In what will become an ongoing feature of this blog, we are posting the transcript of a formal question and answer exchange between a media outlet and the Boston Police Department, in this case the Boston Globe. The responses given to these questions were used to prepare an article that appeared in the December 1 edition of the Boston Globe.Full transcript after the link
In what will become an ongoing feature of this blog, we are posting the transcript of a formal question and answer exchange between a media outlet and the Boston Police Department, in this case the Boston Globe. The responses given to these questions were used to prepare an article that appeared in the December 1 edition of the Boston Globe. (full article available here)
This is a full and complete transcript. Neither the questions nor the responses have been edited.
The questions asked were submitted by the Boston Globe. The replies were provided by the Office of Media Relations.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005.
Question One. What will you do to stop the surge in shootings?
The Boston Police Department will continue to deploy Department resources in those neighborhoods of the City that are affected by violent crime. Through the use of intelligence and direct input from the Community, the Boston Police Department will continue to utilize high saturation deployments such as Rolling Thunder and Operation Home Safe at various locations throughout the City.
Question Two: Why was the Boston Police grant application seeking a renewal in federal funding for the reentry initiative which Paul Joyce has extensively touted been rejected? What are the results of the reentry initiative? How many of those to go through the program have reoffended?
This question did not generate a reply. (The reporter was later referred to the US Dept. of Labor for more information.)
Question Three. What are you doing to reevaluate the approaches the department has taken to address crime? Are there any new programs in the works?
The new Firearms Investigation Center is now staffed with 9 Boston Police Detectives and 10 ATF agents along with State Police personnel.
Question Four. What is the current size of the patrol force?
As of November 15, 2005 the Department Staffing level was at 2069 Sworn Officers. Of the 2069, 1352 were Police Officers.
Question Five. What is the purpose of tomorrow\’s meeting with federal law enforcement,
Chief Bratton, and other luminaries to discuss youth violence and gangs?
The meeting scheduled for tomorrow is being hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office; The Police Commissioner along with several members of the Boston Police Department will participate in panel discussions. We would defer to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further comment on their meeting.