For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department Welcomes New Officers

MANCHESTER BY-THE-SEA —  Chief Edward Conley is pleased to announce hiring of

Andrea Locke and Jennifer Gilson to the Manchester by-the-Sea Police Department.

Officers Locke and Gilson were selected followed an open and competitive exam process administrated by Police Exam Solutions, Inc. of Arlington. A total of 44 applicants sat for the written exam. Following the exam, which also awarded bonus point to veterans, emergency medical technicians, those with higher education and for past employment history, Gilson and Locke finished first and second on the hiring list.

The new officers were formally offered a full-time position after each successfully passed medical and psychological exams, as well as a rigorous physical aptitude test. All candidates must also meet strict police academy fitness standards.

Officers Locke and GIlson began their police training as student officers on June 4 at the Municipal Police Training Committee Reading Police Academy. It is anticipated that they will graduate from the academy on November 14, and the new officers will be formally sworn in at that point.

Officer Locke has served as a Manchester-by-the-Sea emergency dispatcher and reserve police officer since 2008. Officer Gilson has served as a reserve officer since 2017 and is a practicing attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar. She is also the daughter of retired Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Sergeant Alan Gilson.

Officers Locke and Gilson are also the first full-time female police officers in Manchester’s history.

“I have had the opportunity to know Officers Locke and Gilson for several years, and they truly represent what it means to be a modern municipal police officer. They are experienced, highly-educated, and have demonstrated true commitment to serving their community,” Chief Conley said. “It is historic and overdue that we are welcoming our first and second full-time female officers to the department. I am proud to say that gender did not play a direct role in the selection process, but I made it a priority when I became chief in 2016 to actively recruit and encourage qualified women to join the department.”

After completing the rigorous academy program, Officers Locke and Gilson will spend several weeks in a field officer training program, in the community, before they begin working regular shifts.

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