What’s Happening

The Boston Police Department recognizes and celebrates National Telecommunicators Week, a time to honor the dedicated first responders behind the scenes who keep our city safe each and every day! Our Telecommunicators in the Operations Division work around the clock, 24/7, answering calls, dispatching officers, and serving as the critical link between the public, Boston Police […]

In 1920, as women secured the right to vote and the department rebuilt following the 1919 strike, Governor Calvin Coolidge signed legislation allowing women to be appointed to the Boston Police Department at the discretion of the Police Commissioner. After a civil service exam with 94 candidates, six women were appointed on April 25, 1921.

Happy International Women’s Day! Today we celebrate the incredible contributions and achievements of women, especially those serving in law enforcement, both within the Boston Police Department and across the nation. We honor the trailblazers who opened doors for women in policing and are proud that the department continues to exceed the national average for women

Mayor Wu joined Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox in promoting several new members of the Command Staff – a new Superintendent to head the Bureau of Field Services and two new Deputy Superintendents – in addition to seven new Captains to oversee our neighborhood District Stations. Among this impressive group, two female Lieutenants were promoted to

In honor of Black History Month, we recognize Patrol Officer Edna J. Swan, a trailblazer in the history of the Boston Police Department. In 1943, Officer Swan became the first African American woman to become a sworn member of the Department. She attended Fisk University during the Great Depression, volunteered with the Red Cross, and

In honor of Black History Month, we recognize Sergeant Horatio J. Homer, a true trailblazer in the history of the Boston Police Department. Sgt. Homer made history in 1878 as the first African American to join the BPD.  Officer Homer later broke another barrier in 1895 when he became the department’s first African American Sergeant. Sgt. Homer dedicated more than 40 years