SHUTESBURY — Police Chief Kristin Burgess has been placed on administrative leave, according to a message sent to the community by the Select Board on Friday.

The correspondence from the board states that Burgess’ leave began May 30 and will remain in effect until June 30.

“Due to the privacy rights of Chief Burgess, the Select Board will refrain from providing any further comments regarding this matter,” the letter states. “We appreciate your understanding.”

On Thursday, the board had an executive session scheduled for contract negotiations with Burgess.

Earlier in May, Burgess was on leave and the board made Sgt. Devon Pelletier officer in charge. But then at the board’s May 20 meeting, Town Administrator Hayley Bolton said Shelburne Control Dispatch would be sent a letter rescinding the officer in charge designation “because our police chief is back on duty.”  

Pelletier was in that role at the request of the Select Board, whose Co-Chairwoman Melissa Makepeace-O’Neil thanked him for his service in that capacity.

In an email to the Gazette, Burgess referred questions to her attorney, Austin M. Joyce, an attorney with Reardon, Joyce & Akerson, P.C. in Worcester.  Joyce didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment through an online portal, and an attempt to leave a voice mail message was unsuccessful.

Burgess joined the department in early 2020 after working part time as a police officer in Hinsdale and as a Massachusetts Trial Court officer, primarily in Springfield. After her appointment, Burgess was elevated to acting police chief in spring 2021, following the resignation of Police Chief Dan Fernandes. Burgess then became permanent chief in 2022.