Today Fox 25's Bob Ward interviewed Commissioner Davis. The topic of discussion was Boston's falling crime rate and the department's ongoing efforts to build strong community connections and reduce gang activity.
A MESSAGE FROM POLICE COMMISSIONER EDWARD DAVIS
The tragic death of David Woodman on June 29, 2008 has forever changed the lives of those affected. It is devastating to the department and the City when a tragedy occurs on a night intended for celebration. The Boston Police Department is committed to developing comprehensive and careful strategies to ensure the public’s safety. Our goal remains to consistently improve upon and enhance our efforts to provide the utmost professional, respectful and effective public safety services. The report released today by Donald Stern and our implementation of his recommendations represents our steadfast commitment to achieving that goal.
Immediately following Mr. Woodman’s tragic death, I requested an independent investigation into the matter by former U.S. Attorney Donald Stern. I strongly believe that the department and the public will benefit greatly from the findings and recommendations that he and his esteemed colleagues have provided in this report. On behalf of the department, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Donald Stern for providing his invaluable insight, distinguished experience and long-standing dedication to public service. I would also like to thank Barry Mawn, Nancy McGillivary and all of the administrative staff who assisted Mr. Stern in this endeavor. In addition, I would like to express our appreciation for the law firm, Cooley Godward Kronish LLP.
With this discerning contribution, the department will continue to build upon lessons learned in the past by not only following the recommendations presented by Mr. Stern, but also implementing recommendations the department proactively sought from international law enforcement experts to ensure that we consistently provide the best possible protection to our citizens.
It is important to note, that large scale gatherings are inherently dangerous situations particularly when there is a city-wide celebratory event like that which occurred on the evening of June 18, 2008 following the Celtic’s championship. These scenarios undeniably test a police agency’s capacity. We do believe that our department has significantly improved upon the planning and carrying out of such events in recent years. We also believe that the heightened community awareness regarding police expectations will continue to contribute to the successful policing of large gatherings. Every large-scale event offers invaluable insight into opportunities for improvement and important lessons to be learned.
Attorney Stern and the members of his committee had complete access to the interviews conducted by both the Homicide Unit and Internal Affairs, as well as the records of treatment provided by ambulance and emergency workers on the scene of Mr. Woodman’s arrest. They also had access to the medical examiner’s report and conclusions. Each of the investigatory units – Homicide, Internal Affairs, and the Stern Commission – reviewed different aspects of this event. Homicide focused on the potential criminality of the event, with ultimate oversight by the District Attorney’s Office; Internal Affairs reviewed the particular actions of each officer to assess compliance with BPD Rules and Procedures, and the Stern Commission reviewed both, and brought their combined experience and knowledge of best practices, in order to identify opportunities for the Department to learn from this unfortunate event.
After closely reviewing the totality of information presented from thorough, multi-faceted examination of this incident, I believe that officers in no way could have foreseen or prevented Mr. Woodman’s death. However, we will learn valuable lessons from this and will apply those lessons moving forward. I would like to reiterate the department’s pledge to employ every conceivable measure to provide our community with the utmost professional, respectful and effective public safety services.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley, Suffolk County prosecutors, Boston Police homicide investigators and Boston Police Internal Affairs investigators for their commitment and dedication to conducting an objective and fair review of the facts.
In closing, the Boston Police Department, the officers and emergency personnel who responded in the early morning hours of June 18, 2008 undoubtedly continue to hold with them a deep sense of sadness from this incident. I would like to once again extend our most sincere condolences to the Woodman family and friends as they continue to cope with their difficult loss.
For more information on the Stern report and the deparmtent's response to Stern's recommendations please click on the link below:
Click below to view the Report by Donald Stern:
Welcome to the new BPDNews.com, the Boston Police Department’s Virtual Community.
The Boston Police Department takes pride in a long history of strong community-police partnerships. We work closely with our neighborhoods to address concerns and come up with workable solutions. We continue to cultivate these relationships by striving to be transparent. The BPD Virtual Community is part of that effort; it provides timely and important crime information to our residents, business owners, and individuals who take an interest in our neighborhoods.
The following new features are now a part of our virtual community located at BPDNews.com:
www.crimereports.com – This helpful crime-mapping tool allows community members to visit a user-friendly website and quickly access public safety information specific to the selected neighborhood.
Neighbors For Neighbors – This is a local neighborhood-based social networking site for people to connect and organize around common interests.
Citizenobserver – This community alert system allows residents to sign up to receive texts and emails from their local district on important public safety information and alerts distributed by their district Community Service Officer.
Twitter – The BPD is one of the first police departments in the country to make use of the latest social media sensation, Twitter. Here community members can sign up to receive frequent tweets on important public safety information ranging from road closures to motor vehicle accidents and much more.
Text-A-Tip – The Boston Police is the first police department in the country to utilize text messaging to allow community members to send information anonymously to our CrimeStoppers Unit.
Call The Cops - This is the department’s weekly cable show where we strive to use that time to offer community members safety tips and a recap of weekly events. We also try to use this opportunity to personalize a specific unit within the department for people at home. In other words, we might do a “Meet the Harbor Patrol” segment or something on a K-9 officer – what it takes and how you become one, etc.
Continue reading "A MESSAGE FROM POLICE COMMISSIONER EDWARD DAVIS" »
SUBJECT: A MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to the members of the Boston Police Department who worked several important and large-scale events over the last few days.
On Saturday, August 29th the Boston Police Department handled or assisted with three major events. The funeral services of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the funeral services of Police Officer Michael Davey of the Weymouth Police Department and the annual Caribbean Festival. These simultaneous events tested our Department and challenged resources.
With only three days to plan for law enforcement presence at all events surrounding Senator Kennedy’s passing, Boston Police members reacted quickly and around the clock. We met on numerous occasions with our partners from the U.S. Secret Service, the Massachusetts State Police, the U.S. Capitol Police, Boston Fire and Boston EMS, and other local public safety and transportation agencies to develop a safe and comprehensive plan to handle the events honoring the Senator.
This was a historic day, not only in Boston, but across the nation. This city was host to a sitting President, 3 past Presidents, a sitting Vice President and 4 First Lady’s. Joining them, were heads of state, cabinet members and a massive contingent from the U.S. Congress, along with the Kennedy family. Security was obviously our responsibility.
Our members represented themselves, the Boston Police Department and the City of Boston with honor and distinction, that was evident nationwide. Special events planning of this massive scope, intelligence gathering and dignitary protection were tremendous. Special Operations escorts for motorcades and Police Officers from across the city who lined the streets on posts were skilled and impressive. Logistical support lent greatly to our success. The presence of the honor guard meant a great deal at the JFK Library. The members of this department stepped up and handled assignments with professionalism, expertise and dedication to duty.
While these plans were underway, the Weymouth Police Department was mourning the loss of Weymouth Police Officer Michael Davey, killed in the line of duty. I am proud of the assistance we provided to the Weymouth Police Department through the Boston Police Department’s Office of Family Assistance and the Peer Support Unit and the presence at the wake and funeral by numerous uniformed Boston Police Officers (about 160 Officers at the walk-by alone), Gaelic Column and honor guard duty and district supervisory and motorcycle escort assistance at the funeral services. Our members were of great service and support to the Weymouth Police Department and its members. You should take great pride in that.
The Boston Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to Officer Davey’s wife, his 3 young children, his family, friends and colleagues. Officer Davey was a 2nd generation Weymouth Police Officer. He was a man who served his country in wartime, his community, his department and his family bravely, with honor, commitment, pride and dedication. His service will not be forgotten.
In another area, Boston Police personnel planned for and successfully handled the Caribbean Festival in Boston. Beginning early on Saturday morning, continuing through the day and evening, residents celebrated this annual event. Planning for this event began weeks ago, in order to ensure for a safe and enjoyable public event and Officers on duty did a great job.
I would like to make special mention and thank each of the three sworn unions. The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association, the Boston Police Superior Officers Federation and the Boston Police Detective’s Benevolent Society Presidents were contacted earlier in the week. We conveyed to them the enormous task ahead of us and the significant challenges faced. Thank you for your personal attention to this undertaking.
I am extremely proud of these efforts which helped to successfully manage and assist with these events. Specifically, Senator Kennedy’s services were by far the most massive event ever planned in such a short period of time. I know that the Kennedy family, the Weymouth Police Department and the people of Boston truly appreciate all that was done during the most difficult of times.
With gratitude for your distinguished service and on behalf of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, thank you on a job well done.
Edward F. Davis
Police Commissioner
MAYOR MENINO AND COMMISSIONER DAVIS ANNOUNCE
INCREASED VISIBILITY AND ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE
Speaking Points from Police Commissioner Ed Davis:
Despite substantial decreases in serious crime over the past two years, there remains a persistent and unacceptable problem in the use of guns that endangers our community.
It is outrageous that last night here in this very location, a three year old little boy while in his mother’s arms was struck with a bullet shot by a 16 year old with zero respect for human life. Thanks to our officers efforts specifically the members of the Bowdoin Safe Street Team that coward is right now where he belongs –incarcerated.
It is our intent that those perpetrators who share the same unabated willingness to participate in such violent firearm activity….will soon join the 16 year old, where these individuals belong…behind bars.
It is the men and women that are here before you today, in conjunction with many community partners, who are working tirelessly to stem gun violence. This year officers have made more than 250 firearm-related arrests and seized numerous firearms from city streets similar to the ones you see here before you today.
We are here today to share with our community the actions we are taking in response to an unacceptable recent increase in gun violence that has occurred in our community.
Mayor Menino and I are committed to immediately increasing visibility and patrols in areas most recently affected by firearm violence including Bowdoin Street, the Dudley Street area, Franklin Field, the Jackson Square area and the Norfolk Street area in Mattapan. Community members can immediately expect to see an increase in uniformed presence in and around their neighborhood.
The Boston Police Department in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will execute a proactive warrant sweep specifically targeting fugitives who are wanted on drug and gang-related charges.
The sweep will utilize resources from Boston Police Youth Violence Strike Force, the Fugitive and Apprehension Team, the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, the Massachusetts State Police, the Parole Department, the Probation Department, the US Marshals and Boston Police Officers from the local District Stations.
I would like to express our thanks to these agencies for their ongoing support and efforts. This collaboration clearly highlights our joint commitment towards eradicating firearm activity and gang violence from city streets.
The goal of today’s announcement is to send a clear message to criminals that gun violence will not be tolerated in our community.
In addition to warrant sweeps and aggressive enforcement of impact players, the Boston Police Department is assertively undertaking the following initiatives to prevent further incidents:
• Community members will experience a significant increase of uniform presence.
• Homicide investigators are working around the clock to secure justice for the city’s homicide victims and their loved ones.
• The patrol force is closely monitoring the activity and whereabouts of known gang associates.
• Our intelligence unit along with state and federal partners are developing profiles of targets engaged in violent behavior.
• The Department and specialized units such as Crimestoppers will be proactively engaging community members by distributing anonymous Text-A-Tip pamphlets and keeping residents informed of ongoing efforts.
The Boston Police Department will not stand for illegal firearms on our streets or an individual’s determined readiness to use them.
Mayor Menino and I are here to reinforce to the community that we are taking every step necessary to punish the perpetrators responsible for these violent acts. We will not allow these cowards to derail our mission to reduce violence in the city of Boston.
Our officers are laser focused on their mission to eradicate firearm violence from our community. I am very proud of their hard work and the difference that they continue to make on behalf of all the decent people who live and work in our city’s neighborhoods.
We are calling on everyone in the community to play a role in reducing violence. Recently we have been encouraged by the brave community members taking a stand against these perpetrators. We must as a community heighten our resolve and continue that trend.
Through strong community partnerships and continued dogged police work we will achieve that goal.
A MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE COMMISSIONER
I would like to take this opportunity to commend each member of the Department who was involved in the excellent planning and execution of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade was a great success and your efforts have received numerous accolades from the South Boston community.
The collaborative efforts put forth by personnel on the street and the Unified Command Center (UCC) resulted in creating and maintaining the family-friendly atmosphere that the City and the South Boston community had hoped to provide for parade-goers. Officers on the street quickly and appropriately addressed issues that arose in a professional and efficient manner. Through past training and thorough preparation, the festive crowd was handled with precision and teamwork.
I would like to extend my gratitude for all of your hard work and your contribution to a remarkably successful event.
As demonstrated on parade day, the Boston Police Department is comprised of the most talented and committed individuals in law enforcement. I congratulate you on a job well done!
Lastly, I would like to address the rumor that I am being considered for a federal position. This rumor is false. I am personally proud to have the opportunity to lead this extraordinary organization and I look forward to our future successes.
Edward F. Davis
Police Commissioner
New Command Staff Deployments
Beginning last Friday, January 19, members of the Boston Police Command Staff are being deployed in every police district throughout the city. These deployments will occur every Friday, and all members of the Commanders Staff will be patrolling the city in uniform and in marked and unmarked vehicles.
This deployment is initiated in order to improve communication and access between residents of the city, line officers, and Command Staff personnel.
You will see Command Staff personnel individually and in pairs, on various shifts, visiting police stations, engaging residents and officers in conversation, riding along and walking beats with officers. The Command Staff intends to make itself accessible to you, to hear your concerns and issues and provide feedback and support. They also intend to keep you abreast of department policies and plans.
It is also my hope that this opportunity will allow Boston Police Superintendents and Deputy Superintendents to reinforce their views of current crime trends and patterns, quality of life issues, and business and resident concerns from a street-level perspective. The Command Staff, in collaboration with our District Captains, will engage residents and business owners in various forums to encourage dialogue and address topics of mutual concern.
Please note that Command Staff officers are not being deployed to take command of crime scenes, unless it is necessary, or it is dictated by department rules and procedures. Their primary purpose at crime scenes and other serious incidents is to observe and provide support and guidance, when requested.
I recognize and appreciate the hard work that is being performed day in and day out by the men and women of this department. I can tell you that this hard work is also recognized and appreciated by my Command Staff. It is our intention to meet our obligations to all department personnel by working closely with you. This initiative will provide the vehicle for us to acknowledge your efforts and provide the support you need to effectively perform your duties. It will also bolster our community policing efforts and give us the opportunity to interact with residents and business owners throughout the city.
Edward F. Davis
Police Commissioner
Mayor Thomas Menino and Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis
Encourage Revelers To Celebrate Responsibly
It is exciting news that this Sunday the New England Patriots will play the San Diego Chargers at 4:30 p.m. in San Diego, CA. It will no doubt be a time for celebration throughout the City. Mayor Menino and Commissioner Davis would like to take this opportunity to remind sports fans to celebrate responsibly to ensure a safe and trouble free environment.
The Boston Police Department will be taking steps to increase patrols, focused not only calls for service but also on drinking establishments and large parties. Our priority will be to ensure the safety of our community. Officers will be conducting walk throughs of bars and city streets especially in areas highly populated with college students. Our intent is to encourage people to celebrate responsibly and to adhere strictly to all alcohol laws. We will not allow a few excessive revelers to ruin the afternoon for other fans. In addition, officers are working cooperatively with liquor establishments to be sure alcohol laws are strictly enforced. Public drinking will not be tolerated.
Taxis and public transportation offer inexpensive and smart alternatives to drinking and driving. Please take advantage of them. A designated driver is also an alternative. DUI enforcement will be a priority and we will have officers on duty focused specifically on this effort. Do not ruin your celebration by hurting yourself or others.
The BPD is also cheering for the New England Patriots and hopes for the win to go to the AFC championship! However, our prime focus is that all sports fans enjoy the game and that the City is peaceful and without incident. We are prepared to take any means necessary to ensure this. Have fun and be safe!
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
As most of you are aware by now, law enforcement authorities in London arrested 21 individuals on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack targeting commercial airline flights operating out of the United Kingdom. In response to these arrests, the US Department of Homeland Security has raised the aviation security level to Code Red. This applies to commercial aviation operating in or headed toward the United States.
There is no known specific threat to Boston. However, Boston Police officers have been instructed to remain at a heightened state of awareness, and will exercise extra vigilance. We will coordinate our security efforts with our Federal, state and local partners, in particular the Department of Homeland Security, the Massachusetts State Police, and our partners in the Boston Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI). Department personnel will also be engaging in routine reviews of physical security procedures, conducting inspections when notified of suspicious items, person, and vehicles, and will be taking additional precautions at public events as warranted. The Boston Police Department remains ready to assist our partners in the Massachusetts State Police if needed.
Again, it is important to remember that our alert status for the City of Boston has not been changed by these events. If we should receive information that changes our current alert status, or otherwise indicates that extra precautions are in order, then we will mobilize the appropriate personnel and move to the next level of alert.
Residents should not feel any need to alter their daily habits or work schedules. We remind you to report any suspicious behavior to the Boston Police, via 911 or via our anonymous tip line 800-494-TIPS.
Police Commissioner Kathleen M. O'Toole officially welcomed John Walsh , host of the America's Most Wanted television show to Boston Police Headquarters earlier today. Mayor Thomas M. Menino issued a proclamation to John Walsh, officially marking February 1, 2006 as America's Most Wanted day in the City of Boston. The Boston Police Department has been working with America's Most Wanted for the past several weeks profiling fugitive apprehension efforts, unsolved cases, as well as Operation Home Safe. Commissioner O'Toole commended John Walsh and America's Most Wanted for their commitment to working with Law Enforcement agencies nationally as well as internationally over the past 18 years in an effort to bring fugitives to justice.
This weekend we will once again be celebrating First Night in Boston. First Night is a wonderful event, particularly for families. I encourage parents to attend the events with their children.
As always, we want this to be a very safe celebration. There are a few simple steps everyone can take to ensure that First Night is a safe and happy event for everyone:
We are expecting large crowds again this year, so I advise parents not to send their children into the city unsupervised.
Families should have a plan for members who become separated or lost. They should have an agreed-upon meeting place or a phone number of somebody they can call.
Everyone should dress appropriately for the weather.
There are a number of parking restrictions in place throughout downtown Boston, so I recommend people leave the car at home and take the MBTA into First Night. The T will be free after 8:00 PM on Saturday, and will be running until 2 AM.
Expect traffic diversions at many events such as the Grand Procession Parade in the Back Bay, and the fireworks displays at both the Boston Common and the waterfront
We ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. First Night is a family night. We will not tolerate unruly behavior or public drinking. If there are individuals who do not choose to celebrate responsibly, the Boston Police Department will be on hand.
This means that you can expect to see a large, visible police presence at all First Night events, in particular the Back Bay, Boston Common, downtown and Waterfront areas.
This enforcement effort extends beyond the celebration in downtown Boston. While we are excited about the large number of events downtown, we are not losing lose sight of our priorities in the neighborhoods. Police will also respond to loud parties in our neighborhoods.
There are no specific threats against the City of Boston or our First Night celebrations, nevertheless we always take particular caution during special events. We will be working with a number of our public safety partners including the Boston Fire Department, Transportation Department, MBTA Police, State police, and FBI. We will also have a number of plainclothes officers throughout the crowds monitoring activities.
On behalf of the Boston Police Department, I wish everyone an enjoyable First Night and a very happy and peaceful New Year.
Thank you
For more information, visit www.firstnight .org