To RSVP to attend the press conference on Wednesday, June 25, at 1 p.m., please email Cody Shepard at cody@jgpr.net no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25.

DENNIS — Chief John Brady of the Dennis Police Department and Town officials will announce the return of enhanced safety measures at Dennis beaches on July 4 during a press conference this Wednesday, June 25.

WHEN:

Wednesday, June 25, 1 p.m.

WHERE:

West Dennis Beach, Davis Beach Road

• Parking will be available to media members. They should speak with the police officer at the parking lot entrance to determine where to park.

WHO:

• Dennis Police Chief John “Jack” Brady
• Dennis Beach and Recreation Director Dustin Pineau
• Dennis Select Board Chair Christopher Lambton

WHAT:

Dennis officials will announce the return of enhanced safety measures at Dennis beaches on July 4, including expanded restrictions at West Dennis Beach and the addition of a second police command post.

The restrictions will be put in place at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Memorial Beach, Bayview Beach and West Dennis Beach on July 4 only.

From 2019 to 2023, police saw a dramatic increase in unsafe and dangerous conduct, fighting, assaults, vandalism, binge drinking, drug use, loud music and other concerning behavior, particularly at Mayflower Beach. Beach-related calls for emergency services doubled at Mayflower, Chapin Memorial and Bayview beaches, which are connected.

In 2023, police responded to 459 calls for service at those three beaches.

The Town of Dennis and the Dennis Police Department implemented new regulations on July 4, 2024, to address this public safety concern. Calls for service decreased 75% year over year, to 115, and arrests dropped from 13 in 2023 to zero in 2024.

The following restrictions will return on the Fourth of July this year, and extend to the Southside at West Dennis Beach:

• Daily parking passes will not be sold or accepted on July 4 at Mayflower Beach, Chapin Beach, Bayview Beach or West Dennis Beach. Only those who have a residential, seasonal or weekly parking sticker will be allowed entrance to the beach parking lots.
• A parking ban will be in full effect in neighborhoods and businesses adjacent to the beaches. Vehicles found in violation will be subject to being ticketed and/or towed.
• There will be zero tolerance for alcohol consumption, drug use, overly loud music and unsafe behavior at the beaches. Officers will be out in full numbers, and Dennis Police will bring in additional resources.

The Dennis Police Department will have two command posts this year, a primary on the Northside at Mayflower Beach and a new, second command post at West Dennis Beach.​

The goal of the expansion to West Dennis Beach is to establish a more consistent policy and experience at the Town’s most popular beaches on July 4.

“Last year’s Fourth of July measures made a tremendous difference,” said Chief Brady. “Families were able to relax and enjoy the holiday without disruption, and we heard overwhelmingly positive feedback. That’s why this year, we’re not only bringing the regulations back — we’re extending them to West Dennis Beach to ensure the same safe, family-friendly environment community-wide.”

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