Amherst Police Department (Official)

06/10/2026

Earlier today, at Boston College School of Law was the 14th Annual Mental Health and Law Enforcement Conference. Captain Young spoke on a panel regarding our co-response clinicians and CIT program in Amherst: “Panel Discussion: Jail Diversion: Why This Work Matters”. Also in attendance were Sergeant Griffin, Detective Carroll, Officer Coblyn, Officer Bennington, and Clinician Gagnon. It was a great event that spoke to the wonderful work that is possible with collaboration between the two entities of mental health work and law enforcement.

06/09/2026

This morning was the MADD Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony at Devens MA. Three of our officers were recognized for their OUI enforcement efforts.

M.A.D.D 2026 OUI Excellence Award recipients: Officer Matteo Picardi (54 OUI arrests in 2025) and Officer Justin Cruz (14 OUI arrests in 2025).

Officer Matthew Frydryk was recognized as MADD’s Officer of the Year. This award is presented to one officer who has excelled beyond the call of duty for a minimum of 10 years in OUI enforcement. Officer Frydryk has been steadfast in his OUI enforcement and detection throughout his 18-year career, totaling nearly 200 OUIs. His efforts as a K9 officer, FST Instructor, FTO, and mentor for our newest officers further demonstrate his commitment to the department and public safety relative to impaired operator detection and enforcement.

We are proud of our Officers and the work they’ve done in keeping our community safer by getting impaired operators off the road.

Congratulations to all recipients at APD and across the state of Massachusetts. Your efforts are noted and appreciated.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

>> The reasons Officer Frydryk obtained the award: In the calendar year of 2025, Officer Matthew Frydryk made 10 arrests for impaired operation — a figure that, while impressive on its own, only begins to tell the story of his contribution to impaired driving enforcement in Amherst.

Officer Frydryk carries one of the most demanding workloads in the department. As both a Field Training Officer and a K9 handler, his patrol shifts are already defined by dual responsibilities that few officers are asked to balance. That he continues to actively identify and arrest impaired operators while fulfilling these roles speaks to an officer whose commitment to roadway safety is deeply embedded in everything he does.

Officer Frydryk's impact on impaired driving enforcement extends far beyond his own arrests. As a Field Sobriety Test instructor, he is directly responsible for shaping how the next generation of officers detect, evaluate, and build cases against impaired operators. His instruction ensures that the department's enforcement capabilities grow stronger with every officer he trains. He has also served as a mentor to younger officers, sharing the knowledge and judgment that comes from a career that has produced nearly 200 OUI arrests.

That career total is not just a number — it represents nearly 200 impaired drivers removed from the roadways of Amherst and the surrounding community. Officer Frydryk's sustained dedication to this mission, year after year, while simultaneously training officers and handling a K9, reflects the kind of service that makes a lasting difference in public safety.

06/06/2026

Last Saturday was the Cops and Bobbers / Hooks and Ladders, Fishing Derby. While the weather was a bit rainy, the day was still great! 🎣

06/03/2026

Vacant House Checks:
Going away on vacation? In the hospital? Spending an extended period away from home? The Amherst Police Department offers a free Vacant House Check Program for residents who would like the added peace of mind of knowing officers are watching their property while they’re away.

What Is the Vacant House Check Program?
When you submit a request, your property is added to a department-wide list during the dates you’ll be away. Officers in your sector will conduct periodic exterior checks of the property during your absence. The program serves to deter criminal activity, identify property issues early, and strengthen the partnership between the department and the community we serve. This is a community service offered free of charge to Amherst residents.

>>> Please go to our website to complete the form or gather more information: https://amherstpd.org/3920/Vacant-House-Checks

06/02/2026

Captain Young instructing at Fitchburg State University Police Program/Police Academy

06/02/2026

Registration reminder! Registration closes July 1

06/01/2026

‼️ NEW SPEED LIMIT on Northampton Rd: 35 MPH

After a traffic study was completed, the Town requested that MassDOT change the speed limits on Northampton Rd between University Drive and South Pleasant Street. The MassDOT has accepted the request and has changed the signage to reflect the new speed limit of 35 MPH. This is a decrease from the previous 40 mph zone. The goal is to increase safety on this roadway.

“The District Traffic Section of MassDOT has completed a speed zoning study for the requested section of Route 9 within the Town of Amherst, East of University Drive, to the intersection of South Pleasant Street (approx. 0.7 miles). This investigation included spot speeds, trial runs, a review of roadway geometry and sight distances, and a review of the accident history on this roadway.”

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Every year, our K-9 teams must re-certify to make sure that their skills are still top notch. Our K-9 handlers and their four legged partners spent last week at the Massachusetts Police Work Dog Association training work shop. During the week, our K-9s, Marvin and Mojo, again both successfully completed their National certification through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA )

Marvin and Mojo were required to test and certify in the following areas for “patrol work”: obedience, evidence searches, area searches, building searches, aggression control and tracking. For Marvin’s secondary specialty he was required to test in building drug hides, vehicle drug hides (interior and exterior), locker drug hides. Mojo was required to test in explosive and firearm detection in building, motor vehicle, luggage and open area for his secondary specialty.

They both put in 100% effort and obtained the “Police Utility Dog Title” - this means they aced all their exams on the first attempt!

They also participated in a bonus workshop on K9 first side, which was put on by the staff at Veterinary Specialty Center of Sturbridge ( ).Just as Officer Wellness matters for our human officers, it is equally as important for our four legged K-9 officers.

📸: Thank you to Tracy Joy and ( ) Britany from Blueline jars ( ) for the amazing photographs.

05/25/2026

Amherst officers were present at the annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who lost their lives while serving our country. Even though the ceremony was moved indoors due to rain, many community members still came to pay their respects to our fallen heroes 🇺🇸