Letter to Boston Herald
To the Editor of the Boston Herald
After reading the article “Overtime Eats up BPD Cash” on March 5 I felt I had no option but to respond. I am Vice President of the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society. The Society represents over 400 detectives up to and including the rank of Captain Detective. Our members are hard-working men and women who have chosen to risk their lives without hesitation every time they report for work and have dedicated themselves to serving the residents and visitors of the City of Boston. They are professionals in every sense of the word
Based on the Police Department's failure to make what I believe is any kind of legitimate statement in regard to this article I feel compelled to. First let me say the Departments spokesperson’s comment that they have consulted with the District Attorney’s office in regards to overtime abuse, is nothing more than an attempt, in my opinion to appease the press. Has media relations ever considered saying investigating crime and bringing criminals to court is part of a Detectives job, or we could try to curb court appearances but what would happen to the DAs conviction rates or more importantly to the city without our Detectives arresting criminals, attending court, seeking warrants, or thoroughly investigating crime regardless of cost. This is not the television show CSI Miami where cases are solved in an hour. I would venture to say that if these “true to life” cop shows actually showed what goes on in policing, viewers would lose interest. I would challenge your readers while watching these shows to ask themselves these few questions. How can these people do all these things and never submit a report? How is it they can process the crime scene, apply for a warrant, become involved in a shootout, arrest the bad guy and be home in time for dinner? Let me save you some time it doesn't happen, in reality it takes time and in most cases it involves working overtime.
In regards to Bill Bratton the former Commissioner, was he presented with all the facts in regards to overtime in Boston before saying, throw the book at them? In my opinion had Mr. Bratton stayed in Boston long enough he would have found out he had some of the best Detectives in the country working for him. Was Mr. Bratton presented with the actual assignments of some of the Department's top overtime workers? I find it hard to believe his sentiments would be the same. For example, here’s a question, Mr. Bratton of the top 50 overtime workers most are from Districts 2,3,11 and district 1 they also work at the Homicide unit, the Domestic Violence unit, some are Sergeants and Lieutenants, would it be unreasonable that these men and women would be working this much?
Crime is down in the city of Boston, is this a fluke or could it be because of the work our Detectives are doing? Keep in mind crime is not the only thing driving overtime there are “special events”, city parades, gang car assignments, burglary prevention patrols, and minimum manpower requirements. If the Department and the city are truly troubled by the spike in overtime or for that matter concerned about the amount of hours worked maybe it's in time to increase the numbers of Police Officers and Detectives. But oh no, the city would then have to pay to train and provide health insurance and benefits to these officers, heaven forbid after all isn't it these same officers who are driving up the cost of healthcare, not Cleve Killingsworth CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield and his $11 million dollar kiss goodbye or the three drug stores within a mile of each other or the high costs of medical procedures.
I grew up in a police family; my Father was a Police Officer for 37 years my cousin an active duty Sgt. Detective passed away one year short of retirement. I remember stories of Police Officers making less than $96 per week. Our contracts and benefits are fair and legally bargained for. Yes they appear lucrative when you only consider money, but when you consider time away from family, personal sacrifices, and missed opportunities to enjoy your life like a regular person you have to ask yourself just how lucrative are they?
Finally and in closing I want to say thank you to the men and women of the Boston Police Department and specifically to the men and women of the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society. Thank you for your hard work and professionalism. Thank you for your dedication to duty. I consider it a privilege to say I am one of you, and an honor to represent you.
Thomas J. Famolare
Vice President
Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society.
434 Hyde Park Ave
Roslindale Ma
