Berkshire DA Announces New 'Violent Crime Section' of Task Force

The Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force has a new unit that will expand investigations into sexual assaults, domestic violence, and human trafficking in Berkshire County. Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington announced the new “violent crime section” of the task force during a press conference on Wednesday.

According to a media release following Wednesday’s press conference, the section provides each police department with specialists to enhance their investigation into these types of crimes. The officers assigned to the violent crime section will work in concert with each police department in Berkshire County municipalities. The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office oversees the operations.

My office remains dedicated to supporting victims and holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable. The Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force is very successful in disrupting the flow of harmful drugs into the community, and this expansion builds on that success by providing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking investigations the same level of focus and dedication. ~ District Attorney Andrea Harrington

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Statistic dating back to 2017 make the case for the need of this new section. According to the FBI, Stockbridge, Adams, Pittsfield, and North Adams ranked first, third, fifth, and sixth respectively in the highest rate of reported rapes.

The violent crime section of the task force will be comprised of eight officers from five local police departments. All Berkshire County police chiefs signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the violent crime section to operate within their jurisdictions. The State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office will provide additional training to the officers assigned to the section. Each local police chief also has the option of assigning officers to serve on the Berkshire Law Enforcement Task Force.

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