National President Chuck Canterbury is asking FOP members to mount a letter-writing campaign to their respective U.S. Senators and Representatives in support of William G. Clark, a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who has been unjustly charged for actions he took in defense of his life and that of another citizen in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Read more: Call to Action: Letter Writing Campaign to Congress in Defense of ATF Agent

Advocates of civil rights call it a victory

The state’s highest court ruled yesterday that police may not frisk someone during a routine encounter unless they have reasonable suspicion to believe the person is involved in criminal activity and is armed and dangerous.

The decision was hailed as a victory by civil rights advocates, but assailed by one top prosecutor who said it puts officers, who are often asked to risk their own safety, in a precarious position.

Read more: SJC rules police need reasonable suspicion for frisks

Editors note:  Sadly Paul Martin passed away shortly after this story posted on April 6, 2010. The BPDBS will be forever grateful to have known Paul and for his contributions to the people of Boston.

Posted by MediaRelations on March 18, 2010

When it comes to highly respected detectives, few are more beloved and respected than Detective Paul Martin. Little more than a year ago, Paul retired at the age of 65 after a 30-plus year career with the Boston Police Department. During his career, Paul spent the majority of his time in Area B-2 (Roxbury), one of the city’s busiest and most challenging districts. But despite all the challenges that come with working in a busy district, Paul Martin never complained, grumbled or groaned. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Paul was often heard saying, “This is the greatest job in the world.”

Read more: HIGHLY RESPECTED AND BELOVED DETECTIVE HONORED IN HIS TIME OF NEED

The Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society and Attorney Paul Hynes submitted the following legislation on behalf of all Police Officers in the Commonwealth to protect the Quinn Bill with regards to the casino gaming legislation. If you have any questions please feel free to call the office at 617-325-3938.

Mr. O’Flaherty of Chelsea moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

SECTION 77.   Section 1.  Quinn Bill Study Commission.  There is hereby established a Special Commission to investigate and report on the feasibility of establishing and maintaining a revised law enforcement career educational incentive program.  Said Commission shall file its report and recommendations, if any, by January 15, 2011.   Said Commission may elect to extend the deadline for the filing of its report to no later than March 1, 2011.  The Commission shall file its report with the Clerks of the House and Senate, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, and the Chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Public Safety.

Read more: Quinn Bill legislation filed by BPDBS