Union news and information along with law enforcement related articles and websites
Two pieces of legislation filed by Massachusetts Rep. will hand out stiffer penalties for assaults on officers, drag racing
fallriverreporter.com,By Kevin Palva, October 9, 2025
In response to the recent surge of violent attacks against law enforcement officers and growing public disorder across Massachusetts, State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R–Barnstable) filed two major public safety bills aimed at strengthening accountability, protecting police officers, and restoring respect for law and order throughout the Commonwealth.
Xiarhos is a member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and was previously in law enforcement.
Xiarhos’ Office states that the first bill, HD5223, titled An Act relative to penalties for assault and battery on a police officer, seeks to make assault and battery upon a police officer a felony offense, punishable by up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2½ years in a house of correction. The bill also prohibits suspended sentences or early release until a minimum of 90 days is served.
Read the article here.
The Boston Police Department Mourns the Passing of Retired K-9 Titan
bpdnews, August 28, 2025
The Boston Police Department mourns the passing of retired K-9 Titan. He had served as a highly valued member of the BPD K-9 Unit since 2013 and played an important role in enhancing public safety across our city.
His work has gone beyond patrol duties, as he assisted in recovering numerous firearms and evidence in criminal investigations within the city. Titan’s skill and discipline allowed him to work in some of Boston’s most significant and sensitive environments. His participation in the security operations surrounding the Boston Marathon Bombing underscores the importance of his service.
Check out the article here.
Wu fires back at Bondi's demand to shed so-called 'sanctuary' policies, saying 'Boston will never back down'
wbur.org, Eve Zuckoff & Beth Healy, August 19, 2025
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu shot back at U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's demands to expand the city's policies to work with immigration enforcement in a letter Tuesday, condemning what she called the Trump administration's "false and continuous attacks on American cities and millions of our residents."
Bondi sent “demand letters” last week to Boston and 31 other cities and states that she alleges limit police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Boston's Trust Act allows city police to work with federal immigration officers in criminal cases, but not to carry out civil enforcement.
Wu said the city of Boston follows local, state and federal laws. She called out the administration for threatening "to prosecute local officials and illegally withhold federal grants and contracts unless Boston agrees to actively participate in mass deportations."
View the article here.
Mass. invests $5.5M to ‘strengthen’ public safety as Gov. Healey declares ‘zero tolerance’
By Irene Rotondo, masslive.com, Oct 8, 2025
Gov. Maura Healey announced $5.5 million in federal funding to support public safety in Massachusetts on Wednesday, on the heels of a public vow of “zero tolerance” for violent street takeovers and telling the Trump administration to keep National Guard troops out of Boston.
The $5.5 million in funding was announced in a press release on Wednesday afternoon, following a press conference on Wednesday morning regarding the four street takeovers from the past weekend.
These included a Boston police cruiser set on fire, fireworks shot at a police cruiser in Randolph, a Dodge Charger driven at an officer in Middleborough and an ambulance blocked from getting through in Fall River.
View the article here.
Why police officers should get sabbaticals
commonwealthbeacon.org,By Jim Jordan. January 26, 2025
WHEN MOST PEOPLE hear the word sabbatical what comes to mind is well-paid university professors on an extended break, reading and writing, perhaps, in a relaxed setting far from the everyday responsibilities of campus life.
One image the term certainly doesn’t evoke is that of pistol-packing police officers taking time away from patrol duties. But if we take seriously the idea of sabbaticals as a valuable break from the demands of daily work life and a time to recharge before returning, rejuvenated, to that routine, there may be no other group for whom the restorative power of a well-planned sabbatical makes more sense.
Policing is one of the most stress-filled jobs in society, and the toll it takes on officers is well-documented. It is seen in higher rates of depression, suicide, substance abuse, divorce and other outcomes that also impact officers’ families. The stress can also play out in police interaction with the public.
With that knowledge, shouldn’t we be doing all we can to improve the well-being of those in one of the most vital public service roles in society — men and women charged with protecting us, who can be called on at any instant to make sudden life and death decisions?
Check out the article here.
Notices & News Feeds
Notices
Boston Police Peer Support Unit
The Boston Police Peer Support Unit and Critical Incident Team has proven to be a valuable resource to many officers from many agencies in addition to our own so if you or anyone you know needs assistance take advantage of this resource. You can call 617-343-5175 during business hours or our 7 days a week 24 hour a day hot-line which is 617-594-9091 and remain confidential. You do not have to tell us your name and you may ask any questions that you want in order to feel comfortable in coming forward or we can give you references to other resources. You can also call about another employee, who may not have seen emails regarding services, that you are concerned about and we will make a subtle attempt to offer them services.
The Boston Police Peer Support Unit has joined with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create the Boston Peer Support Quiz. this is a safe, easy way to learn whether stress and depression might be affecting you. Using this service is completely voluntary and confidential. No information will be shared with the Boston Police Department. This is not an emergency response system. If you are in crisis or contemplating suicide, please call an on-call Peer Counselor immediately at 617-594-9091 or dial 911.
Do not suffer in silence,
Sgt. Joe King
Blue Line Financial LLC - Prepare for the Road Ahead.
Retirement Planning, Education Planning, Estate Planning, Insurance, Investments
As with most other things in life, the key to achieving your long-term financial objectives is planning. Your goal may be to fund your children's college education, protect your family during your working years, or guarantee your own retirement security. These things will not happen by accident. It is important to determine what you would like to achieve financially and then map out a strategy that will help you meet those goals. The good news is that it is never too late to start.
Please use our Web site as a resource, and do not hesitate to contact us for additional information or to schedule a meeting. Tom Parlon