St. Patrick’s Day festivities are an exciting time for the City of Boston. It is always an atmosphere of festivity throughout the City for residents and guests. Mayor Menino and Commissioner Davis would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly to ensure a safe and trouble free environment.

Throughout the holiday weekend, the Boston Police Department will be taking steps to increase patrols, focusing not only on the parade route and calls for service, but also at drinking establishments. Our priority will be to ensure the safety of our community. Our intent is to encourage people to celebrate responsibly and while strictly adhering to all alcohol laws. We will not allow a few excessive revelers to ruin the festivities for those individuals celebrating responsibly.

Officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced. Detectives will be conducting walk-throughs of area bars to ensure compliance. Also remember that public drinking will not be tolerated.

Please be aware that parking along the parade route will be limited. Individuals are reminded to be mindful of street signs and to follow parking instructions.

Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also a smart alternative. DUI enforcement will be a priority and we will have officers on duty specifically focused on this effort. Do not ruin your celebration by hurting yourself or others.

It is our hope that residents and guests alike will enjoy themselves this St. Patrick’s Day. We expect that the City will be peaceful and without incident. Have fun and be safe!

Posted by Media Relations at 12:12 PM | Permalink

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding job that has been done by members of this department. The men and women of the Boston Police Department continue to work extremely hard to keep this city safe. You have been ceaseless in your efforts to reduce crime and engage in true partnerships with key stakeholders in our neighborhoods.

Your work has earned the department an international reputation for its commitment to Community Policing. As I said at my swearing in, one of my goals is to build upon this commitment. Community Policing is a department-wide philosophy, not simply a strategy or unit within a department. In order for us to continue to be successful, we must be organized in such a way that the entire agency supports this philosophy.

The patrol force is the backbone of this organization. As Police Commissioner, it is my responsibility to put in place a command and accountability structure that supports this commitment to our patrol force. It is also my responsibility to ensure that every police officer- patrol officer, detectives, rapid response units, special operations units and their superiors- all operate with a Community Policing philosophy that focuses more on the prevention of crime than it does on the rapid response to it.

The Boston Police Department will soon implement a COMPSTAT process. COMPSTAT is a command and accountability system where the department commanders review crime patterns. The Boston Police COMPSTAT process will be a bi-weekly meeting among commanders and external partners, who will focus on geographical accountability coupled with intelligence-driven deployment. The goal of this process is to provide oversight to facilitate the effective deployment of resources, to create geographic accountability and to enhance cooperation and communication department-wide.

The department is making the following organizational changes to support the successful implementation of COMPSTAT and geographic-based policing.

• Captains will be responsible for developing strategies to address crime and quality of life issues specific to their geographic command.

• Captains will be assisted by one of three Deputy Superintendents tasked with prioritizing and allocating resources within a newly zoned area. Each Deputy will be responsible for one of three geographic zones. The new zones are as follows:

  Zone 1: District A1, A15, A7, D4 and D14
  Zone 2: B2, B3, C6 and C11
  Zone 3: E5, E13 and E18

• As recognition that the Youth Violence Strike Force (YVSF) and the Boston Police School Police Unit are fundamentally patrol resources, both units will be moved from the Bureau of Investigative Services to the Bureau of Field Services.
  

  The Youth Violence Strike Force will be located at 170 Hancock Street in Dorchester. They will report to a Deputy Superintendent. Utilizing tactics proven successful in the past, YVSF officers will conduct operations at the discretion of their commander. They will assist with visibility and proactive strategies to reduce gang violence.

  
  

  Boston Police School Police Unit will continue to operate from their present location at Latin Academy. All patrol officers of this unit will now report in uniform.
  

  
  
• District detectives will now be working under a central authority to coordinate a unified investigative response. The District detectives will be moved from their current location in the Bureau of Field Services and will be placed under the administrative command of the Bureau of Investigative Services. District detectives will maintain an operational responsibility to the District Captains.

• The Tactical Mountain Bike Unit will transfer from Special Operations and will report to a Deputy Superintendent under the Bureau of Field Services. The Mountain Bike Unit will be housed at 170 Hancock Street in Dorchester. This unit will be deployed in various patrol assignments.

• The Bureau of Internal Investigations and the Bureau of Professional Development will be combined to create the Bureau of Professional Standards and Development. This reflects the reality that training is vital to all aspects of Community Policing. In addition, a review of citizen complaints against officers indicated that many of the issues identified could be mitigated with training that is designed to prevent misconduct.

  The Bureau of Professional Standards and Development will come under the command of Superintendent Robert Harrington. Deputy Superintendent Marie Donahue will be assigned to the Training & Education Division as Academy Commander.

• Drug Control Unit resources will be reallocated so that each District will have dedicated DCU personnel.

• Lastly, disorder control is a fundamental component of Community Policing. Captains are expected to place an emphasis on the individual needs of each neighborhood. To assist them with this requirement, I have appointed Deputy Superintendent Gladys Gaines to serve as a Liaison between the department and City Hall to focus exclusively on issues of neighborhood services and to lead the department’s response to the complex issue of homelessness.

By reaffirming our commitment to Community Policing and structuring our agency so it supports this mission at every level, we are giving this department the foundation it needs to drive down violent crime, adapt to emerging crime trends with innovative programs and make our city safe.

Ed Davis, Commissioner

Posted by Media Relations at 01:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Yesterday, we posted an item about Ajax, a BPD Canine who responded to a report of a breaking and entering and successfully apprehended the suspect. Today, one of the daily newspapers provides some more details about Ajax and his collar.. .

"A Boston police rookie with four legs and a fully-loaded nose took down a one-man crime spree when he chased a notorious thief up a 100-foot chimney shaft, winning praise as an up-and-coming K9. Ajax, a 1 -year-old German shepherd who joined the BPD’s K-9 unit in October, is credited with capturing lifetime hoodlum Lance Smith in Mission Hill."

Via the Boston Herald

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 09:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This past Saturday members of the Boston Police Mounted unit participated in the 95th Annual Christmas for Horses event, sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Boston. As horses from the Boston Police, the Boston Park Rangers, and the MA State Police lined up in front of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Santa Claus arrived by sleigh and began handing out special treats to the horses (no word if he brought anything for their riders). Afterwards, the horses remained on scene so that members of the public could to meet the horses and their riders, and take photos with the horses.

View a Photo Gallery of the event from the Animal Rescue League

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In what is becoming an annual tradition, the Boston Police Department installed a Giving Tree in the 4th floor hallway of Boston Police Headquarters.

From the story of the giving tree:

“Their stories are heartbreaking; there are children with physical and mental handicaps, several this year have cancer, and we were given the names of several homeless children/families. Many of these children have parents who are ill or suffering from addiction, most are single parent families. Some have little to eat and wear the same thread born clothes day after day. The names of these less fortunate children have been provided by the Youth Service Officers at every district. If you could find it in your heart to help provide an article of warm clothing for one of these children who are not so fortunate, it would be deeply appreciated.”

Hung on the tree were dozens of paper ornaments, each listing the name and clothing sizes of a child. Dept members were invited to take one of these tags from the tree, and replace it with a wrapped present for the child.

As the above photo shows, the tree was soon surrounded by presents. The photo was taken last week. By yesterday afternoon, there were even more presents. In this Globe photo, officers are shown stacking some of the many gifts that were left under the tree. The presents will be delivered before Christmas.

The giving tree was highlighted in an article in today’s Boston Globe:

"Youth service officers from the Boston Police Department prepared to deliver an estimated 500 donated gifts to needy children yesterday. Along with other department employees, they participated in the "Giving Tree" program by plucking paper ornaments describing a child's age, specific needs, and clothing size from a 10-foot-tall tree.

...Captain Genevieve King said the program, launched last year, is helped by community agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. Community organizations and youth service officers work together to identify the city's most impoverished children.

Thank you to Annie Wilcox, the Bureau of Field Services, and the Youth Services Officers for another successful giving Tree, and to everyone who donated.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Thursday, November 30, thru 10 AM Friday, December 1 2006.

(See our Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 1
Other: 1 (Home Invasion)

Vehicle thefts: 10. One half ocurred in District 4.
Vehicle recoveries. 6
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 15

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Boston Public School System’s new blog,

The official blog of the Boston Public Scholl system, the BPS blog “provides news, events, and other information about the Boston Public Schools, the nation's first public school system, founded in 1647.”

Launched in October, the School System’s Blog becomes the 3rd municipal blog (that we know of, any way) launched in Boston. (The others being this site and our Boston crime watch site.)

Know of any other municipal blogs that have been launched in the last few months, either in Boston or elsewhere? If so, let us know via our Comments area. We’d love to hear about them.

Thanks to Universal Hub for pointing us towards the blog.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, November 28, thru 10 AM Wednesday, November 29 2006.

(See our Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 1
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1

Vehicle thefts: 3. One attempted.
Vehicle recoveries. 11
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 23. One arrest. One fourth occurred in District C-6.

Residential break-ins: 12
Commercial Break-ins: 6

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Monday, November 27, thru 10 AM Tuesday, November 28 2006.

(See our Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Vehicle thefts: 13. One attempted, four arrests in three incidents.
Vehicle recoveries. 2
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 7.

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Below is a transcript of today's Q and A with Captain William Evans, Commander of District 4 (South End and Back Bay) regarding the increased Boston Police patrols on Newbury street.

QUESTION ONE: If I could ask you, sir, when those patrols start, and could you just give us an idea a little bit of the numbers in terms of if there's 1 or 2 extra officers per tour?

ANSWER: Newbury Street we’ve had covered for some time, we’ve had officers full time on Newbury. With the holidays we’ve increased the patrols. Double, sometimes triple, just because we do that every year. I think anywhere you look, the shopping areas around the city - Mayor Menino, the Police Commissioner have put extra patrols out there. You see them at Downtown Crossing, you'll see them on Newbury St, and you’ll see them on Boylston St.

We realize that people want to see the officers out there, realize that shopliftings do go up, so we do proactively put patrols out there. Anywhere there’s a busy shopping area, you’ll see an increase in patrols. It’s not a reaction to an increase in crime, its done every year.

QUESTION TWO: Captain, can you give us some indication if you’ve had communication with the business owners on Newbury St, are they expressing any concerns about an increase in activity

ANSWER: No, they really haven’t; I want to say about a month or two, we did have a rash of larcenies, and we had a robbery or two at the sunglass place down there, but we’ve proactively reached out to them. I know myself and Councilor Ross walked up and down Newbury St. about a month ago, reassuring all the businesses that, you know, we have a continued presence down there. We have a day walking officer, we have a night walking officer, so I think there’s this perception out there that things have been getting worse down there, but its just not true, you know.

We’re seeing the statistics, and the shopkeepers for the most part were very happy. The night walking officer was something that we put into effect about 2 months ago, and they were thrilled that they had both day and nite coverage down there. They seem to be very happy.

QUESTION THREE: Is there anything that you think the store owners themselves can do to try and perhaps protect themselves against this kind of thing?

ANSWER Well, I think, again, with the holiday season, it’s a busy time, the stores are more crowded, I think they proactively have to keep an eye on who’s coming into their store, and if there’s any hint that maybe they’re up to no good reach out, call 911. I think I stressed that when I met with them a month ago, that if they see someone come into the store that just doesn’t fit, don't hesitate to call us. I mean, obviously I think having an extra sales person or 2 might help, because unfortunately a lot of shops down there, I think hire some young females to work the shop. Having, maybe, 1 or 2 store clerks won’t hurt. ... (unable to be heard) So there's some things they can do more.

QUESTION FOUR: So, the 4 commercial burglaries and 1 robbery that occurred: That’s not any sort of up tick at all, compared to the 2 months prior to that?

ANSWER No. In fact, I would say that things have calmed down. I think we had a little bit of a robbery pattern back in October, September, when we had a few stores that –actually, what happened was there was a shoplifting, basically, where the employee confronted the shoplifter and they might have gotten pushed- that turned it into a robbery. But we’ve had no serious incidents down there for the most part where, you know, it’s just a matter of shoplifting cases gone bad and it turns into a robbery. I would say over the last month or two, our statistics show things have gotten quieter.

QUESTION FIVE: Captain- can you confirm that these new patrols have already started? We were down on Newbury St. for about 3 hours today, saw one officer. Is it more beefed up at nite? Has it already started? Is it being phased in?

ANSWER: We have an officer down there - I don’t want to give the times, but down there full time. They should be down there and we have 2 pretty much covering the length of Newbury St. On days, on 1st halfs, so they should be out there. Newbury St.’s very busy, they’re dealing with a lot of issues down there, they’re taking reports, they’re tagging vehicles, so it's understandable that you're not going to see them all the time. They’re in and out of the stores, they’re visiting the merchants, so, you know, we try to make them as visible as possible. That being said, you’re not going to see them all the time

QUESTION SIX: Is the night patrol permanent?

ANSWER: Yes.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today Boston Police announce that they have increased patrols to Newbury Street and the surrounding areas as a proactive public safety measure throughout the busy holiday season. Patrols include holiday walking beats, directed patrols and additional coordination with specialized units and plain-clothes officers. In addition, one mounted unit will also be on patrol throughout the neighborhood.

It is important to note that despite recent news reports, the Boston Police have not detected an increase in the number of robberies or break-ins in the area. It is not unusual during the holiday season to experience an increase in shoplifting incidents. In an effort to deter those incidents from occurring, the Boston Police have assigned additional units, which include undercover efforts to address this issue. Since October 1, 2006, there has been one reported incident of an armed robbery and the suspect responsible has been apprehended. Since October 9, 2006, there have been four confirmed Breaking and Entering incidents.

Continue reading "BOSTON POLICE INCREASE PATROLS ON NEWBURY STREET" »

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The Boston Police Department encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season is considered peak season for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters.

Don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and pickpockets a chance to dampen your holiday spirit. Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.

The Boston Police Department believes you can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share these safety tips with your family, friends and neighbors. We ask you to remember these simple safety precautions and enjoy excitement of a safe and happy holiday.

The new downloadable pamphlet provides some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season, including:

• If You Are Traveling
  
• If You Are Out for the Evening
  
• If You Are Hosting a Party
  
• If You Are Attending a Party
  
• Protecting Your Vehicle
  
• If You Are Shopping
  
• Take a Holiday Inventory
  
• Celebrate Responsibly

Download the safety tips now . (PDF file.)

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, Nov. 24 through 10 A.M. Monday, Nov. 27, 2006

(See recent Daily Incident summaries and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 1

Street Robberies: 14
Commercial Robberies: 3
Other: 2 (Home invasions)

Vehicle thefts: 14. Four attempts and three arrests.
Vehicle recoveries. 24
Larceny from Motor Vehicle (motor-vehicle breaks): 42. One arrest.

Residential break-ins: 32
Commercial Break-ins: 6

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Yesterday, students at Monument High School in South Boston helped police remind everyone using our roadways this holiday weekend to drive safely and buckle up. Eight people were killed on Massachusetts roadways during the four-day Thanksgiving holiday period in 2005. In an effort prevent a repeat of those numbers this weekend, the students and police gathered at the school to spread the message that Buckling up is quick and easy, as well as state law.

The event highlighted several public safety efforts to keep holiday travelers safer, including a two-week “Click It or Ticket” Mobilization that runs through November 26th.

In a “Quick-Click-Buckle-Up Challenge,” teams of four Monument High School students competed to be the fastest at buckling up in all four seating positions of a car.

View the MA State Police press release (PDF file)

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 01:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of T. William Fitzgerald Jr., longtime President of the Boston Police Foundation. Mr. Fitzgerald passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2006. He has served as Foundation President since 1994, and was responsible for oversight of the Foundation’s efforts to support community policing initiatives. During his tenure as President, the Foundation placed an emphasis on youth-based initiatives. Prior to serving on the Foundaiton, Mr. Fitzgerald funded the first bicycle patrol unit out of Area A, when he was the President of the Downtown Crossing Association. Bill and his wife Barbara demonstrated a commitment to the Boston Police Department, its officers, and the communities that was remarkable and will be remembered.

For obituary, directions, or guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Fitzgerald at this difficult time.

- Commissioner Albert Goslin

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, November 14, thru 10 AM Wednesday, November 15 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Street Robberies: 6
Commercial Robberies: 1
Other: 1 (Delivery driver. Arrest made.)

Vehicle thefts: 7
Vehicle recoveries. 6
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 11

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Monday, November 13 thru 10 AM Tuesday, November 14 2006.

(See today’s Daily Incident summary and earlier postings for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Street Robberies: 4
Commercial Robberies: 1 (Gas station)
Other: 2 (One carjacking and one home invasion)

Vehicle thefts: 9
Vehicle recoveries. 5
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 15

Residential break-ins: 11
Commercial Break-ins: 6

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

A message from a Manchester, NH police officer, received via the BPD Web site on Cityofboston.gov.

"To whom it may concern, As a police officer in Manchester NH I wish to thank your agency for the extensive help and support that you have given the MPD regarding the murder of Officer Mike Briggs. From the capture of the accused to your kinds words today 11/6 in Dorchester Dist Ct to your help escorting us home. You have been compassionate, kind and extremely professional. From all of us at the MPD and from Mike Briggs.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH."

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Sunday, October 15, 2006, more than 1,0000 runners participated in the 25th (and final) Annual Boston Police Chase. Photos of virtually every runner who participated are available for viewing, via 511 Challenge.com, who agreed to host the photos.

View the photos.

Or if you ran the race, go to the main race page to search for your photo

This year’s Police Chase, sponsored by Liberty Mutual, the 113th Annual IACP Conference and Law Enforcement Education and Technology Exposition and the Boston Police Runner’s Club, benefited the Boston Police Department's Kids at Risk Program. The Police Chase was a great success, and thank you again to all the runners who participated, and to all sponsors and support staff.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As press reports today indicated, I recently initiated a routine audit of the central drug depository due to the sheer scope and volume of the evidence maintained there. The audit revealed some discrepancies, which caused me concern. I have since requested that the Superintendent of the Bureau of Internal Investigations, Robert Harrington, utilize the Boston Police Anti-Corruption Unit to commence a full and thorough investigation of the inventory. This investigation is in its preliminary stages as there is an extensive amount of information to review. At this time, I will not compromise the integrity of the investigation by engaging in speculation related to its outcome. The department will go where the evidence takes us and the findings will be presented upon completion. If misconduct is discovered, it will be dealt with swiftly, forcefully and aggressively.

As Acting Police Commissioner and former Superintendent of the Bureau of Internal Investigations, I embrace and encourage the necessity of an effective internal investigative function. A department dedicated to preventing and when necessary uncovering intentional police misconduct is crucial to the establishment of an effective, credible and trustworthy police force. This department will not stand for officers who undermine public confidence at the expense of the many who do their jobs courageously every single day. The Boston Police Department is steadfast in ensuring that ‘police’ and ‘integrity’ are synonymous terms.

– Acting Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Wednesday, October 25 thru 10 AM Thursday, October 26 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 1

Street Robberies: 3
Commercial Robberies: 0
Other: 1 (residential)

Vehicle thefts: 6
Vehicle recoveries. 7
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 22

Residential break-ins: 11
Commercial Break-ins: 6

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, October 24 thru 10 AM Wednesday, October 25 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2 (Three victims)

Street Robberies: 9
Commercial Robberies: 3
Other: 1 (residence)

Vehicle thefts: 9
Vehicle recoveries. 18
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 14

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A tally of some of the more violent encounters experienced by Boston Police officers in recent months.

"During the first nine months of this year alone, 93 Boston police officers were assaulted - including six who were confronted by men armed with fully loaded weapons, according to department stats. Two were cut by sharp objects. A total of 50 were assaulted by weapons other than guns. And 35 cops were beaten up during arrests. Just this weekend, an officer working a detail on Chatham Street was punched in the face by a Lowell man allegedly intent on carrying on with the fisticuffs he was engaged in. Via The Boston Herald

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Monday, October 23 thru 10 AM Tuesday, October 24 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 4
Commercial Robberies: 0
Other: 3 (involving 1 bar, 1 residence, and 1 taxi)

Vehicle thefts: 5
Vehicle recoveries. 11
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 13

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, Oct. 20 through 10 A.M. Monday, Oct. 23, 2006

Homicides: 1

Street Robberies: 16
Commercial Robberies: 2
Other: 1. (Home Invasion)

Auto thefts: 21. Seven people arrested in 4 incidents
Auto recoveries. 20
Larceny from Motor Vehicle (motor-vehicle breaks): 59

Residential break-ins: 25
Commercial Break-ins: 7

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Wednesday, October 18 thru 10 AM Thursday, October 19 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Residential break-ins: 19
Commercial Break-ins: 4

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, October 17 thru 10 AM Wednesday, October 18 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Street Robberies: 1
Commercial Robberies: 2
Other: 2 (school incident and residential incident)

Vehicle thefts: 8
Vehicle recoveries. 11
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 20

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Annual George Hanna Awards Ceremony held at State House.

At a State House Ceremony today, more than 20 Boston Police Officers were among 53 police officers from across the Commonwealth who were recognized for acts of bravery and exemplary service during the past year. (View the full press release from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

Among the recipients were 4 Boston Police Officers who received the George L. Hanna Medal of Honor, the state’s highest award for bravery. An additional twenty officers were recognized with either Valor or Merit Awards.

The Boston Police Department proudly congratulates the following recipients:

Continue reading "Boston Police Officers Recognized for Bravery" »

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, October 3 thru 10 AM Wednesday, October 4 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

Residential break-ins: 8
Commercial Break-ins: 5

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

5,000 Firearm Safety Locks To Be Distributed Locally

Today Mayor Thomas M. Menino, in conjunction with Acting Boston Police Commissioner Albert E. Goslin is pleased to announce that the Boston Police Department will manage the distribution of free gun safety locks to local residents through a partnership with Project ChildSafe, the nationwide firearms safety education program. The gunlocks will be available starting tomorrow at all 11 Boston Police district stations as well as through the Licensing Unit at Boston Police Headquarters.

Project ChildSafe is an important step forward in helping ensure that all firearm owners fully understand their responsibilities with respect to the safe handling and storage of firearms. The gunlocks provided are cable-style and fit on most types of handguns, rifles and shotguns. The goal is to prevent a child or any other unauthorized person from accessing a firearm in your home.

Mayor Menino stated, “As Mayor, and as a grandfather, I know that nothing is more important than the safety and well being of our children,” Mayor Menino added, “Today I am proud to announce that Project Childsafe, a nationwide firearm safety education program, has provided the Boston Police Department with 5 thousand free safety locks. The locks will be distributed to gun owners “No Questions Asked” at district police stations throughout the city.”

By partnering with Project ChildSafe, the City of Boston is participating in a growing national effort to promote firearms safety education to all gun owners. It is important to note that over 40% of homes where children live have a gun, and many of those guns are locked and unloaded.

“We encourage residents to pick up a Project ChildSafe safety kit so that they can securely store their firearm,” said Acting Commissioner Goslin. “I am here today as a police officer, father and grandfather telling all of you that just talking to your children about the dangers of firearms is not enough. Children are naturally curious. If a gun is accessible in someone’s home, there is a good chance a child will find it and play with it.”

Mayor Menino, through his Strategic Crime Council, continues to launch an aggressive and innovative programs designed to educate and create awareness around firearm-related issues. The distribution of free gunlocks is just one of the many initiatives that have resulted from the mayor’s campaign against gun violence.

Project ChildSafe, a program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), will distribute millions of firearm safety kits throughout the country over the next year. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant, with additional funding provided by the firearms industry.

Today Mayor Menino provided several key steps that parents with guns in the home can take to protect their children:

• Unload your guns and keep them in a locked, secure place out of the reach of children.

• Lock your ammunition in a separate location, and keep the keys and combination in a secure place.

• And tell your kids: If they come across a gun, don’t touch it. Leave the area immediately. And tell an adult.

Mayor Menino concluded, “It’s tempting for parents to dismiss this issue by thinking, ‘I don’t need to worry about gun safety because I don’t keep a gun in my home.’ But what happens when your child goes over to a friend’s house to play? Does that household have an unlocked gun? It’s crucial that parents inquire about firearm safety in the households that their children are visiting.”

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, Wednesday 27 thru 10 AM Thursday, September 28 2006.

(See today’s Daily Incident summary for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 0
Non-fatal Stabbings: 0

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Robert M. Barry (DOB 11/24/63) robbed the Century Bank on 300 Western Avenue at 11:00AM on September 14, 2006. Barry has now turned his attention to robbing retail stores with the use of a knife.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Tuesday, Wednesday 27 thru 10 AM Thursday, September 28 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 1
Non-fatal Stabbings: 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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 02:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Boston Police Officer has been charged today with violating the rights of an unnamed female victim.

It is not unreasonable to expect that in a department this size – one of the 50 largest local Police Departments in America - there will be a few bad apples, a few officers who choose not to live up to the ideals of professionalism, service, and integrity that have been established over the past 152 years of this Department.

While this is to be expected, that does not mean that it has to be tolerated. I hold my officers to a higher standard than that of the general population. We consider any form of corruption to be repugnant, and a disgrace to the badge that so many officers have worked so hard to earn.

When we are made aware of any potential instances of corruption or police misconduct, we will aggressively pursue the investigation and go where the evidence takes us. Boston Police investigators have worked, and will continue to work with, our law enforcement partners such as the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office. Our willingness to investigate these matters underscores our dedication to integrity and service to the community.

Intentional police misconduct will not be tolerated. We will not allow a criminal to hide behind the badge. Officer Michael LoPriore has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

View the press release (PDF document)

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Significant incidents reported to the BPD, from Monday, September 25 thru 10 AM Tuesday, September 26 2006.

Homicides: 0
Non-fatal Shootings: 2
Non-fatal Stabbings: 2

Street Robberies: 3
Commercial Robberies: 2
Other: 1 (bank).

Vehicle thefts: 16.
Vehicle recoveries. 5
Larceny from motor Vehicles (motor-vehicle breaks): 17

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A look at the last 72 hours in Boston, from Friday, Sept. 22 through 10 A.M. Monday, Sept. 25, 2006

(See the previous Daily Incident summaries for more detailed descriptions of some of the incidents identified below)

Homicides: 0

Non-fatal Stabbings: 8. Seven incidents resulting in 8 people stabbed.

Street Robberies: 22
Commercial Robberies: 1
Other: 1 (Home invasion)

Auto thefts: 25. Two attempted thefts
Auto recoveries. 34
Larceny from Motor Vehicle (motor-vehicle breaks): 68.

Residential break-ins: 26
Commercial Break-ins: 9

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. Some of the incidents included may be covered in more detail in other blog postings.

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Boston police and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office are seeking help in identifying a woman whose body was found last year in the chimney of a Dorchester building in hopes that someone might recognize her description. The woman’s remains were found by workmen at 17-19 Winter Street on Oct. 14. This case was profiled on the America’s Most Wanted television program this past Saturday. Anyone with knowledge of the woman’s identity is urged to call the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470 .

Below is a video of a digital reconstruction of the victim, showing what she may have looked like at the time of her death.

If you cannot view the video, there are individual images available for viewing. Download file
(PDF file)

Continue reading "Public’s Help Sought In Identification Of Homicide Victim" »

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

One of the more consistent concerns that we hear from City residents is the fear of burglaries. The Boston Herald today ran a story highlighting some of the more recent burglaries in the city. The Boston Globe also recently ran a story highlighting the fact that the number of burglaries has decreased so far in 2006. Both stories are noteworthy for the attention they bring to what is ultimately a very preventable crime. As noted in one of the above stories, enhanced vigilance by residents is a factor in reducing the number of residential burglaries.

This is especially important in the fall, when thousands of newly-arrived students move into the city. Many of these students are not used to living in a large city where it is necessary to lock their apartment doors and windows.

The advice we always offer residents is simple but effective: Lock your doors, lock your windows, and get to know your neighbors. Most thieves are opportunists - they look for the easiest target, and will often move on if they find a house or an apartment that they consider to be too secure.

View a Tip Sheet listing the seven things you can do to secure your home against burglaries. (a PDF document prepared by officers in District A-1)

Posted by Commissioner's Office at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)