LEVERETT — An Amherst native with a decade of law enforcement experience has accepted a position as Leverett Police Department’s new sergeant.
Benjamin Peters, a full-time Sunderland Police officer, was named sergeant by the Selectboard following an hourlong interview in late August.
Peters, who will remain a part-time Sunderland officer, said he wants to use this new platform to help people.
An FBI-certified crisis and hostage negotiator, and a sexual assault investigator, the Amherst Regional High School graduate has previously worked as an auxiliary officer for the Shutesbury Police Department and as a part-time officer in New Salem.
Peters emphasized the need for community policing, being present and having an open mind during the work. He pointed to successfully resolving a dispute between Sunderland residents on opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In addition, Peters said he understands he works for the town and he appreciates the community sentiment toward Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI and Massachusetts State Police. Still, he has made a network of connections with State Police, district attorneys and others during investigations and other police work.
Peters has been instrumental in launching a public safety fall festival, which will be held at Look Park in Northampton in October. He described it as “an incredible opportunity to expand on the vision of bringing the public together with those who keep them safe.”
Board member Jed Proujansky said he appreciates that Peters seems to have both the hard skills and softer skills appropriate for Leverett.
Board member Tom Hankinson added that it’s positive that Peters grew up in Amherst, and likely is familiar with Leverett, though Leverett Police also provide coverage for Wendell.
Police Chief Scott Minckler said the position has been open for a month following the retirement of Sgt. Steve Gould, and the other three applicants didn’t meet the minimum qualifications. Minckler said the decade as a police officer has given Peters the opportunity to supervise himself before beginning to supervise others.
