Swampscott cops sporting new look on web site

SWAMPSCOTT – The Swampscott Police Department Web site at www.swampswcottpolice.com has a new look thanks to the joint effort of a local resident and Police Lt. Thomas Stephens.Kelly Cunningham, a local software developer, said he enjoyed working with the police department to help create the Web site.?It was fun,” he said. “I’m pleased I was able to help. I would encourage other people who have other specialized skills to step up and find a way to help the town.”The easy-to-navigate site includes useful information ranging from the proper way to fasten a seatbelt to a form that allows you to calculate your blood alcohol content.It also includes contact information, a copy of the annual police report submitted to Town Meeting, departmental history and a plethora of photographs.Selectman Jill Sullivan, who said she didn’t have a hand in the partnership between Cunningham and the police department, quickly added it is an example of volunteerism at its best.?I am working on putting together a new volunteer program in town,” she said. “This is exactly the sort of thing I am hoping will come about from that effort.”Sullivan said she is in the process of interviewing several department heads to find out what their needs are and what opportunities exist in their departments for volunteers.?There are a lot of people in town with valuable skills,” she said. “I think people like to be involved but not everyone wants to run for office or serve on a committee. This offers additional opportunities for involvement.”Sullivan said once she has information from department heads, she would like to post a quarterly list of volunteer opportunities on the town Web site, which already has a volunteer application form.?We want to appeal to volunteers with different skill sets,” she said. “We have a lot of talented people in town who have a lot to offer. The opportunities would run the gamut from planting flowers for the Department of Public Works to developing a Web site for a department like Kelly did.”