One recruit in academy; Newbury uses retired officers and part‑time hires to shore up police coverage

The board discussed police staffing in the absence of Chief Patty Fisher and learned that one recruit is currently in the academy and that the department has used recently retired officers and part‑time appointments to maintain coverage. The Chair summarized Fisher's earlier reports and said a recruit is about four weeks into the academy program.

"I think she's on week 4," Diane Doyle said of the recruit. Board members noted the town has appointed a recently retired officer part time and described reserve officers as permanent part‑time staff working roughly 16 hours per week who can pick up additional shifts as needed. No formal personnel motions were taken at this meeting on police staffing.