PAX Centurion - Fall 2016

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Fall 2016 • Page 25 A s press time approached, the Pax was trying to verify credible information received that indicated the upcoming police recruit class scheduled for December of 2016 has been reduced from a proposed 65 downwards to 50. (And even that small number is, traditionally, reduced by 15%-20% during Academy training as candidates re-assess their willingness to become police officers or fail to meet minimum standards.) The reason for the reduction in sorely-needed Boston police recruits is unclear. Conflicting reports indicate that a dispute between the Massachusetts’ Civil Service Commission and the City of Boston, simmering since last year’s recruiting efforts in 2015, has resulted in a reduced number of prospective candidates “cleared” by civil service for BPD recruit investigators to consider. Other information indicates that the reduction may be due to a shrinking pool of young people interested in making police work a career. Certainly, across the nation, many police departments have reported that the number of people seeking employment in the police field has been decreasing. Obviously, highly-publicized events such as police-involved shootings, the increasing number of police officers killed in the line of duty, and the intense scrutiny Report: Reduced recruits for Dec. 2016? Proposed class of recruits not even replacing for attrition and second-guessing associated with modern-day policing are factors. It may be that both the reported civil-service dispute and a general reduction in interest in police work are factors. The bottom line is that Boston is sorely in need of new, young police recruits. Natural, unique factors specific to the Boston Police Department are entering their 35-yr. (generally speaking) end-of-cycle, where many officers are reaching retirement-eligibility age at the same time. Many officers recently promoted to Supervisory or Detective ranks have also served to deplete the patrol force, as well as officers leaving because of sickness, death or disciplinary reasons. Small classes of 50 or 60 recruits simply aren’t replacing for natural attrition. Back in the 1980’s, early 90’s, BPD would routinely hire 120, 150 or more officers in a single year. Those officers have many reasons for choosing when to retire, mostly intensely personal reasons. The fact that so many officers, detectives and supervisors are eligible to retire should be worrisome to the City and the BPD, but the general attitude seems to be one of “whistling past the graveyard”. Firefighter- recruit positions are filled quickly and eagerly and without any controversy; police-recruit positions….not so much. Boston had better begin to ask “Why?” By James W. Carnell, Pax Centurion Editor Representing and providing counsel to members of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association since 1993 regarding critical incidents, criminal and departmental investigations, and civil rights matters. Many members have also sought our guidance and representation in a wide variety of matters, particularly personal injury claims on behalf of injured officers and/or their family and friends. We also provide representation in criminal and civil litigation, real estate and estate planning. We invite you to learn more about Byrne & Anderson, L.L.P. by visiting our website – ByrneAnderson.com JAMES E. BYRNE KENNETH H. ANDERSON ERIC S. GOLDMAN • JONATHAN E. TOBIN • PETER D. PASCIUCCO 50 Redfield Street, Boston, MA 02122 (617) 265-3900 • Fax (617) 265-3627