Norwell Police Department Adjusts to Staffing Cuts

The Norwell Police Department is making significant changes to its operations following the elimination of five civilian administrative clerk positions due to recent town budget cuts.

The layoffs, which took effect July 1, 2025, have impacted the department's ability to provide around-the-clock in-person assistance at its lobby window and non-emergency phone line. The clerks, who staffed the department 24 hours a day, seven days a week, played a key role in assisting residents and handling a wide range of non-emergency inquiries.

While the police department lobby at 300A Washington Street will remain open to the public at all hours, there may not always be a clerk available to assist visitors. To address this gap, a phone has been installed in the lobby that connects directly to the South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center.

“If you arrive at the station and there’s no one at the window, just pick up the lobby phone,” Norwell Police officials said in a statement. “The dispatcher will take your information and an officer will be sent to meet you.”

Non-emergency phone calls to the department's main line, 781-659-7979, will also be rerouted to the regional dispatch center during times when no clerk is on duty. Officers will return calls as soon as they are available.

The department is asking for patience from residents as officers and staff adjust to the new protocols. Officials say the changes will require time to fully implement and may initially lead to delays or confusion.

The first extended period without clerk coverage will begin Thursday, July 3 at 4 p.m. and last through Monday, July 7 at 4 p.m. During that time, residents visiting the station or calling the non-emergency line should expect to follow the new procedures.

Emergency calls should continue to be directed to 911. Non-emergency issues can be reported by calling the Norwell Police Department at 781-659-7979 or the South Shore Regional Dispatch Center at 781-740-0274.

Norwell Police emphasized their continued commitment to public safety despite the staffing cuts, adding, “We are asking our community to work with us as we navigate these changes together.”