Recently this reporter got to sit down with Holliston’s newly appointed Operations Lieutenant, James Barrett in his office at HPD headquarters.  Lt. Barrett, a veteran law enforcement professional with nearly 28-years of experience, created a very comfortable tone for our conversation.

Our conversation was very natural and easy-going.  I suspect that is because Barrett himself is that kind of person.  He describes himself as “what you see is what you get.”  

We first talked about what drew Barrett to Holliston from his position as Detective Sergeant in Wrentham.  His work in Wrentham provided opportunities to learn about Holliston PD and he liked what he saw. He was one of 27 applicants (two from HPD) for the position.  Lt. Barrett couldn’t say enough about how the recruiting and selection process was managed in such a professional manner.  Candidates completed an “assessment center” exercise which has third-party law enforcement professionals present scenarios that require the applicants to role-play those cases and get scored on the performance. Throughout the selection process, Barrett received timely and relevant communication from Holliston.

Following his selection and appointment to the Holliston department, Barrett shared that he has been warmly received.  He has spent time with the Command Staff and officers getting his orientation to our town and its public safety needs.  Earlier in the day we met, Lt. Barrett had joined the Safe Routes to School Winter Walk, Bike, and Roll event.

Barrett comes to Holliston after twenty-seven years on the Wrentham Police force.  Lt. Barrett followed in his father’s footsteps when he joined WPD.  When Barrett left the Wrentham PD, it marked the end of a 50-year period when at least one Barrett was on the force.

Lt. Barrett’s police career followed his service in the US Army, having served in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm.  His sense of humor emerged when he shared a partial story about a picture in his office that shows Barrett on an overturned tank – something about the “statute of limitations.”

His depth of knowledge and experience as a detective has led to his being on the police academy faculty and an Adjunct faculty member at Dean College.  One point he highlighted was how important it is for law enforcement personnel to maintain their professional standards in all interactions.

When asked what priorities he has in his new role, he quickly responded, “what are the priorities of the citizens?”  He noted that scams are always an issue, especially for senior citizens like his own mother.  This time of year, Barrett cautioned about IRS-related phone calls, the IRS does not phone taxpayers.

Be on the lookout for Lt. Barrett’s warm smile around town as he gets himself immersed in our community.