At the Annual Town Meeting on May 4, residents will vote on a proposed $630,000 public safety override. The override would provide $250,000 to the Police Department, and $380,000 to the Fire Department.
Below, we compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help residents make an informed decision about the proposed override.
What is the proposed public safety override?
The proposed override is a ballot question that would provide funding for additional police and fire staffing. For the Hanson Police Department, the proposal would restore one patrol officer position that was reduced in the FY26 budget and add one additional patrol officer.
What would the police portion of the override fund?
If approved, the police portion of the override would fund two patrol officer positions:
- Restore one patrol officer position that was reduced in the FY26 budget, to backfill the four-day shifts that only have two officers on the road
- Add one additional patrol officer position for additional shift support and internal operational duties, including public records requests and firearms licensing
What would this override funding deliver?
Funding two additional full-time police officers would provide faster response times when residents call the Police Department, safer conditions for officers and the public, and reliable police coverage for the Town of Hanson.
This request is not about growth — it is about ensuring there are enough officers available when you call for help.
What is patrol staffing today?
Police staffing varies by shift. At times, patrol coverage operates at minimum staffing of two officers on duty covering the town. When both officers are handling a call for service, additional incidents may require assistance from neighboring departments or officers reassigned from other duties. Since 2013, the number of officers on patrol has not increased in Hanson. There were 19 patrol officers in 2013, while the Hanson Police Department is currently operating in 2026 with 18 patrol officers.
What has been the current impact of the FY26 budget cut?
Last year, the town-wide operational override did not pass at the ballot. Because of this, the Hanson Police Department’s staffing was decreased by one patrol officer. This has resulted in numerous impacts on the department, including the reassignment of officers (detectives reassigned to patrol shifts, court prosecutors covering patrol shifts and the School Resource Officer being diverted from school duties), shifts being staffed at minimum staffing levels, and increased reliance on overtime.
What does “minimum staffing” mean?
Minimum staffing refers to the lowest number of officers assigned to patrol during a shift. When staffing is at this level, one complex call may require both officers to respond. In those situations, the department may temporarily reassign personnel such as detectives, court prosecutors, or the School Resource Officer to assist with patrol coverage.
Why do some calls require more than one officer?
Many modern police calls involve situations that require multiple officers to manage safely.
Examples may include:
- Mental health crises (about 20% of calls)
- Domestic disturbances
- Substance use or overdose incidents
- Situations involving multiple individuals
These calls often require officers to communicate with those involved, secure the scene, gather information and ensure the safety of everyone present.
What is the estimated tax impact of the override?
According to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Division of Local Services, the estimated annual tax impact for the combined police and fire staffing override is approximately $154 per year for the average home valued at $550,000, or about $3.20 per week. A home assessed at a $350,000 value would see an increase of about $98 per year, while a home valued at $1,050,000 would see an average yearly increase of $294.
How often are patrol shifts filled with overtime?
During the current fiscal year, more than 350 patrol shifts have been covered through overtime by backfilling to maintain minimum staffing. Overtime is often used when positions are vacant, officers are unavailable due to training or leave or when additional staffing is needed to maintain minimum coverage.
Has call volume changed over time?
Calls for service and the complexity of incidents have increased in recent years. Many calls require officers to spend more time on scene and may involve coordination with medical personnel, social services or neighboring departments.
When will residents vote on the override?
Residents will first vote on the proposed override at the Annual Town Meeting on May 4. If approved at Town Meeting, the override will then be decided by voters during the Annual Town Election as a ballot question on Saturday, May 16.