Officers from the Mashpee Wampanoag Police Department could soon be working more closely with the Taunton Police Department, if an ordinance proposed by Taunton Police Chief Ed Walsh passes.
The proposed policy is “in response to the ongoing development and increasing operations on tribal lands associated with the casino project,” a lawyer for Taunton wrote. “The police department anticipates that these developments will have a direct impact on local law enforcement and public safety, and this ordinance is intended to help ensure an appropriate and coordinated response.”
A spokesperson for the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe did not respond to a request for comment.
The new policy would allow Walsh, or anyone else serving as the Taunton Chief of Police, to appoint members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Police Department as “special police officers.”
Here’s what we know.
The Welcome Center for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Gaming Authority opened on Stevens St. in East Taunton. The Tribe says this is the first step in finally bringing development of the First Light Resort and Casino to the land. January 15, 2025.
Status of proposed ordinance
At the Tuesday, June 2, 2025 City Council meeting, the Taunton City Council voted to refer the proposed ordinance to a subcommittee. This means the ordinance is part of the way towards going into effect.
Temporary welcome center is expanding
In May, the Chairman of the tribe Brian Weeden, told the Gazette in a statement that the casino welcome center facility, which contains slot machines that people can use to gamble, will be getting a new addition.
“We’re adding additional space to the Welcome Center to provide even more opportunities for entertainment, additional artifacts and new material on our culture,” Weeden said.
New hours: Taunton slots gaming facility now open late on weekends
What the proposed ordinance would do
According to a copy of the proposed policy, if passed, the Taunton Police Chief would be able to appoint members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Police Department as special officers.
To be eligible to be appointed as special police officers, the officers would have to be certified or recertified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.
Special police officers, when operating on the casino site and when interacting with members of the public who are not members of the tribe, “shall exercise the same authority as a Taunton Police Department officer and shall follow all applicable policies and procedures of the Taunton Police Department,” the proposed policy says.
When operating on non-tribal land, the special police officers “shall adhere to the policies and procedures of the Taunton Police Department,” the proposed policy says.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Police to work with Mashpee Wampanoag Police under new policy