Southbridge Police Call Protective Fence At Headquarters 'Absolutely Necessary'

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SOUTHBRIDGE (CBS) – Southbridge Police are making a move for greater safety of officers and equipment as they plan to build a fence around their headquarters.

Police Chief Shane Woodson says the station is currently unprotected, leaving his officers at risk. A fence will be built around the parking lot, expected to be completed by winter.

"There have been instances all around the country where police officers are being targeted. I'm thankful that we have a great relationship in this community. We have not had any of those instances here," Woodson told WBZ-TV. "But this is again to make sure we're doing things right. It's my job to keep our people safe. And it's my job to keep our equipment safe."

The remains of a burnt out Southbridge police cruiser. (Photo by Ken MacLeod-WBZ-TV)

The Southbridge Police Department parking lot has been targeted before.

In June 2015, a man doused an unoccupied cruiser with gasoline and torched it. No one was injured in the incident, which was captured on surveillance cameras.

The new fence was unanimously approved by town councilors.

"With the change in times and everything that's happened, it's absolutely necessary," said Woodson.