The following message is a statement from Police Commissioner Ed Davis delivered to the men and women of the Boston Police Department. This message will be played at officer\’s roll call at districts citywide.
An Internal Message from the Police Commissioner
I would like to inform all of you of the latest development in the Pulido case. Today at federal court Roberto Pulido entered a guilty plea on charges that resulted from a thorough and intense investigation conducted by the Boston Police Anti-Corruption Division and Federal authorities. A thorough and expedient investigation of allegations exposed during the trial is ongoing.
Pulido is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years incarceration and sentencing will take place in February. While it is a sad day for the department when a criminal hides behind a badge, I am proud of the swift and certain justice made possible by the combined efforts of the US Department of Justice, the FBI and the Boston Police.
I recognize that the last several days have been difficult for all of you who wear your uniforms with pride. We will not allow the loathsome actions Roberto Pulido and company to define who we are as a police organization. Our organization has over 2,000 officers who conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism. I applaud your integrity. I am proud of the work you have done in uncovering this corruption as well as the work you have done to reduce serious crime in Boston this year.
Police misconduct is an assault on public trust and strikes at the heart of community policing. Our department will not stand for it. These former officers are paying a heavy and appropriate price for their actions. I will continue to press for the strictest sanctions against police corruption so that the excellent police work that I see every day from our officers will not be tarnished.
Earning public trust requires that we perform our responsibilities professionally and with integrity. We will continue to vigorously and proactively identify and pursue any indications of corruption or mismanagement. Effective community policing requires that we hold ourselves to a high standard so that we will engender credibility with the community we serve. I reiterate, any time misconduct is uncovered it will be dealt with swiftly, forcefully and aggressively.
Our department is rightfully defined by the heroism and selfless service to the community that each of you exemplifies every day.
Here are some examples of the tremendous police work that defines the Boston Police that I have come to know.
The recent Red Sox series was a huge success. The extensive planning and precision with which the plan was carried out is a national model for best practices for police departments across the country. That is a credit to each of you.
I would like to recognize the members of the Boston Police homicide unit for their tireless efforts to secure justice for homicide victims and their families. In the last two weeks alone detectives have arrested SIX individuals for murder.
On November 1, 2007 two vigilant officers quickly apprehended a suspect after an armed robbery and murder at Stalex pizza in Dorchester. Their swift actions quickly removed an armed and dangerous suspect from the community and for that they deserve to be applauded.
On September 19, 2007, Mayor Menino officially declared “Officer Peter Giannopolous Day” in honor of the officer’s swift action to foil an attempted abduction of a young woman.
On September 21, 2007 two officers working a paid detail in East Boston quickly apprehended an individual suspected of a series of sexual assaults.
On October 19, 2007 the Safe Street Team assigned to Codman Square heard five consecutive gunshots nearby. The team immediately ran toward the sound of gunfire and apprehended a suspect in possession of a loaded firearm. The officers quick actions may have prevented further crime and saved a life.
On May 23, 2007, Officer Steven Romano assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force was shot in the line of duty. Officer Romano has thankfully since recovered and returned to work fully prepared to resume 100% of his duties. Officer Romano personifies the qualities that are pervasive throughout this department.
So far this year, officers have removed 686 guns from city streets. We all know that your efforts have saved countless lives.
The Boston Police Department is dedicated to ensuring that “integrity” and “Boston police” are synonymous terms. I am very proud of all of you and I am personally thankful to have the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization. The possibilities are endless with your talent and commitment. As a department, we must learn from this and move forward. Our focus remains on reducing violent crime and making the neighborhoods safe for the citizens we are sworn to protect.
