Union news and information along with law enforcement related articles and websites
Acts of kindness encouraged on One Boston Day as city honors marathon victims, survivors
WCVB, Jamy Pombo Sesselman, April 15, 2025
BOSTON — The city of Boston on Tuesday honored the victims and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing on One Boston Day.
Every year, Boston marks the day by encouraging acts of charity and kindness across the city. The tradition honors the victims, survivors and first responders every April 15 while also furthering the outpouring of strength and unity that followed the attack.
Martin Richard, 8, Krystle Campbell, 29, and Lu Lingzi, 23, were killed on April 15, 2013, in the bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon along Boylston Street. More than 200 people were injured.
View the article here.
Police commissioner says Boston is 'safest major city' in US
wcvb.com, Feb 14, 2025 - By Sharman Sacchetti
Boston police Commissioner Michael Cox went On the Record with NewsCenter 5 to talk about the role of the federal government in keeping communities safe.
Cox touted Boston as the safest major city in the U.S., adding that partnerships, such as those with the federal government, all play a role in keeping crime down.
"Some of the most major complex investigations that we are able to do in the city was through the help of federal law enforcement," Cox said.
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.
Police oversight board settles lawsuit over questions about social media posts
bostonglobe.com,By Dan Glaun Globe Staff,Updated January 21, 2025
The Peace Officer Standards and Training Committee has agreed not to ask officers specific questions about their social media histories and personal affiliations during recertification, as part of a settlement with police groups who sued the oversight board in 2022.
The settlement with the committee, known as POST, also requires commissioners to attend trainings on the state’s open meetings law, following claims that POST subcommittees improperly held closed meetings.
“The POST Commission’s illegal meeting practices and unconstitutional inquiries into social media activity and officers’ memberships and affiliations were damaging to the credibility and purpose of police reform in Massachusetts,” said plaintiff Scott Hovsepian, president of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police. “Transparency and accountability are crucial for a policy making body, and law enforcement officers are entitled to the same First Amendment protections as all other Americans.”
Hovsepian was joined in the lawsuit by Boston Police Superior Officers Federation president Jeanne Carroll and Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society president Donald Caisey in the lawsuit against POST. They alleged the commission had delegated work to subgroups that operated outside the public eye.
View the article here.
Biden signs Social Security Fairness Act into law
ABC News,ByJulia ReinsteinJanuary 5, 2025, 5:13 PM
President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law Sunday afternoon, marking what is expected to be one of the last major pieces of legislation of his presidency.
Prior to signing the bill, Biden touted the importance of Social Security benefits for working class Americans and said he was "proud to have played a small part in this fight and get to sign it."
"The bill I'm signing today is about a simple proposition: Americans who have worked hard all their lives to earn an honest living should be able to retire with economic security and dignity," he said.
View 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