Press Release: 8/18/2025

Statement regarding Northwestern DA’s Anti-Crime Task Force

 



POSTED ON: AUGUST 15, 2025 - 5:00PM



Statement relative to masked officer in downtown Northampton





Recently, several residents reached out to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office voicing concerns about a picture of a law enforcement officer wearing a face mask in downtown Northampton, asking if this officer has any connection to immigration enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

The officer in question is a member of the Northwestern Anti-Crime Task Force, which is made up of police from 16 municipal departments in Hampshire and Franklin counties working with members of the Massachusetts State Police. These officers primarily investigate narcotics crimes, firearms offenses, gang-related criminal activities and human trafficking. They also occasionally assist in local police investigations of street-level crimes and offenses such as drug activity, prostitution, and motor vehicle offenses.

It is important to note that Task Force members do not assist or collaborate with ICE on any form of immigration enforcement.

Regarding the facial covering, like most local police officers, Task Force members have discretion to wear masks in certain situations, provided the masks are clearly marked “POLICE” for identification. All law enforcement officers—masked or unmasked — are required to identify themselves by name and badge number upon request.

Recognizing that the sight of a masked police officer can create fear and apprehension, Task Force members are encouraged to limit their use of facial coverings to only those situations in which it serves a legitimate law enforcement purpose, such as protecting the identity of an officer who engages in undercover investigations.

“Members of our police departments are meant to protect and serve the public by investigating and arresting those who engage in crime, and also by walking the beat and connecting with the community,” said Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan. “Toward that end, I’ve directed all members of the Northwestern Anti-Crime Task Force to use facial coverings sparingly, so as not to alarm the public or sow distrust of law enforcement.”