Town of Winchendon Police Department

06/09/2026

06/01/2026

Winchendon has felt the impact of the opioid epidemic like all cities and towns in our region and the country abroad. Drug activity creates a wide range of negative effects, ranging from increased criminal activity and violence to a decline in physical safety and economic stability. Drug activity also increases public health risks for those suffering from substance abuse disorder and puts strain on family’s living with loved ones struggling with addiction.

We believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary to mitigate the negative effects of drug activity in a town. Compassionate outreach programs, such as our department’s Post Overdose Support Team (POST) are necessary to help individuals and families. At the same time, aggressive investigation and prosecution of drug dealers is an essential component to improving quality of life in a community.

For the sake of the latter initiative, the police department applied for and was awarded a federal grant which has enabled the creation of our own drug task force. The task force was assembled in December and is comprised of four existing Winchendon officers. The task force is assigned to conduct targeted drug enforcement patrols in Winchendon. The team has been deployed several times a month (4-8hr. intervals) over the last six months. Grant funds will support this project for one year.

The desired outcome of this project is to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics in the Town of Winchendon. In addition, reduce the number of areas/homes where illicit drug trafficking activity is suspected.

We ask that you go to the link below and complete the following survey which will aid in measuring the success of our efforts thus far. In addition, we would like to know your thoughts on how the police department should approach and prioritize future efforts, for the sake of improving quality of life in our community.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/39YCY3D

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

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05/01/2026

Help Support the Winchendon Animal Shelter

For the past several years, Winchendon Animal Control has proudly provided regional animal control services to the Town of Templeton. Through this partnership, we were able to utilize Templeton’s shelter facility and animal control vehicle—resources that significantly expanded what we could offer to the community.

With access to a larger, updated shelter, we’ve been able to go far beyond simply housing stray or loose pets. We’ve accepted owner surrenders, provided long-term care, arranged adoptions and rehoming, and offered boarding, quarantine services, and low-cost vaccination clinics for residents. This growth allowed us to better serve both animals and the people who care about them.

Unfortunately, the Templeton Board of Selectmen has recently voted to terminate this contract, effective June 30, 2026. This gives us less than 90 days to secure both a suitable vehicle and a functional shelter space.

This is where we truly need your help.

While we will have access to an older police SUV, it requires significant modifications to safely transport animals. This includes relettering, removing unnecessary equipment, and most importantly, installing heavy-duty kennels capable of safely transporting at least two large dogs.

As for sheltering, we have no choice but to return to our former facility on River Street. While structurally sound, the building is small and requires extensive work before it can safely house animals again. Needed improvements include:

• New interior and exterior lighting
• Repairs and upgrades to kennel enclosures (including doors and dividers)
• Expansion of kennels to accommodate larger breeds
• Installation of outdoor 10x10 kennel runs
• Exterior fencing repairs
• Interior and exterior painting and updated signage

We are asking our community to come together and support us during this critical transition. With your help, we can avoid reducing much needed services and continue our mission of protecting, caring for, and advocating for the animals in our town.

Every contribution—big or small—will make a difference.

Donations to the Animal Control Gift Fund can be made by check, cash, or money order at the Winchendon Police Department or online at https://unipaygold.unibank.com/transactioninfo.aspx

Thank you for standing with us and being part of what makes this work possible.

04/22/2026

We would like to thank Winchendon Sons of the American Legion for their generous $1,500 donation. The Winchendon K-9 unit is run entirely on donation. These donations are used for food, animal insurance, medical care, training and equipment.

04/13/2026

This week is Communications/Dispatcher Appreciation Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible individuals who are always there when it matters most.

When someone calls for help, it’s our dispatchers who answer. They provide reassurance in moments of fear, guide callers through emergencies, and make sure the right help gets where it needs to go—fast.

It takes a special kind of person to do this job. Compassionate, calm under pressure, and endlessly dedicated.

To our dispatch team: you are truly the heartbeat of our department. Thank you for everything you do—seen and unseen.