Commissioner Davis Issues Multiple SuspensionsToday Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis announces the conclusion of a three year investigation into steroid use among officers. In August of 2006, Boston Police Anti-Corruption Division in conjunction with the US Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that launched a lengthy and in-depth investigation into this matter, which has resulted in multiple suspensions and several important departmental changes.
In addition to the conclusion of the steroid investigation, the Boston Police Internal Affairs Unit has completed the investigation into improper officer activity at 24 Factory Street in Hyde Park. Investigators identified 24 Factory Street as an after-hours party location which included allegations of officer misconduct. Evidence uncovered during the course of this investigation has also led to the suspension of several officers.
As a result of these investigations, Commissioner Davis has suspended seven police officers for steroid use, one police officer for being aware of steroid use by others and not reporting it and four police officers for issues related to 24 Factory Street.
Commissioner Davis stated, “I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigators in Anti-Corruption and Internal Affairs for the completion of this extensive and complex case. These investigators play a critical role in our promise to the community to provide an effective, credible and trustworthy police force,” Commissioner Davis added, “I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct.”
ACTION STEPS
The Boston Police Department has undertaken several initiatives to immediately address issues and concerns relative to steroid use by officers. The following actions have already been introduced into department practice and are currently ongoing:
• Enhanced ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training. The curriculum includes recognizing and addressing the signs of substance abuse specifically steroids and also corruption indicators. Supervisors are trained and expected as part of their duties to recognize distinct changes in officers which would require ‘cause’ testing for steroids. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training
• Enhanced ‘Integrity’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Integrity’ training. A curriculum was developed in conjunction with Federal authorities. Federal authorities also participate in the training and are present at the Academy to address supervisors. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training.
• Enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training for every officer. Every officer is now required to receive enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training at the academy that focuses on the health risks associated with anabolic steroid use.
• Implementation of pre-employment steroid testing for recruits. Boston Police now include steroids in all pre-employment drug testing for potential recruits.
• Enhanced curriculum for Recruits at the Police Academy. All recruits now receive an improved curriculum that includes education on the dangers of steroid use as well as expanded teachings relative to integrity and ethics issues.
• Sought and secured ‘lifetime career’ testing for substance abuse police violation. Police Commissioner Davis sought to secure a contractual obligation of ‘lifetime career’ testing for any officer who violates the drug abuse policy. Commissioner Davis was successful through union negotiation to amend the policy to include this provision. Termination is the result of a second positive drug test.
PENDING STEPS
• Commissioner Davis continues to explore the possibility of including steroid testing in the annual drug testing policy. The department’s drug policy currently states the every officer receives an annual drug exam, which tests for almost every narcotic and controlled medication including cocaine, heroin and Oxycontin. The drug test uses a hair sample and has a 99% accuracy rate.
• Commissioner Davis supports the current bill before the legislation requiring the state to mandate drug testing for public safety employees. He encourages the Executive Office of Public Safety to include steroids as part of the testing mandate.
• The department continues to closely monitor the advances in science and technology relative to steroid testing.
• Staff at the Police Academy is developing a distance learning program for officers that will include curriculum devoted to the dangers of steroid use and also integrity and ethics issues.
DISCIPLINE
Contact Media Relations for more specific information.

Commissioner Davis Issues Multiple SuspensionsToday Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis announces the conclusion of a three year investigation into steroid use among officers. In August of 2006, Boston Police Anti-Corruption Division in conjunction with the US Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed information that launched a lengthy and in-depth investigation into this matter, which has resulted in multiple suspensions and several important departmental changes.
In addition to the conclusion of the steroid investigation, the Boston Police Internal Affairs Unit has completed the investigation into improper officer activity at 24 Factory Street in Hyde Park. Investigators identified 24 Factory Street as an after-hours party location which included allegations of officer misconduct. Evidence uncovered during the course of this investigation has also led to the suspension of several officers.
As a result of these investigations, Commissioner Davis has suspended seven police officers for steroid use, one police officer for being aware of steroid use by others and not reporting it and four police officers for issues related to 24 Factory Street.
Commissioner Davis stated, “I would like to commend the dedication and professionalism of the investigators in Anti-Corruption and Internal Affairs for the completion of this extensive and complex case. These investigators play a critical role in our promise to the community to provide an effective, credible and trustworthy police force,” Commissioner Davis added, “I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter. With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct.”
ACTION STEPS
The Boston Police Department has undertaken several initiatives to immediately address issues and concerns relative to steroid use by officers. The following actions have already been introduced into department practice and are currently ongoing:
• Enhanced ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ training. The curriculum includes recognizing and addressing the signs of substance abuse specifically steroids and also corruption indicators. Supervisors are trained and expected as part of their duties to recognize distinct changes in officers which would require ‘cause’ testing for steroids. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training
• Enhanced ‘Integrity’ training for all supervisors. Every Supervisor (Sgt, Lt., Captain, Command Staff member) has received expanded ‘Integrity’ training. A curriculum was developed in conjunction with Federal authorities. Federal authorities also participate in the training and are present at the Academy to address supervisors. Every newly promoted supervisor receives this training.
• Enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training for every officer. Every officer is now required to receive enhanced ‘Health and Wellness’ training at the academy that focuses on the health risks associated with anabolic steroid use.
• Implementation of pre-employment steroid testing for recruits. Boston Police now include steroids in all pre-employment drug testing for potential recruits.
• Enhanced curriculum for Recruits at the Police Academy. All recruits now receive an improved curriculum that includes education on the dangers of steroid use as well as expanded teachings relative to integrity and ethics issues.
• Sought and secured ‘lifetime career’ testing for substance abuse police violation. Police Commissioner Davis sought to secure a contractual obligation of ‘lifetime career’ testing for any officer who violates the drug abuse policy. Commissioner Davis was successful through union negotiation to amend the policy to include this provision. Termination is the result of a second positive drug test.
PENDING STEPS
• Commissioner Davis continues to explore the possibility of including steroid testing in the annual drug testing policy. The department’s drug policy currently states the every officer receives an annual drug exam, which tests for almost every narcotic and controlled medication including cocaine, heroin and Oxycontin. The drug test uses a hair sample and has a 99% accuracy rate.
• Commissioner Davis supports the current bill before the legislation requiring the state to mandate drug testing for public safety employees. He encourages the Executive Office of Public Safety to include steroids as part of the testing mandate.
• The department continues to closely monitor the advances in science and technology relative to steroid testing.
• Staff at the Police Academy is developing a distance learning program for officers that will include curriculum devoted to the dangers of steroid use and also integrity and ethics issues.
DISCIPLINE
Contact Media Relations for more specific information.