PAX Centurion - Fall 2017

www.bppa.org PAX CENTURION • Fall 2017 • Page 25 general intent are fraught with peril for today’s police officer, bringing with them the immediate threat of charges of profiling, racism, unfair treatment of the poor, oppressed and the “most vulnerable among us”. And if police officers actually can make an arrest?What happens when that person goes to court after hours of paperwork, prisoner transport, feeding, medical attention, etc., etc.? Please-another ten pages would be required… And so, once again, asYogi Berra famously said, “it’s Déjà vu, all over again”. John Q. Public and the political powers-that-be demand “something be done” in the wake of yet-another shooting/stabbing/ incident on the Common. And the police officers of 2017 are left with even fewer tools than those that were available to the cops in 1991 or 2005. “Beefed-up” patrols. “Crackdown.” “Zero-tolerance.” Until the next cop is thrown under the bus for enforcing the laws that John Q. Public has recently decriminalized. Make bricks without straw. Been there. Done that. Heard it all before. As it’s been said before (and I’m not sure who to credit for this quote…) “The public will get the type of law enforcement that it truly deserves.” Broken windows By Matt Carey, Area A Representative, First Half I f you fix the little things that make people feel like they’re living in a dumpy neighborhood, the big things will follow. If you fix the broken windows and paint over the graffiti and pick up the trash, a psychological barrier is broken. What if the people keep taking dumps in the neighborhood?What if the police presence only displaces the crime a block or two away? Does this approach still work or does it just look good? It’s awfully hard to proactively patrol a neighborhood with multiple units when those units are assigned elsewhere. The units that would normally be driving around patrolling, deterring violent crime, are not performing this much-needed function. Often the small nuisance is displaced to another area usually not far away. The city ordinance violation goes unpaid by vagrants that have no means-or intention – to pay the penalty.  The court system often slaps the offender on the wrist with “don’t do it again” punishment. I get the fact that the theory is about improving the quality of life for the citizens. By the police taking action on the small stuff, it often leads to better neighborhoods where people start taking pride in their neighborhoods. It lets the citizens know the city and the police care. One thing is you cannot address every concern the community has; some functions should simply not be “dumped” on the police, as often happens. Everyone believes their complaint is more important than the next complaint; unfortunately we have to prioritize what’s important and what is best relegated to other agencies to address. The police departments across the country would be answering these complaints until you’re able to play hockey in hell. So at the end of the day be prepared for things that have no solution. The Law Firm of Scott D. Goldberg, P.C. is proud to continue supporting the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association. Attorney Goldberg is honored to be the personal lawyer for many of its members and families for almost 25 years. The majority of our police clients are referred to us by other officers we have represented and with whom we have established close relationships. We fight for the rights of police men and women who are injured both on-duty and off, some of whom do not know that they have a right to a claim until they call us. The financial compensation we obtain for them includes lost pay – base, detail, and overtime – even when they receive Pay with Leave or used sick days. It also includes payment for medical expenses, disability, and pain and suffering. We are also excited to announce that we have a new website, at the same web address www. goldberglawfirm.net, which has more information about claims for police officers and insurance. If you, your family, or friends have been injured, or if would like advice about how to protect yourself and your family before an incident, then please contact Attorney Goldberg for a free consultation. T HE L AW F IRM OF S COTT D. G OLDBERG , P.C. Proudly Supports the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association 2014 Police Letterhead banner Ad (7.5x.5).2_Layout 1 10/3/14 5:45 PM Page 1 T HE L AW F IRM OF S COTT D. G OLDBERG , P.C. Scott D. Goldberg, Esq. 52 Temple Place 4th Fl. Boston, MA 02111 tel: 617.227.1888 e-mail: scott@goldberglawfirm.net website: www.goldberglawfirm.net Representing Injured Police Officers Since 1990 2014 Police Bus Card Ad (2.5x1.5).2_Layout 1 10/3/14 5