EAST BRIDGEWATER — Michael Jenkins has been appointed as Chief of the East Bridgewater Police Department.
Jenkins, who has served as Acting Chief since March, was appointed Chief of Police Wednesday, Aug. 23 by the East Bridgewater Select Board. Chief Jenkins has served with the East Bridgewater Police Department for more than 25 years.
“I have been proud to serve and protect the residents of this community for over 25 years and look forward to continuing to do so as Chief of Police,” Chief Jenkins said. “It is an honor and privilege to be a member of the East Bridgewater Police Department, and I would like to thank all of the members of this department for all that they do each and every day to make this one of the most professional departments in the Commonwealth.”
Jenkins began his law enforcement career when he was appointed as a Seasonal Special Officer for the Dennis Police Department in 1989. In 1990, he was appointed as a Special Police Officer for the Abington Police Department, serving until 1997. From 1990-1997, Chief Jenkins also worked in information technology full time while working part time as a Special Police Officer.
In 1997, Chief Jenkins became a Police Officer with the East Bridgewater Police Department. In addition to his patrol duties, he was the department’s IT officer and specialized in cybercrime investigations. In this role, he helped create and launch the department’s first website and wrote grants to procure new technology, including new mobile laptops for cruisers.
In 2007, Chief Jenkins was promoted to Detective and assigned to the WEB Multi-Jurisdictional Major Crimes and Drug Task Force as a narcotics and cybercrime investigator. He served in this role until 2013. During part of this assignment, he was also sworn in as a DEA Task Force Officer.
In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As Sergeant, in addition to his patrol supervisor duties, he held several additional responsibilities, including the oversight of the Investigative Division, court prosecutors, evidence and property control, radio and communications, department IT and more.
From 2016-2019, in addition to his responsibilities as Sergeant, Chief Jenkins was Unit Commander of the Southeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Mobile Command Unit, providing support to the SEMLEC SWAT, Search & Rescue and Crisis Negotiation teams. In 2020, Jenkins was appointed Deputy Chief.
As Chief, Jenkins plans to work to maintain safe staffing numbers for sworn personnel for the upcoming calendar year and beyond, and continue to provide personnel with the necessary training to develop the skills needed for engaging and interacting with the community, including communication, collaboration, decision making, problem solving, and emergency management. He also plans to continue to raise awareness and provide the necessary tools and training to assist first responders in working with youth and families experiencing mental health or behavioral health crises.
Chief Jenkins also plans to continue to improve operational efficiency while strengthening the department’s commitment to community-police relations and meeting the goals of policing in the 21st century, including continuing work to attain National Accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). He also plans to continue building public trust and confidence in the department, as well as develop and maintain effective community relationships and an ethical organizational culture, enforce laws fairly and impartially, apply critical thinking to problem solving, exercise good judgment in decision making, provide visionary and adaptable leadership, and respond to community concerns.
Additionally, Chief Jenkins aims to provide training and support to safeguard the mental health and well-being of all first responders and staff in recognition that officers’ mental and psychological health is just as important as physical health in effectively serving and protecting the community.
Finally, during his tenure Chief Jenkins plans to create a committee to determine the feasibility of a new Public Safety Facility for the police and fire departments.
Chief Jenkins has received the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Agency Award recognizing law enforcement officers who have undergone its rigorous series of leadership trainings. He is also DEA/Narcotic Investigations certified and was a past member of the Massachusetts ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force, among numerous other certifications.
Chief Jenkins holds a degree in criminal justice/law enforcement administration from Western New England College. He graduated from the 30th MPOC Plymouth Police Academy.
Added Chief Jenkins, “I would like to thank my wife and family, my friends, past coworkers and the members of this great community who have supported me throughout my entire career. I would not be where I am today without them and their help!”
An official swearing-in ceremony is expected to be scheduled at a later date.
Chief Paul O’Brien
Chief Jenkins takes command following the retirement of Chief Paul O’Brien. O’Brien retired on Aug. 5 after a distinguished career.
O’Brien joined the East Bridgewater Police Department in 1997, having worked in the maritime industry prior to becoming a police officer. He was promoted to detective in 2004 and sergeant in 2010. He served as deputy chief from 2018 until becoming chief in March 2020.
He graduated from the 25th MPOC Plymouth Police Academy, Drug Enforcement Administration School through the Massachusetts State Police Academy, and Arson School through the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy. O’Brien grew up in Brockton.
“I am grateful to Chief O’Brien for his 20-plus years of dedicated service to the community and his skillful leadership of the East Bridgewater Police Department, including through the COVID-19 pandemic,” Town Administrator Seelig said. “Likewise, I look forward to seeing how the department will continue to grow under Chief Jenkins’ leadership. He has served in many specialized and leadership roles both in East Bridgewater and regionally, and I congratulate him on this next step in his career.”
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