(UPDATED) Did Hyannis News "spill the beans?" MISSING SHOTGUN BAFFLES POLICE

As police are still searching for a missing shotgun, one Hyannis News reader raises an interesting concern.  I recently received the following admonishment at my personal email address:

A time to screw up?

A Barnstable Police Officer somehow inadvertently lost a 12 gauge shotgun possibly somewhere in the neighborhood area of Pitcher’s Way.  The incident, which comes at time when the Barnstable Police are trying desperately to take weapons off the street is sure to add additional stress to at least one person’s holiday season – the officer who lost the weapon!

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(The following is dedicated to the officer who came back "empty handed" - press play and enjoy the music while you finish this article):

At a time when most people are worrying about when they’re going to buy, and in some cases afford, Christmas presents an unnamed Barnstable cop is entering into the stressful shopping season with worries that go above and beyond the normal holiday stressors.

The whole scenario is like some bizarre Tony Soprano dream.  Can you even begin to imagine what the officer is feeling in this situation?  Have you ever had one of those dreams where you woke up and went in to work only to suddenly realize you forgot to wear pants?  It must feel like one of those nightmares to this particular officer. 

I worked for the Barnstable Police about twenty years ago and I know that they run a tight ship when it comes to accounting for equipment.  I know that you don’t get to become Barnstable Cop, or be one for very long, without being sort of “anal” about how you care for stuff that belongs to that particular agency – weapons receiving the highest level of scrutiny.

But having said all that, I have many stories that would make an “outsider” believe that things are actually more “loosey goosey" than they actually are.  Like the time when one young Barnstable Patrolman accidentally squeezed off a round into the portrait of then current Governor of Massachusetts while practicing “dry firing” his revolver sitting on the bench in the entrance way of the old police facility near the old bus station in the East End.  I’m not sure if the stray bullet turned out to be a “head shot,” but I believe it was, and I was told that the hole remained for years after the move to the new police facility.  As it is in most police screw ups, I will protect the identity of that particular young patrolman, but will say that he learned from it and rose above the accident, later rising up through the ranks to become a Lieutenant; he also turned out to be a significant influence in my childhood and I say a prayer for him in heaven as I remember all of the good things he accomplished as a career police officer for the Town of Barnstable.

I know that there are going to be many people looking at this recent incident in many different ways and with a wide range of opinions.  I also know that the Barnstable Police are taking the incident very seriously and will not let up until the weapon is found.  But I’d like to offer an additional perspective.

A Barnstable Police officer went to work last Saturday, got dressed in a patrol uniform complete with body armor underneath… went to roll call, received an assignment and an area to patrol… went down the hall to the equipment room… signed out a 12 gauge shotgun specially designated to deploy “less lethal” beanbag rounds, so he/she could enter into lethal situations, but possibly avoid taking a life.

“Less lethal” beanbag rounds are strategically deployed to stop a person who is endangering lives, often including his own.  In the “old” days before “less lethal” rounds officers would have been often justified to use “lethal” force to stop such a dangerous individual.  “Less lethal” options are a good thing. 

Remember this, the officer that somehow did not return the weapon in question is a member of our community committed to keeping all of us safe.  Unlike the rest of us, the tools of his trade are different.  He/she doesn’t’ rely on a hammer or a frying pan.  No he/she totes around things that can cause serious problems if not accounted for.  It’s a tremendous responsibility, and one no officer takes lightly.  My only wish is that this all turns out okay for the public, the Barnstable Police, and the officer involved.

Let’s pull no punches; this is a serious screw up!  But hopefully one that will not likely happen again in the near future...  I’m in no way judging the officer involved.  I loose things all the time.  I have even had things stolen from me when I should have been paying more attention.  But to not address this incident in the aforementioned manner perhaps demonstrates a “loosey goosey” concern as citizen of this town.

Nobody’s expected to be perfect, unless you’re a member of the Barnstable Police Force (but even the most idealistic amongst us don’t actually believe or completely expect that deep down inside). 

But NO EXCUSES, find the weapon so the poor cop who lost it can have a better Christmas!  And perhaps even rise above it to become an even better leader...

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The shotgun was in a dark-gray, hard-sided case and was wrapped in blue plastic. The stock of the weapon is colored lime green so officers don't become confused as to which shotgun is which... Anyone with information is urged to contact Barnstable Police at (508) 775-0387. 

BE ADVISED, also lost with the shotgun is an undisclosed amount of “less lethal” rounds.  The weapon should not be taken lightly when loaded with these rounds for they are still potentially lethal.  Children are at a higher risk of serious or lethal injury if struck by one these specially designed lead filled Kevlar rounds.  The weapon is only considered “less lethal” if fired by someone with special law enforcement training.  Police Officers receive special training on distance of deployment and safer target areas on the body.