Commissioner Ed Davis to Appear before the House Committee on Homeland Security

Prior to boarding a flight to Washington, DC, where tomorrow (Thursday, May 9, 2013) he will address the House Committee on Homeland Security to discuss the Boston Police Department’s response to the attack on the Boston Marathon, Commissioner Ed Davis today (May 8, 2013) met with media members at Logan Airport. Said Commissioner Davis, “Tomorrow, when I appear before the House Committee on Homeland Security, I’m going to tell them, as it relates to our efforts on April 15th, there are things we did well and things we will review in hopes of doing better. Our job is to prevent these things. When something like this happens, you have to look at every single item of information that we have, everything we did in preparation, to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

Boston 24: Data from Tuesday @ 10AM through Wednesday @ 10AM

Homicides: 1
Nonfatal Shootings: 0
Nonfatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 3
Commercial Robberies: 1
Bank Robberies: 1
Other Robberies: 0

Vehicle Thefts: 5
Vehicle Recoveries: 2
Vehicle Breaks: 15

Residential Break-ins: 4
Commercial Break-ins: 1

Note: The information above is preliminary information, and should not be considered official crime statistics. The information is based on an initial review of incident reports and may not be a comprehensive listing of events. It is not a statistical analysis, but rather an initial tally of significant events.

From Boston Strong to Hoosier Proud, Your Words Matter.

The BPD would like to thank the children from the Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie, Indiana for the messages they have sent in response to the Boston Marathon Tragedy. With open hearts and kind words, the children from the YOC expressed their gratitude through cards and letters that were hand delivered by Massachusetts native and Psychology Intern at the YOC, Marielena Tecce. Accompanying the cards was the following letter sent by Tecce, along with TASC Counselor Elizabeth Finley and Psychology Intern Anna Basov.

Boston Police Department,

It is with admiration and gratitude for your bravery, strength, and efforts to ensure the safety of others after the tragedy at the Boston Marathon that we send the enclosed letters. The children and adolescents who wrote these letters are currently placed in our treatment facility. Many of these children come from broken homes and suffer from serious emotional disturbances. Before we continue, let us tell you a bit about our program and our mission.

The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) is a large residential treatment facility (166 beds) for children and adolescents. The YOC began in 1992 with the mission to work with children whom some may say, “Have fallen through the cracks.” Youth at the YOC are placed by the court via court order through the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) and/or the Indiana Department of Juvenile Probation through their respective counties. Children and adolescents placed at the YOC typically display very aggressive and disruptive behaviors toward others and are usually considered too unmanageable to be placed in a less restrictive environment. Accordingly, the majority of families involved have high levels of stress and dysfunction, which often includes poverty, drug addiction, legal problems, family violence, and mental illness. A major goal of our program is to educate and provide a corrective emotional experience for these young people and their families. As counselors, and psychologists in training, we cultivate a platform for these children and adolescents to develop and utilize coping skills to work through their complex trauma histories and live up to their true potential.

After the attack on your hometown of Boston, we wanted to help. Located in Muncie, IN, a small town northeast of Indianapolis, we felt a connection. One of our own, Ms. Marielena P. Tecce, was the obvious connection as she was born and raised in the Boston area, but it was much more. We felt a connection between our kids and the chaos they experience in their own lives with the chaos on Boylston Street and the streets of Watertown. Our children often experience overwhelming distress because they are out of control of their home environment.

As counselors assigned to the YOC’s TASC Unit (Treatment of Adolescents in Secure Care), we conduct group therapy on various topics. TASC is a unique program devoted to treating children and adolescents with severe psychiatric disorders, suicidal and/or homicidal ideation, sexually acting out behaviors, and/or psychotic disorders. I, Ms. Elizabeth R. Finley, and Ms. Anna Basov facilitated a social skills training group over the last month in TASC. Throughout the group process, residents were exposed to basic social skills such as making eye contact and shaking someone’s hand when introduced. The last week our topics incorporated courtesy, respect, teamwork, and gratitude.

We generally filter outside events such as the Marathon bombing from our residents, as it may trigger their own trauma reminders. However, the news of Boston’s recent tragedy quickly spread and hit home because some of the residents made the connection with their counselor and her hometown. What followed was nothing short of amazing. The group members not only handled the news well, but they asked a lot of important questions and indicated to myself and Ms. Basov that they wanted to help. They utilized their own coping skills to work as a team and come up with a plan. It is important to note that most of our residents’ only interactions with police officers have been when they were removed from their homes or being arrested themselves. Regardless, the group’s decision was to show their appreciation to the Boston Police Department for keeping children and families safe.
As Ms. Tecce heard of this group effort, she participated in spreading the word. This small gesture quickly spread campus wide. On behalf of the YOC (and as a Yankee fan myself), we personally want to Thank You, not only for how you protected Boston, but America. You are role models for the children and adolescents at the YOC. To quote one of our residents,“You are rock awesome!”

From Hoosier Proud to Boston Strong – Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, those lost, and those injured.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth R. Finley, MSW, LSW
TASC Counselor

Marielena P. Tecce, M.A., M.S.
Psychology Intern

Anna Basov, LPC
Psychology Intern

Community Alert: Boston Police Investigating Armed Robberies in Dorchester

At about 10:28PM, Friday, May 3, 2013, officers from district C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for an Armed Robbery in the area of 532 WASHINGTON ST.

On arrival, officers spoke with a delivery driver at China Station Restaurant. The victim stated he was delivering an order when 3 suspects attempted to rob him at gun point in front of 50 Topliff St.

Suspect #1, described as a black male, approximately 17 to 20 years old, 5’9-5’11 slim build wearing a black hoodie and jeans. Suspect #2, described as a black male, approximately 17 to 20 years old, 5’9-5’10, slim build, wearing gray colored clothing. Suspect #3, described as a black male, approximately 17 to 20 years old, 5’9-5’10 slim build also wearing gray colored clothing. The driver stated one of the male suspects was observed grabbing what appeared to be a black firearm from his waistband. One of the other suspects asked the victim for the money he was carrying. All suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction without the food or money.

At about 1:43 PM, Wednesday, May 1, 2013, officers from district C-11 (Dorchester) responded to a radio call for an Armed Robbery in Progress in the area of 47 Topliff Street.

A detail officer was flagged down by a delivery driver from the Hong Kong Restaurant. The victim stated he was robbed at knife point when delivering to 47 Topliff Street. The victim stated three black males were sitting on the front porch of 43 Topliff St and approached the victim. One of the males pulled out a knife and demanded money. Victim handed over his cell phone and U.S. Currency. Suspects then fled in an unknown direction.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to call District C-11 (Dorchester) detectives at 617-343-4335.

Community members wishing to assist in this investigation anonymously, can do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.

Veterans of Foreign War Gold Medal Award for Law Enforcement 2012-2013

Police Officer Charles Moore received the Veterans of Foreign War Gold Medal Award for Law Enforcement 2012-2013, in addition he received the VFW Community Service Award for his outstanding service to the City of Boston. The Gold Medal is the top honor in the State.

The awards were based on an arrest in June 2012 where Officer Moore, in plain clothes, on-sighted a shooting and then chased down the shooter who then pointed the firearm at him. Officer Moore was able to make the arrest and recover the firearm from which the suspect had used to shoot a male victim. Officer Charles Moore will be honored at the VFW State Convention in June 2013.

Police Capture Man Wanted in Connection with a Stoughton Homicide

At about, 7:06 AM, Monday, May 06, 2013, officers from district B-3 (Mattapan) responded to a radio call for an investigate person in the area of 1575 Blue Hill Ave.

Officers were notified a motor vehicle wanted in connection with a homicide out of Stoughton was seen traveling into Mattapan Square. Units were updated of vehicles location. Captain McLaughlin spotted the vehicle and officers arrived on scene to assist. Officers were able to confirm the driver as, Willie Foster, wanted in connection with a Stoughton Homicide. Mr. Foster was removed from the motor vehicle, placed in handcuffs and transported to district B-3 to be booked. The vehicle custody was turned over to State Police and Stoughton Police Departments.

BPD’s Newest Detective: Amy Erlandson

Congrats to Amy Erlandson for her recent promotion to the rank of detective. Good luck and God bless. Good luck and God bless. In the enclosed photo – Superintendent Kevin Buckley offers congratulations as Amy’s father looks on.

Eleven Days after the Attack on the Marathon – the Boston Police Hockey Team Took to the Ice for a Great Cause

Said BPD Goaltender Billy Hubbard, “I (was) honored to play in a tournament that raises money for our heroes. Anybody should be happy to help out our veterans.” Said BPD Forward Garvin McHale, “Playing hockey is a team sport and you can’t get anything done without the other guys on the team. That was very much what we went through during the attack. From the clerks in the department to the officers in the field, to people doing interviews at the base, everyone worked as a team. Lots to be proud of.” To read the full article – click on the enclosed link.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

A Note of Strength & Support from a Native Icelander after Recently Visiting Boston

We recently received the following note from a friend in Iceland: “Me and my wife recently visited your city after the attack on your Marathon. As we all know, this was a difficult time in Boston. Before travelling to your city, while still in Reykjavik, Iceland, my wife asked me, “Should we go there in view of what happened?” I said: “If we cancel our trip, then these idiots will have achieved their goal. We will go to Boston. Of course.” And, I’m glad that we did. Thanks from me and my wife as tourists in your beautiful city. I’ve enclosed a photo of two very nice officers we met during our trip.