Continuing coverage of the trial of former Hopkinton Deputy Chief of Police John "Jay" Porter, who stands accused of felony rape of a child stemming from his time as the School Resource Officer at Hopkinton High School.
The Select Board now has an opportunity that does not come often — a clean slate and a chance to get this right. In February 2026, the board unanimously approved a public safety audit. That was the right call. What comes next matters even more.
Chief Joseph Bennett will retire from the Hopkinton Police Department on June 30 after 35 years. His tenure faced criticism for understaffing and leadership issues, prompting a search for new leadership.