Marshfield Select Board Dismisses Complaint Against Police Chief

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MARSHFIELD - The Marshfield Select Board voted 2-to-1 Monday night not to take any action against Police Chief Phil Tavares following a complaint from Housing Authority Commissioner Joe Pecevich accusing him of intimidation tactics and threats. The decision came after an emotionally charged public session in which Tavares publicly defended his actions and those of the Marshfield Police Department, calling the accusations baseless and harmful to the integrity of the town and its police force.

Interim Town Administrator Peter Morin informed the packed town hall chamber that the executive session was not a disciplinary hearing, meaning no evidence would be presented, no witnesses would be called, and no public comments would be received. The Select Board had three options: vote to take no further action, ask for further investigation, or proceed to a future disciplinary hearing.

Per Massachusetts law, Select Boards are permitted to meet in closed executive session when discussing personnel matters. However, Chief Tavares had requested the discussion be held in open session rather than behind closed doors to ensure "full transparency for the whole town."

The complaint originated from a back-and-forth between Tavares and Pecevich, who hosts "Control Room" on Marshfield Community Media. During the June 18, 2025 episode, Pecevich alleged that Tavares, along with other town officials and the district attorney's office, conspired to falsely arrest and prosecute him for political reasons. Tavares brought this information to the select board, saying Pecevich's claims went beyond criticism and accused officials of criminal conduct.

"This is about an elected town official spreading mistruth about conspiracies and accusing us of committing crimes," Tavares said during the session.

Tavares began his statement acknowledging the "close personal relationship" between Select Board Chair Eric Kelley and Pecevich. The chief said he contacted Kelley about Pecevich's claims because the police department is overseen by the Select Board, and it was Kelley who advised him to call Pecevich directly. Tavares said his intent was to give Pecevich "the opportunity to set the record straight on his own show so that I wouldn't have to publicly come out and do this."

The chief attempted to contact Pecevich first from a recorded police line, but Pecevich declined to speak on the recorded call. Tavares later followed up with a second, unrecorded call with two others present to witness the conversation. Under Massachusetts law, phone calls require two-party consent to be legally recorded.

Pecevich subsequently filed his complaint, describing the conversation as "rapidly escalating into an off-the-rails rant laced with threats and proclaimed plans to incite and encourage the 'public' to go after me." He alleged Tavares told him to "get prepared to deal with an onslaught against me" and that the chief would make "regular appearances during the select board meetings to express his opinions and thoughts about me."

Chief Tavares categorically denied threatening or intimidating Pecevich, explaining he had merely told him that if he didn't clarify or retract his statements, "I would address the issue publicly at a Select Board meeting and correct the record."

Select board members weighed in throughout the session. Patricia Simpson proposed a verbal warning for the chief, indicating the situation had escalated unnecessarily and saying, "I believe we are held to a standard that we should not contact people that say things to us." Simpson acknowledged that while she might have handled things differently, Tavares had "a stellar career."

During questioning, Kelley said he believed the complaint included comments from Tavares "that were borderline threatening in regards to Joe." Reading from the complaint, Kelley quoted Tavares as saying Pecevich "should get prepared to deal with an onslaught against me" and referenced "regular appearance during the select board meetings to express his opinions and thoughts about me."

"I guess in regards to that, the potential threat [is] there," Kelley said. He also expressed concerns about the appropriateness of Tavares using town equipment to call Pecevich on a recorded line.

Vice Chair Stephen Darcy strongly defended Tavares, citing his decades-long service and integrity, saying, "This should be dismissed with extreme prejudice."

Throughout the meeting, residents voiced a mix of criticism and support, at times shouting over Kelley. Some called for Kelley's resignation or a recall, while others praised the chief and demanded that the town preserve trust in local government. The crowd frequently booed suggestions of disciplinary action and shouted "Step down!" at the chair.

At the end of the discussion, a motion was called, seconded, and the select board voted 2-1 in favor of taking no action, with Kelley casting the dissenting vote. Kelley had previously stated that he would like to see the matter investigated.

In a final statement, Tavares thanked the community for its support. The issue now appears closed, with no further investigation planned.

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