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Berkshire DA Criticizes Mass. House Police Reform Bill Clause

Andrea Harrington stands at a podium in a law library flanked by law enforcement officials (file photo)
Josh Landes
/
WAMC
Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington

Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington opposes a clause in the police reform bill before the Massachusetts House.

Harrington says she applauds the move to reform police oversight. She released a statement opposing a provision that would bar local district attorneys’ offices from prosecuting members of law enforcement agencies for criminal conduct.

“I am the local elected district attorney here in Berkshire County, and I am accountable to my community to ensure independent investigations and fair prosecution," said Harrington. "And the legislature shifting responsibility for violations of state criminal law by law enforcement to Boston diminishes the voice of Berkshire County residence in matters of grave public importance.”

Harrington says her office is investigating an ongoing use of force case against a Berkshire law enforcement official.

Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.
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