DISQUS

bob · 1 year ago

I speak from personal experience....the Hamilton police department as a whole is full of some of the dirtiest low life cops around. Like most cops they are not out for the public but for personal gain but these pigs take it to a whole new level....Now go ahead people and defend them and tell me how I'm wrong because they are cops and they are good...BS...these pigs are dirty and need to get what's coming to them

Seth · 1 year ago

"Boo" Cullen

buddy · 1 year ago

whats the matter 'bob' get one too many tickets while driving trhough hamilton, you sound like an angry elf.

Bob · 1 year ago

Just because someone knows about cops doesn't mean they have tickets or a record...obviously your not the brightest bulb on the tree. It simply means I have seen first had the pigs in the area padding their own lives at the stake of the people they are supposed to "protect & serve"

Carol A. Mazzetta · 1 year ago

It sounds to me that Bob may have gotten a "Bad Ice Cube". Haveing lived in Hamilton my whole life I've come to know all the Policemen & Woman and they have been nothing but professional and helpful. Officer Hatfield was a great help to my family a few years ago and went to bat for our Son and we'll always be greatful for his help. Recently I needed to call the Ambulance for my husband Nick and all the policemen who responded were absolutly terrific as well as Skip Mullen from our fire station. It saddens me to read about all this annimosity among our police force because I know all of them personally and like them all and I would trust any one of them with my life!

Nelson · 1 year ago

Don't worry Bob, the Salem News hates cops too!!!

LMAO · 1 year ago

Don't call them then when you need help then.

sue101 · 1 year ago

First of all.. Hamilton police are not dirty! It makes me wonder what kind of trouble you have been in with them to come to that conclusion! I feel that this article is all about people trying to find a scapegoat. It seems to me that Cullen is that scapegoat for everyone because he's in charge. I hope that the investigation really proves something instead of all of this he said she said stuff. I'm sorry for everyone that's involved including their families.. all this because of two Officers and a Council Woman who decided to take matters into their own hands instead of following proper procedures and chain of commands! I hope that they are without a job because of their actions!

jc · 1 year ago

first off, marchand is a moron. this guy couldn't handle being a cop in lynn and was clearly picked on as a kid. hamilton is a affluent community with very little trouble and crime. marchand takes things a little over the top, which is why he has recieved the nic-name "robo cop" by most of the community. also, why would hamilton ever need a cupola. why would a town with less than 10,000 people need a 6 million dollar police station. marchand is a chump. man up and drop your lawsuit.

POOP · 1 year ago

Give him some credit for his accomplishments .He has give a large number of teenagers criminal records that they would not have without this efforts.
He has helped cleanse Hamilton of its African American residents so the town is now Lilly white .

What happened to America · 1 year ago

Marchand gives the term PTSD a bad name. He should not be a cop anywhere, ever. His real diagnosis is "I don't want to work" Not that that is not what the diagnosis of most American's are, today. How to make a living, without working! It saddens me to see the real American's dying off and being replaced by a bunch of lazy people, that either live off law suits, public subsidy or illegal money....

Lynnitis · 1 year ago

Wha, wha, wha, bunch of crybabies in Hamilton!!
This guy makes a mockery of PTSD and to people who really suffer from it.
PTSD from a bunch of co-workers is absurd.
Get in a war zone for a year then maybe PTSD but in Hamilton??
As what happened in America said, everyone is trying to not work and go on the dole.
What a disgrace!!

Tom · 1 year ago

I have to agree with Bob. I also experienced the dirty politics in Hamilton. Buyers of homes in Hamilton BEWARE--

legally · 1 year ago

Good, Bad, crooked, straight..............."Legally" can he collect?
Is That a "real accusation"?
Whether he was a good guy or not, who he was "friends" with in the department doesn't matter too much does it? ("Legally") ?
Everyone is "different"......(some can be crooked, and be ok with them selves) "Other's....not so much"!
In the "law" does it matter more about the "plaintif" and his lack of friends?
Or, will something done to "correct the police department"?

back to you sue101 · 1 year ago

Dear sue101, I thinks it's a great idea to wait and see what the investigation brings. After all we really don't know all of the facts we should hold judgement untill that time

Soon to be former resident · 1 year ago

As a soon to be former resident of Hamilton, I could not be happier to read of the demise of some of the bad apples on the Hamilton Police Department. These police officers are abusive to say the least. I have lost track of the times that the police (Nagy, Marchand, Marsh, Wallace et al.) have pulled me over for bogus "traffic violations"...As a matter of fact, in 2005 officer Marsh wrote me a ticket for "Marked Lanes Violation"...which is generally used to pull over suspected drunk drivers . I was 17 at the time, and sober as a judge. I argued the ticket and informed the judge that during the traffic stop, the uniformed officer was very unprofessional, threating me with licence supention because I refused to tell him where I was heading, which is my right. Just prior to the traffic stop, the officer followed me around the town as I dropped off friends from an evening out at the movies. knowing that the marked police cruiser had been following me for several miles, my driving was of course impeciable. However, due to the officers bordom, perhaps my boyish good-looks, or mabey even my radio being turned up and my windows down on a wonderful summers evening, it seemed to be enough for Officer Marsh to harrass me.

The judge (whom I can not remember at the moment) told officer Marsh (affectionally know as Marshmellow to his other officers) that he did not want anymore of this nonsence in his court room.
Many law abiding teenagers and young professionals can testify to the unprofessionalism of many on the Hamilton Police Department. These overpaid, abusive, and wildly unprofessional officers are unfit (in more then one way bobby Nyland) to serve and protect my community.

EP · 1 year ago

First, you should learn how to spell. Second, judging from your sardonic post, I'm guessing your attitude alone scored you all those tickets. You sound completely juvenile and pretty much uneducated. Clearly, the Hamilton Public schools could use a revamping as well, looks like their graduates aren't exactly the best of the best now, are they?

what the.... · 1 year ago

You sir, represent the reason Hamilton has developed such a bad reputation in other communities. This young person was simply telling his or her experience.
You sound like an .........

EP · 1 year ago

What do I sound like? Please, enlighten me.

This young person was using this forum to badmouth a police department he felt wronged him. He is trying to find a platform for his vindictiveness.

Also, do not assume that I am a man.

Duck, Duck Goose · 1 year ago

I apologize. You are behaving like a lot of men I have met in Hamilton and Wenham....like a third grade bully....sorry I mistook you for one.

What walks like a duck, quacks like a duck......

lazy bum · 1 year ago

Officer Marsh is a Wenham cop

Seth · 1 year ago

I'm a former resident. I moved 30 years ago, and never once have I gone back. I have not even driven through the town.
From what I have read here, things have only gotten a lot worse. Good luck on your move to a free-er community.
6 million dollar PD town of 8000 says it all.

Present Resident · 1 year ago

If you drive like you spell, that is probably why you got into trouble. It is nice to blame someone else for your problems.

CW · 1 year ago

Did you maybe think when the judge said he did not want anymore of this in his court room he might be talking about you. It is probably better and safer for the community that you did move.

more to the story · 1 year ago

You are right; we are under their thumbs. There is a rogue element in this department that does not respect the citizens of this town. I know many people who have been harassed and I know that other towns' own departments have no respect for the cops in Hamilton for good reason.

The Patriot Act has emboldened them.

Concerned · 1 year ago

Unfortunately, none of us know the facts! The Hamilton Police have ALL been helpful in many cases and incidents (speaking as a Hamilton resident), HOWEVER, I have, personally, had issues "swept under the rug" by those in charge within the Hamilton Police Department and have heard many other similar stories. Maybe the FACTS will finally speak for themselves and the "finest" officers will remain, while those whom cause shame to our community, finally exit their positions as those making themselves as the "higher authority?" May justice finally prevail and town politics stay out of it!

EP · 1 year ago

Wow. You are pretty ignorant, huh? The man does his job and suddenly it is HIS fault that the affluent Hamilton youths are dead-set on becoming criminals and living up to some sort of "thug lifestyle" ideal? And as far as cleansing Hamilton of black residents, what does Marchand do? Follow blacks around and strong-arm them into moving from the town? You can't blame Mike Marchand for certain economic and racial not being able to AFFORD to live in Hamilton.

And for the record, I am "Lilly White" and would not categorize Hamilton as such. Been to Dunkin Donuts lately? Or swung by Gordon Conwell? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Soon to be former resident · 1 year ago

EJPotter,
Ignorant?? To be frank, I am stunned that you would consider my remarks ignorant. One, I am not an affluent Hamilton youth...you don’t know me...you only know that I was stopped a bunch of times by clearly unprofessional (note the above story) police officers. Two, I am white, which is totally irrelevant, considering the Police Department harass everyone pretty equally. Three, the Thug Lifestyle remark I found amusing considering I am White, Republican, Highly Educated, employed in the public sector, and am a member of the community in good standing. However, I do agree that it is not Marchand strong arming the black folks from town; it is the “new money” folks who insist on building the muli-million dollar monstrosity of a police station, the seemingly endless supply of emotional guidance counselors employed by the school system that make it financially impossible to move into an even moderately priced home in the town (that applies to blacks as well as whites.)
Furthermore, Hamilton is very white, according to the 2000 Census 94.19 are white. I hardly consider the "gangsters" studying the bible over at Gordon Conwell or the landscapers for the affluent at dunkin donuts adding to the diversity of Hamilton. EJPotter, you know, before you go shooting your mouth off, perhaps a quick check on Wiki could do you some good.

EP · 1 year ago

Why would I consult a non-accredited search engine and 'encyclopedia' like wikipedia?

I never used the word gangster so I have no idea why you placed it in quotations.

I also never stated that the many races who live at Gordon Conwell, sending their kids to public school without paying any taxes, added to the diversity of Hamilton, nor did I refer to landscapers at Dunkin Donuts.

But even if the town WERE 100% white, what is wrong with that? Does that mean we have a sign at the town limits that reads "WHITES ONLY?" I for one am not ashamed of living in a predominately white town nor do I think it reflects negatively on myself or on my town.

If you have an issue with 'new money' then say so, don't use this forum as a soap box for a non-existent issue like the police are sweeping the town of nonwhites. The police aren't responsible for money moving into the town, adding to its value and infusing the local economy, so don't blame them.

It is funny how you are amending you primary post in an attempt at your defense. I never called you an affluent Hamilton youth. I totally believe you work for the public sector, the highly educated republican bit, that I sincerely doubt. You sound like a bleeding heart self hating white man trying to make up for what all your racial ancestors put the rest of the world through.

As for being pulled over by 'unprofessional' police officers, the names you mentioned were not all named as unprofessional in the above article, so you might want to reconsider what you write, as slander is a crime for which you can (and should) be held accountable.

As far as shooting mouths off, looks like you are the only one doing that. You didn't grow up in Hamilton, you are supposedly moving soon, so do us all a favor and beat feet and get the heck out of my town. We don't need or want people like you.

Soon to be former resident · 1 year ago

Ms. Potter,
You sound pretty desperate to defend these officers...you are aware that those who abuse there shield are worse then the criminals they seek to prosecute. Furthermore, calling me uneducated, poor, or any of the other ad hominem attacks you tossed my way are one thing…But to call in to question my conservatism, well that just can not stand!

I never felt like I had to back away from any of my original statements, the officers that I named in my above post have behaved in an unprofessional manner in my opinion. I have witnessed (and would be willing to put my hand over the good book) their true nature; which is self serving, unprofessional and unfitting of someone who is sworn to protect and serve the community.

Ms. Potter, please get some control of yourself. Relax, it is only a few dirty cops being attack on a silly newspaper website.

PS Madam, I am so looking forward to beating my feet and leaving. (Sorry, I could not resist, ‘beat my feet’? oh yeah! Why don’t you make like a tree and get out of here!

EP · 1 year ago

I doubt the level of your intelligence, absolutely. I never called you poor, but obviously you must have some financial problems or else you wouldn't have inferred it and taken such response.

I am certainly defending the FINE HONORABLE officers that serve Hamilton with exception of Wallace and Hatfield.

I have entire control of myself, you seem to be all wound up over a 'silly newspaper" and the responses it elicits. If it is so silly, why read it? Why respond? Why are you going out of your way to continuously trying to bait me?

Your defensiveness speaks volumes.

And, really, you should brush up on your grammar; you forgot your closing parenthesis and misused your semicolon.

POOP · 1 year ago

Soon to be former resident - Latest census has 0 afro american residents in Hamilton.
Good work Robo .
also - 0 sex offenders . Kudos Robo

SHUT UP · 1 year ago

Everyone just shut the H*** up! You all sound like BABIES! complaining about using wikipedia, pointing out assumptions about minorities at GConwell and DD, personal stories, backing up your story by saying you're a Repulican. you all sound like idiots!

If there is one thing we can all agree on, can it please be that regardless of whomever is guilty (or not) of whatever, that doesn't change the fact that building a multi-million dollar police station was the most IGNORANT and BIGGEST MISUSE of money...

George · 1 year ago

The police department and high school are well known for terrorizing the kids, using protocols that rival Nazi Germany and clearly favor certain kids while harassing others. I have heard countless stories of the corrupt system that exists in Hamilton.

In Hamilton, you live in a police state while paying exorbitant property taxes. Why else would a community of 8000 need a $6M police station?

EP · 1 year ago

Comparing the Hamilton Police Department to Nazi Germany is so excruciatingly irresponsible my teeth hurt. By harassing certain kids, you mean the law-breaking criminals? And by 'favoring' others, you mean the law-abiding children? Then, okay, I'll agree with that. But I will say with 100% certainty that the HPD does not arbitrarily harass its citizens.

A six million dollar police station might seem excessive, but what, might I ask, is an appropriate price to keep your cars in your drive way, your families safe, and your children in school and off drugs? What kind of budget would that require? People are so quick to attack and accuse police officers, as if it validates their own individual wrongdoings. It is not the responsibility of the department to take the fall for some seriously unprofessional conduct on behalf of Wallace and Hatfield. Clearly, along with MacKenna, they should not only be reprimanded, but relieved of their duties. If they use backdoor politics and slimy tactics for their own self-serving agendas, evidently serving and protecting the community at large is no longer a priority for them.

I cannot stand reading these posts that are negative slams against the department as a whole. There were certain individuals to blame for this situation and for putting Hamilton up for criticism, but those individuals are Karen Wallace and Arthur Hatfield. Not the other loyal and respectable officers who serve and protect Hamilton, Massachusetts; certainly not Mike Marchand who has done nothing but respond to slanderous allegations.

POOP · 1 year ago

Robo cop now that he has acknowledged that he has problems , should be forced to turn in his weapons. A combo of PTSD and roids rage is a time bomb.

Marblehead · 1 year ago

The town of Essex chose to leave the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School System for this very reason. Hence, the multiple over rides to recover what Essex was paying for a collaborative school that Hamilton took advantage of--

Good for the Town of Essex! Now if you folks could talk to a few of the police who are shall we say, way over zealous...
you know who they are, transplants from Marblehead...

hhmmmm there is a metaphore there.

Hammy-Town · 1 year ago

Hey EJPotter... You're taking these posts personally? Let's start with "slander is a crime." No it is not a crime. Comparing the Hamilton Police to the Nazi's is not at all a stretch. Under fascism in Germany, laws were passed and enforced only against the Jews. Unequal enforcement of laws is one of several hallmarks of fascism. As far as the "thug lifestyle" you referred to; baggy pants does not make someone a thug. When was the last time you read of someone being mugged in Hamilton? Murdered? Raped? General civil disobedience? Fights? Were any of them involving these so called thugs? You mention Wallace and Hatfield must be held accountable but not Marchand? What about his fund-raising activites? What about the countless stories of his overly-aggressive tactics? What about the stories of his sexually harrassing women he pulls over? What about Chief Cullen? He acted inappropriately himself. This whole thing blew up because of his poor leadership skills, poor political skills, and low qualification to serve as a Chief of Police in the Commonwealth. He's just as accountable. This investigation is not complete. Hopefully it will be thorough and open. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. You question how much is it worth to have our cars in the driveway families safe etc... I can provide for my own security but thanks anyway. Ever notice that every time an actual crime has occurred (sometimes only alleged to have ocurred and not even in Hamilton at that - recall Donovan shooting himself?) the Town is flooded with State Troopers and Essex County Sherriff's. Finally, you stated that the Police does not arbitrarily harrass its citizens. Correct. No one has alleged that here. They have no minorities to discriminate against, so they discriminate against the youth. They are not criminals. They are children. Read the court logs. Their crimes are either victimless or misdemeanor property crimes. Instead of "Robocop" pushing around children, teaching them to hate the cops and inspiring them to fight the system, they should be acting as a positive influence. They can stop them on the street, but don't touch them, just talk them up. The fact is, most of the kids in Hamilton are just bored. I grew up in this Town and my Daughter will too. But I won't tolerate any of this behavior from my Government. I was bored as a kid. Before Marchand we had Ed Hopping. He wore leather gloves and used to push us against his cruiser and confiscate our bikes (prior to the by-law prohibiting bike riding downtown). Total psycho. He retired after bashing my friends head against his cruiser causing some bleeding. My friends grandfather was a selectmen in Wenham. Bye Bye Hopping. Then they hired another overly aggressive, low IQ type to fill his place. And don't tell me Marchand is smart. He's obviously a moron to be so easily manipulated by his union and Chief.

I say, the Selectmen must continue this investigation and take it as far as it can go. Second, spare no one from discipline. Do not hesitate to dismiss those at fault. Finally, let's get some real civil servants in that building. No more hiring the Police Chief's wife to run dispatch, son-in-law (who is way to fat to be an effective officer) and son to serve as officers... It's about who scores higher on the exam.

mike57 · 1 year ago

You said it all !

Murph · 1 year ago

E.J. Potter--You residency alone obviously does not qualify you as an expert on the Hamilton Police. In fact, with the exception of impeccable spelling and grammar, your points are exremely vapid. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you view this issue) this is only the tip of the iceburg with the Hamilton Police. Chief Cullen has built a house of cards that will fall when this investigation has run its course.

Lane · 1 year ago

I have lived in Hamilton for 17 years and, for the most part, have found the police to be responsive and respectful... as well as available when I have needed them... HOWEVER, as with any other slice of the population there will be good and bad... and it seems to be more entertaining to discuss the horror shows... police problems are much better news than good neighbor awards and gardening ribbons...

With all that said, I need to second the comment by the teen that was stopped for no reason...BEWARE... there are too many bored police officers and if you are driving on the street after hours and happen to be male, more importantly a teen aged male, you will be pulled over and, most likely, ticketed for something totally fabricated...guaranteed harassment and a few threats.... as sure as the sun will rise the next morning... I am neither a teen nor a male... I am a parent who has seen this harassment over and over and over...for a quick U turn in Asbury Grove you are pulled over for suspicion of buying "crack cocaine"... we have some officers gone wild.... be warned!

Martha · 1 year ago

Try being the mother of a daughter in Hamilton. My daughter was arrested for "disturbing the peace" while sitting at a picnic table. She was handcuffed WITH HER ARMS BEHIND HER BACK. I watched convicted murders appear before the court and they were always handcuffed with their arms in front of them. In addition, regulation handcuffs were not used. The girls were handcuffed with plastic ties. You know, the ones you can buy at Home Depot.......

My daughter spent her counseling sessions, ordered by the court as part of a "diversion program" --what a joke--- talking about the trauma she received from the Hamilton Police Department, being arrested on some bogus charges, having a police officer rub up against her on several occasions, what pigs! and being released the next day. She was never read her Miranda Rights, never offered the opportunity to make a phone call so that I could pick her up and discuss the charges with the arresting officers.

I asked the children/students, who were now college students, graduates of HWRHS what happened and separately (Hey guys, I can do field interviews too!) what had occured and they all reported the same story.

I call BS on Police Chief Cullen!

You boys and girls at the Essex County Sheriff's Department need to get a clue. Arresting everyone in sight, especially our next generation, so that you can profit off of it is Absolutely disgusting!!!!

Protect and Serve, what a joke!

SHUT UP · 1 year ago

THANK YOU LANE. I spent the first 18 years of my life in Hamilton before leaving for college 6 years ago. I have always had a clean record (not even a speeding ticket), but nonetheless, have been pulled over multiple times in the exact manner Lane has described while in high school - each time for NO REASON. Ridiculous...................

Monica · 1 year ago

Looks like it is time to clean house in the Hamilton Police Dept. If the question is can we trust our Police Chief ? I don’t think so. What business does our police chief have in Mexico with Marchand? Who are these two? How come the Police Chief and his wife hold two of highest paying jobs in the town? It’s like having our own Bill & Hillary Clinton.
I say we replace Cullen with an out of towner. I don’t think any of our police officers trust each, so how can they respect there new commanding officer if he is one of them.

sobeit · 1 year ago

Wow! You people need decaf. Take a nice horse ride through Myopia and relax.

sobeit · 1 year ago

get all that tension out. you people need to get out more.

angeljb · 1 year ago

I have found the Hamilton Police to be friendly and quite professional. It sounds to me that officer Wallace and Officer Hatfield did a good job with the information/facts obtained.
It was noted in the article from the Investigators report, published on July 15th, that officer Wallace did approach her Chief with some concerning infomation and he chose to do nothing. In regards to the "Investigator" hired to obtain evidence and facts, he should have searched deeper in Officer Marchand's past. A good Investigator would have interviewed his previous employer, previous co-workers, obtained any and all previous therapy/counseling(if Officer Marchand signed releases), concerns with past and previous substance abuse of any kind. It is my understanding that Officer Marchand had diffiulties in his previous position as a Police Officer while serving with another Department. Why was this not included in the Investigation, it's part of questions around behaviors/difficulties? Does accountabilty matter anymore?
Officer Wallace and Officer Hatfield keep your heads up and stay strong, you are both two fine and honest Police Officers.

J.Q · 1 year ago

Just wondering what Marchand did wrong in his other job? I know he worked in Peabody where I never heard anything but good things about him so if he had a problem I missed it.
Can you tell me what he did wrong there because I thought he was like the report said one of the better cops? I know Peabody and Hamilton Wenham, he seemed to be a good cop there and here so fill that part in for me if you can.
I agree that he may be little to robo cop for Hamilton but I rather see that than cops sitting around getting paid for trying to hurt the other cops and not keep watch on the criminals. As for Hatfield or Wallace I liked them both but now I see it is looking very bad for them. They did the wrong thing with their own goals and it hurt the town. Everyone has their right to an opinion but let's see what the facts show before we decide anything. I'm glad this came to the town people so we can see what happened in the police department.

Taxpayer · 1 year ago

I have known Karen Wallace for many years and have always been impressed by her honesty and her dedication to her profession. She takes great pride in this town and has often spoken to me of the importance of "community policing", making the police officers more approachable to strengthen the relationship between the citizens of this town and it's police department.
I think it takes a great strength of character to stand up and say that some behavior in the police department needs to be investigated.
Today it is a rare thing to find people who are willing to stand up in front of others and say "That behavior is wrong and unacceptable", it is much easier to turn away and ignore behavior that makes us feel uncomfortable.
I personally look forward to further investigation done by UNBIASED, QUALIFIED, LEGAL EXPERTS.
Would we rather not know that there may be some serious problems within the department that is here to serve us?
I say "Thank You" to Officer Karen Wallace for standing up for what she believes in, honesty and truthfulness.

lynn · 1 year ago

post traumatic stress disorder? what a joke. Go do some yoga and meditate instead of screwing over the taxpayers. I always try to have faith that people sitting on juries realize just who ends up footing the bill for this sort of nonsense.

Taxpayer · 1 year ago

I have known Karen Wallace for many years and have always been impressed by her honesty and her dedication to her profession. She takes great pride in this town and has often spoken to me of the importance of "community policing", making the police officers more approachable to strengthen the relationship between the citizens of this town and it's police department.
I think it takes a great strength of character to stand up and say that some behavior in the police department needs to be investigated.
Today it is a rare thing to find people who are willing to stand up in front of others and say "That behavior is wrong and unacceptable", it is much easier to turn away and ignore behavior that makes us feel uncomfortable.
I personally look forward to further investigation done by UNBIASED, QUALIFIED, LEGAL EXPERTS.
Would we rather not know that there may be some serious problems within the department that is here to serve us?
I say "Thank You" to Officer Karen Wallace for standing up for what she believes in, honesty and truthfulness.

POOP · 1 year ago

I was involved in a situation that involved Karen Wallace . I have nothing but bad things to say about Karen Wallace .

J.Q · 1 year ago

You think Karen Wallace did her job by reporting crime inside the police department if it was for her own gain? I read the investigation and its clear she and Hatfield and the town lawyer should hide their faces in shame. They may care about Hamilton but only in how it can serve their own goals at least in the investigation I read. I hope that if it is true they did this for their own reasons then they all should loose jobs. I agree that Marchands Post traumatic disorder should be looked at to see if it is real or just a reason not to work. It is a good point you made and needs to be decided by a doctor in the field.

Wenham Native · 1 year ago

As I read whole thing. I think its time for Cullen to go and hire outsider to replace Cullen. That will solve all the problems.

ham_townie · 1 year ago

All I would like to say is did anyone read the PDF file in the last article on Tuesday???? It was proven that Hatfield and Wallace made up falsehoods against Cullen. Just so you know.. this is was what was discovered and proved by investigators. So I just want to add... she can't be that honest now can she?!?!? know the facts. She and Hatfield messed up. Marchand is a cry baby. The end!

Newblood · 1 year ago

The CULLENS try to take control of everything that goes on in Hamilton, The think they are the Royal Family of Hamilton. There are so many conflict of intrests involving them it is crazy, Walter as Chief his wife head of dispatch son in law a partime officer and dispatcher and son who is a partime officer also. The son in law is given shifts in dispatch with out asking others. Their son as a partime officer shows up on calls while off duty then gets paid later for being there. It is time for them to go, new blood is badly needed in both departments police and dispatch.

smoker · 1 year ago

I thought cops couldnt smoke on the job, i see the chief in his cruiser doing it all the time around town

New police chief · 1 year ago

I am not a Hamilton resident but from what I've read it sounds like Hamilton would benefit from a new police chief.

Monica · 1 year ago

All the tax money we pay in this town, this is the bull**** we have to deal with. We have men and women fighting for our freedom everyday. Maybe we should send Walter, Annemarie & Marchand to Iraq becuase they appear to be the biggest bullies.
Has anyone seen the latest posting on town employee salaries? Maybe they should have donated the Cupola.

TRUE TOWNIE · 1 year ago

i have lived in this town all my life and i ACTUALLY know most of the cops on a personal basis including Marchand. He is a great guy who can easily have his excitement and enthusiasm as an attempt to intimidate and pressure. While most of you see him as a "bad" cop who is strictly out there to ruin lives and make money for himself, we who know him on a personal basis, know he is only out there to make Hamilton a safer place.
On the contrary, "boo" cullen is not what this town needs, i see him out of town more than i see him in town, and the only time i see him is when he is cruising around town. The other day i actually saw him and his son taking their golf clubs out of their car a few weeks ago, AT NOON TIME.

To me, Cullen isnt right, Marchand even though you hear some "horror" stories, until you get to know him, you dont know him.

LadyRich · 1 year ago

Mike was a great cop. Everyone that knows the true story feels bad for what the department did to him for their own gain. Cullen, Hatfield, Wallace, Dupray, Trepanier, they all watched him fall as they wanted movement for $. Then officer Donovan who has not done anything for 15 years other than follow the leader and from what I understand sleeps at the new station while on duty. I do hope Mikecomes back and the others leave or are fired. They are not cops we need here. Hamilton lost a good man when he left.as investigation after investigation has show the truth. Shame on the town for even needing more than one investigation to see this. And just so you know Mike gave me a ticket for a warning for speeding and I still think he is nice and got unfairly hurt in this. We will all see the truth when the final investigation is done at the summer end.

Poops · 1 year ago

They all sleep at night in Hamilton.

Dolly · 1 year ago

Oh look farther than that....the Essex County Sheriff's Department is being watched by the FBI....

it gets better and better.

For shame to the people who were stealing from the school budget, KARMA IS GOING TO BITE YOU IN THE BUTT!

I hope at least one attorney general is listening.

One parent. A whole lot of investigative work. Hope you boys and girls in the district courts can make this happen!

Dolly

Thinkaboutit · 1 year ago

Time for a new chief.... with principles.

taxidriver20 · 1 year ago

Speaking as an out of towner Hamilton police have ALWAYS had a rep of pulling people over for no apparent reason,if your going two or three mph over the limit, if they don't like the looks of your car or you for that matter etc. Granted many small affluent north shore towns are as bad if not worse. It's just the world we live in get used to it people!!

DStDenizen · 1 year ago

I second that. Hamilton has been known for years as a place to avoid at night, while driving. My brother, dead sober, was pulled over for "left of center" (no way) and put through hoops, doing sobriety tests.

$6mil police station; and override after override - glad I live in Salem! Talk about driving out the middle class, not to mention, seniors on fixed incomes. Yuk.

peace14 · 1 year ago

I have lived in this town for my entire life and Karen Wallace and Arthur Hatfield are two of the most honest people in the Hamilton Police department. I respect and commend them for standing up for what they believe in and bringing forward several issues of concern. How many people in this town can actually say they stand up for what they believe in?
Karen, I believe you did FOLLOW PROTOCOL when you went to the chief to address your concerns. It is not your fault he made the decision to look the other way. Thank You Karen and Arthur for protecting the town of Hamilton. The town is lucky to have such fine officers like yourselves.

POOP · 1 year ago

If Wallace and Hatfield are the most honest people on the HPD , what are the rest of them like?. Are we only seeing the tip of the iceberg..

concerned · 1 year ago

I loved Hamilton but this is just incredible! I would like to know what Marchand was charged with by Wallace and Hatfeld and clear details as to why an investigator concluded they did it for their own purpose. What did walace know about Marchand going to Mexico to get his kidnaped niece that made her so willing to go to all the trouble to hurt him? It had to be bad but It seemed as if he did what Wallace said he did but that it was not wrong. If he went to get his neice that was taken from her parent good for him but if he broke the law to do it then do something about it and get him to pay for it. Just because Wallace came out and told on him isn't a reason to believe it was wrong and shame on our town Lawyer to go along with it. Also why did she care about it unless he did something so wrong he should be in trouble unless she had something to gain if he got in trouble and she was makiing it up? You have to think that an investigator came right out and said it was for her own reasons and to go beyond that if he was wrong why again is he not in jail? If they then hired an FBI agent and he knew he did something wrong why isn't he in jail? He is still being paid as if he is working and not in ANY trouble so it seems clear and easy to see there is a serious agenda within that police station by those officer's and there is some issue's in Hamilton to investigate AGAIN. Why in the world would officers be going after each other if it is proven no law was broken unless for their own good? They make money to protect the town so if there was a crime by Marchand fine, but to see there wasn't from investigators they should be out to protect and serve the town. I would like to see what Wallace, Hatfield and Dupray's plan was to get Dupray in as Chief and ruin Cullen and Marchand but now after all these investigations into Marchand show he was not wrong then the people who did wrong should pay! and if this new investigator finds after all this time he did wrong he should pay. If Cullen or the selectmen did not act on something to end this mess and to hide it they should pay. And the people deserve to know. Now we are at another point to spend more money on another chief to look at this Hamilton issue? Why do we need to spend even more of the tax money if it is already decided by two other investigators?
Sure a neice was kidnaped, there is a hard nosed cop doing a job some say he takes tooseriously and some cops made serious accusations against him seemingly trying to hurt him and the chief the department and town for what ever reason they had and it is sad but is it something someone should be reprimanded for and it should have been done a long time ago. If so a good investigation should have proven that and their should have been action done one way or the other right away. Fire Marchand if he is wrong and move on. Fire the others if it was done for their own reason. I am tired of this story and would hope that part of this is looked at as wasted money of taxpayers and the selectmen are asked soon why did this go on for so long? Now another investigator is calle d to look at this becasue the facts still don't show what they want? Is that the case? If so then there should be some angry people watching tax money used for this same issue over and over! The selectmen seem to be as guilty as the cops and the Chief and selectmen are faced with a big problem amd covering something up. Now we have another chief paid to look at this costing even more. I'm so confused if two people were already hired to look at this already and said hatfield Wallace and Mackenna were wrong Marchand was ok what is so hard to act on that and save the money for another investigate of the same things? Seems like a big loss of money for the taxpayers and in fact a cover up by the town. I'm beginning to believe there were some very bad things going on here for a long time and they are looking for someway out of this now. Hamilton should be an easy place to work and control. Getting investigator after investigator to look a the same things over and over by the selectmen is just wrong! Am I the only one who cansee this! Find the facts this time and do something about it. It is already hard for people to live in Hamilton with the taxes being wasted on things already decided! This is a perfect example of what Hamilton politics is like now.

LME · 1 year ago

PTSD? Are you kidding me?

I can see why a police officer in a real town, with actual crime could make that claim but in Hamilton- you have got to be kidding me.

This town has beyond an excess of cops, they have nothing to do and are so far beyond powertripping it's pathedic.

They've harassed me for sitting at the train station while I wait for my photos to develop at the nearby CVS, they've been aggressive with my friends who were goofing around with a clearly fak, prop gun.


Officer Wallace is the only cop on that force that I know of with any brains at all!


While most of the cops sit at wait at the Gulf station at night with their 'lights on' AKA their orange lights- which is TOTALLY illegal your headlights MUST be on if your trying to catch speeders at night everytime I see Wallace in this situation her lights are fully on.

She has sense, and doesn't spend her time trying to get teenagers in trouble- shes FAIR and to be compeltely honest the only cop on the force I have the slightest respect for.


The cops in this town are distgusting, while the school system which everyone knows is exceptional will not be accredited because of budget cuts. The police get a blackberries and 6 MILLION dollar station- its the most ridiculous building ever. I went in once and all teh cops are behind bulletproof glass.

This is Hamilton, it is completely ridiculous to have a fortress for the police department- or maybe not because I am so temted to egg it everytime I see it.


I have no respect for cops, anywhere because of the absolute disgusting nature of the cops I grew up with, and where I live currently althought they are the most corrupt in the coutry I much perfer them to the Hamilton cops.

GJK23 · 1 year ago

The cops probably don't care for you either. Wow, that's a big one - THEY MUST HAVE THEIR HEADLIGHTS ON TO CATCH SPEEDERS. You have no respect for cops. Well then when where scooter is stolen from patton park don't cry to the cops. Pull you freakin' pants up over your ass and show some respect.

concerned · 1 year ago

I agree with gjk23. Respecting others, not just the police is important for the adults and youth of not just Hamilton Wenham but in the bigger picture. As for the fact that an officer was accused with serious crimes by the men and women he works with and then cleared later by investigators and found it was an attempt to personal gain, well that would cause many to become stressed and possibly depending on the kinds of crimes and punishment being wrongly accused would absolutely have need for counseling to overcome this. It could show the officer is going to be fine or it may show other issue but we deserve to know the facts by our selectmen not by the media. The town needs to deal with this right now and people deserve to know the truth. It should not havr taken this long nor so many investigations costing taxpayer dollars to see the obvious. I'm sorry this has become issue in Hamilton but it is best we understand the problems so any chance to cover this up further is not possible.

lazy bum · 1 year ago

I hope you aren't a graduate of HWRHS, nice grammer, where did you get the information about the lights on when looking for speeders, did you see it on COPS?

generals22 · 1 year ago

EP- what are you talking about. how can you possibly say that all of this money is worth it because we have a low crime rate. hamilton has always had a low crime rate, it has nothing to do with the work of the current administration. its not like they came in and cleaned up the whole town.

also, im not saying that all the officers are bad or anything, but there have definitely been instances when they have crossed the line. whether they are bored, or are just trying to meet quotas for cars stopped, there have been many times when people (mostly highschoolers) have been pulled over for no reason. many of the cops are guilty of profiling, and i have heard many instances when kids who drive beat up cars were pulled over on a bogus excuse, and then searched for marijuana, which was not found. also, in response to the allegations that the police are trying to drive minorities out of town, i think that is a little too far, but i have heard stories from other kids who have black friends who were followed by hamilton police throughout the town, including one kid who was pulled over on suspiscion of robbery with no proof. in another instance, one of my friends, who is an upstanding member of this community, was pulled over, and the cop went on to berate him, saying he had reports that this kid had been driving recklessly around town all after noon, speeding and generally not operating safely. he threatened to take his license away, and threatened to take him down to the station. when the kid called his bluff and informed him that he had been at a national honor society meeting all afternoon, the cop simply left, no apology, and drove away. it is this kind of rampant behavior that is out out of line.

but to be fair to the current officers, this type of behavior has been going on in hamilton for a while. i am a new driver, and when i was taking drivers ed, they announced in the class to avoid driving through hamilton if you could, because the cops will pull you over for anything. and on a road lesson, my instructor told me that he grew up in hamilton, and he was driving around some friends from manchester in his beat up car. he got pulled over for no reason, and then when the cop found out his name, he apologized and let them go.

and to the poster who said hamilton wenham schools need work based on the post of another reader, i would like to let you know that as a current student at the high school, there are many of us who are law abiding and solid citizens.

GJK23 · 1 year ago

There are issues with cops in every city or town. Hamilton's no different. It's a small, tight community so the smallest thing gets blown out of proportion. It's the same old story. Everybody hates the cops until they're needed. You call the cops because your neighbors radio is too loud. Go next door yourself and tell the neighbor to turn it down. Oh no, I'll sit right here infront of my 50 inch plasma TV and have the cops do it. There are good cops and bad cops. Good firemen and bad firemen. Good plumbers and bad plumbers. DEAL WITH IT! Nobody takes responsibility anymore.

Dorothy · 1 year ago

Forget about all the negative in this story. The one good thing I got from this is that Lt. Robert Nyland is above any wrong doing. Think about it, A cop who can't be trusted to "cover up" illegal activity. Lt. Nyland gets my vote for the next Town Chief and as a Hamilton resident I would be proud to have him run the department. And as for Officer's Wallace and Hatfield, it sounds like they went about it the wrong way but that they were trying to expose the current Chief's activities. Not a bad thing.

GJK23 · 1 year ago

Aside from the real issue here, some have complained about the new police station. Am I wrong or just seeing things? Isn't there a NEW FIRE STATION too? So what's all the screaming about the new police station for? I see plenty of firemen sitting around all day.

Monica · 1 year ago

GJK23,
HAMILTON FIRE DEPARTMENT IS AN ON CALL DEPARTMENT. WITH ONLY MAYBE TWO TO THREE OFFICERS ON DURING THE DAY. IF YOU SEE FIREFIGHTERS HANGING AROUND. IT IS MORE OUT OF DEDIDICATION TO THE JOB AND A BROTHERHOOD/SISTERHOOD. SO NOBODY IS GETTING PAID TO SIT AROUND UNTIL THE WISTLE BLOWS. AND AS FAR AS THE SAFETY BUILDING EVERYONE KNOWS CHIEF CULLEN CALLED ALL THE SHOTS. BECAUSE HE HAS EVERYONE IN HIS POCKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GJK23 · 1 year ago

Well the town and firemen had to go along with it to get the money needed for the TWO stations. If Cullen called all the shots, where were the firefighters, fire chief et al. I'm not going to compare apples and oranges (police and fire), but everybody's pointing fingers at you know who. But isn't there a new fire station as well? :) This issue can be debated at another time. I'm not going to go off track here. There's an issue at hand that needs to be addressed and I'm sure it will be and should be.

truthbetold · 1 year ago

They needed a new building, the old one was a shamble.
My issue is with your comment about Bob Nyland. He is just under chief Cullen and I didn't see anything about him going to any lengths to stop this? No one at that police station should be chief because no one stood up to stop this. How long has this gone on? over a year! In fact they are all to blame for allowing such a mess to happen in such a small tightly nit community. Going after officers and involving the District Attorney to get jobs or take jobs well that is just plain wrong and Officer Wallace and Attorney Mackenna should be fired along with others who had an active role in this. Anyway someone should have stopped this,someone like Bob Nyland or the Chief or the Selectmen. Now our town is all over the papers and there seems to be fact to support wwhat is being said. So Sad. Any officer driving in their police cars from Hamilton's new safety building should be ashamed!

what a joke · 1 year ago

What a Joke... Man I must live an Extremely Boreing Life If I sad here and read all of these postings regarding this issue. Mut now that you mention it. You guys are even more bored cause you sound like you actually care about all of this nonsence... Fire Robo Cop and take the girl and send her out to make muffins... Hatty will make a great security Guard at Gordon College....
Nothing Like a Royal Family squabble to keep you smiling.... :)