Trooper scandals reignite turf war
The relentless deluge of Massachusetts State Police scandals has revived a law enforcement turf war along Boston’s waterfront — with a Hub pol saying Boston cops should get shared oversight of the busy Seaport District in light of the trooper misconduct allegations.
“I think there may be an opportunity amidst all the stuff that’s going on here to kind of get back to the table,” At-Large City Councilor Michael Flaherty told Boston Herald Radio when asked about ongoing state police issues.
Boston police have long tried to extend their jurisdiction to Massachusetts Port Authority property that runs along the South Boston waterfront as development there has exploded.
“There is an opportunity here for the head of the state police and our police commissioner here and Massport officials to sort of get in a room,” Flaherty added. “Let’s get the adults in the room, let’s act like adults in the room and let’s find some common ground here that makes sense for the public.”
State police have been under fire in the last six months, most recently in the case where 19 troopers are facing discipline for allegedly falsifying overtime records. The department has also faced allegations of altered arrest reports as well as hiring a K-9 trooper who was once a drug dealer. Troopers patrolling the Seaport also failed to disclose payroll records to the state comptroller.
Boston police Commissioner William B. Evans declined to weigh in on the state police scandals, but said he continues to push for shared jurisdiction in a neighborhood that has seen skyrocketing development.
“Heaven forbid something serious happens. We have no arrest powers in a bustling part of the city,” said Evans, adding that he wants BPD to respond to 911 calls but would leave lucrative details to state police.
But the state police appeared unlikely to budge.
“Our position on the Seaport remains as previously stated,” state police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement. “The State Police by statute are responsible for protecting the Massport-owned properties of the Seaport District. The people who live and work in and visit those areas receive excellent police services.”
State Rep. Nick Collins (D-South Boston), who has filed legislation on Beacon Hill to allow BPD patrols in the Seaport, urged movement on the issue.
“We have been working on this issue for many years,” Collins said in a statement. “The people can’t wait any longer. I hope my colleagues will act on this important public safety measure expeditiously.”