TEWKSBURY — The Tewksbury Police Department recently learned that state officials decided to remove less-than-lethal tools from professional public safety officers at the Tewksbury State Hospital.
The hospital’s professional security staff, who work closely with Tewksbury Police, will no longer be permitted to carry pepper spray, batons, or handcuffs.
Please see the statement from Chief Ryan Columbus on this issue:
“The security of the hospital, from my perspective, has improved significantly under the leadership of Public Safety Director Jason Smith. I cannot speak highly enough of his leadership, expertise, and overall impact.
“Since the security assessment that we advocated for, along with the subsequent leadership change, I have been extremely pleased with the level of safety and security at the hospital.
“I was surprised by the discussion regarding the removal of less-lethal tools from public safety officers. I struggle to understand the rationale behind such a decision. In my view, this change will place public safety officers, hospital staff, patients, and the Tewksbury community at unnecessary risk.
“Tewksbury Police responded to 26 assaults at the Hospital in 2025, while the Tewksbury State Hospital Public Safety Department responded to 478 assaults on the campus in the same timeframe. To put those number in context, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections responded to 711 reported assaults in the entire prison system in 2025.
“It’s disappointing that after a great relationship was built over the last few years, that the Commonwealth never considered what the impact would be to the Tewksbury Police Department if public safety officers at the hospital will not be handling any public safety situations and are being encouraged to call 911 instead.
“I’m concerned that key decisions regarding hospital security are being made by individuals without relevant expertise in security or law enforcement. Regardless of perspective, the hospital serves individuals who can present significant safety challenges. The focus should be on enhancing tools, training, and support for public safety personnel, not reducing them.
“In my view, these public safety officers should fall under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, not the Department of Public Health.”
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