Eastham Police Reach Full Accreditation, 21-Officer Complement for First Time

EASTHAM — February 12, 2026 — Eastham Finance Committee reviews police budget with record traffic stops and full accreditation milestone. Chief Adam told the committee Thursday that the Eastham Police Department achieved full Massachusetts state accreditation in April 2025 — requiring compliance with 340 standards — and has hired its fourth and final new officer, bringing the force to 21 sworn officers for the first time in department history. The department recorded 3,530 traffic stops in 2025, its highest annual total, and overtime through the budget review period stands at approximately $141,000, down from $149,000 at the same point last year. A $134,000 state grant funds the body camera program through its first five years; Town Manager Rich warned that the cost will eventually shift to the operating budget and is tracking approximately $539,000 in total deferred operating budget increases across departments reviewed so far. The preliminary Nauset Regional School District budget for fiscal year 2027 reflects an 8.25 percent increase driven primarily by special education and transportation costs.