will More Wrentham Police Officers Bring More Revenue to Town?

Wrentham could start replacing police officer positions sooner than expected.

The Wrentham Board of Selectmen voted 5-0 on Tuesday to request a cost/benefit analysis to adding a new patrolman.

Selectman Michael Carroll said he has been talking with Wrentham police chief James Anderson and they agree they could recoup a good amount of lost revenue by adding another patrol officer to Wrentham’s ranks.

“The chief said when he had more staff he was able to do more traffic patrols to generate about $125,000 that we’re not getting today,” he said. “We could bump up departmental revenue to at least equal to the cost of salary, health insurance and uniforms.”

Carroll added he and the chief don't have the exact numbers, but they feel this is something the town should look into to provide more revenue.

“I don’t have the numbers, I just wanted to put a concept before the board and get Chief Anderson and [town administrator William] Ketcham to prepare the numbers,” he said.

They have also been trying to fill positions in the fire department.

“We have an increasing population,” Carroll said. “It’s important that public safety grows with the increased workload of the town. “

Selectmen chair Joseph Botaish agreed, but pointed out the extra revenue could be coming from local residents.

“The revenue they create would be by putting a speed trap near your house,” he said to Carroll.