For Immediate Release
Prepared by:
Lt. Jeffrey S. Postell, PIO
Bureau of Operations and Patrol Services
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
William B. Evans, Chief of the Boston College Police Department is pleased to announcethat a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission isscheduled to arrive on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 to begin examining various aspectsof the Boston College Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations andfacilities.
Verification by the Assessment Team that the Department meets the Commission’sstandards is part of a voluntary process to achieve re-Accreditation -- a self-initiatedevaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standardsthat have been established for the profession, by the profession.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Program consists of 257 mandatory standards aswell as 125 optional standards. In order to achieve accreditation status, the Departmentmust meet all applicable mandatory standards as well as 75 of the optional 125 standards.
The Boston College Police Department started the self-assessment process in 2011, wasawarded Certification in 2013, initial Accreditation in 2014, and re-Accreditation in 2016,and 2019. The review period occurs every three years. Achieving Accreditation is a recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.
Anyone interested in learning more about this program is invited to call Chief Evans orthe Department’s Accreditation Manager, Lt. Laurene Spiess- 617-552-4440.
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – The Boston College Police Department hosted its first Youth Police Academy during the week of August 5th-9th, 2019 with 18 youth cadets from the greater Boston area graduating on Friday, August 9th.
The purpose of the academy was to enable the dedicated youth to become self-assured, caring and disciplined adults in a challenging environment and to instill confidence and courage. Through classroom instruction, lectures, field trips and physical training, the academy fostered in each recruit the ability to approach police officers and nourish a friendship between the youth of the community and police officers.
Our universities mission reminds us that we continue to build upon our traditions, and to fulfill its Jesuit Catholic mission of faith and service. The Youth Police Academy embodied the youth cadets to be men and women for others, develop their minds and talents to the fullest and use them in service to others. The academy also challenged the individual youth to focus on bettering themselves and their communities, through education and service to others.
Youth cadets were identified by members of community youth organizations, and youth service officers. Cadets had to complete an application process which required a 250-500 word essay reflecting the reasoning for their interest, their academic and career goals, and what they hope to obtain from the experience.
“It was a nice way to bring the children from inner city areas and the police together to build and foster positive relationships, while stressing and testing the importance of leadership, care for others and team work,” said Chief William B. Evans.
Cadets had the opportunity to participate in training exercises similar to what actual police academy cadet’s experience. The academy included classroom sessions in criminal and constitutional law, ethics, crime & fire prevention, crime scene investigations, patrol procedures, alcohol education, and CPR/AED certification.
Cadets also participated in physical fitness, ceremony & drill exercises, defensive tactics as well as a ropes challenge and obstacle course. In addition a chance to hear presentations and see demonstrations by 51 Head Football Coach Steve Addazio, UG51 Vice President Tiffany Brooks, Boston PD Gang Unit, Harbor/Marine Unit and K-9.
Cadets participated in a community service outreach program in the South Street area of Boston in conjunction with National Night Out (against crime) where they met Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Suffolk County District Attorney (DA) Rachael Rollins, along with a tour of Gillette Stadium and special meeting with New England Patriots Stephon Gilmore & DevinMcCourty.
“I wish the program was longer than a week, as it is making me re-think about becoming something in law enforcement,” said Youth Cadet Garcia. “Being here at the academy showed me a part of myself that I didn’t know of.” “I have been showed that I’m capable of many things and if I find anything difficult, I keep trying and don’t give up.” Cadet Garcia added.
A huge thank you to Boston College,Boston College Athletics,Boston College Football,Boston College Campus Recreation,Boston College Bookstore,Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UG51),Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.Target,Whole Foods Market,Wegmans,Sandwich Works,Flat Breads, Eagle Obstacles,Armstrong Ambulance Service , MIT Police,Boston Police Department, Robsham Theater,Gillette Stadium,New England Patriots,Skipjack's Patriot Place and Silver City Giftsfor their support of the academy.
For more information on the the Youth Police Academy, please contactLt. Jeff Postell
With busy schedule and even limited hours of daylight, some runners and cyclists find their only time to run or ride is in the darkness of early morning and evenings. Running and riding is always a safer choice, but if you have to run or ride at night or in the early morning, make sure to following these tips.
- Choose well-lit and traveled routes
- Always run against traffic
- Always ride with traffic
- Be visibile
- Watch for vehicles
- Always carry identification with you
- Run/Ride with a buddy
- Carry a cellphone
- Ditch your music, or keep volume level down
- While running make eye contact
- Report supsicious person/circumstances
Additionally, if you are running or riding in the early morning or night time hours, you should consider wearing wearing bright colors and reflective gear.
Unsung Hero: Friendly face in late-night security guard
51 Police Earns Certificate of Certification
51PD Provides Resources to Special Olympics 51
Rebranded Police Program Launched
Student Arrested for Gasson, Stokes Fires
Postell Honored for Community Policing
51PD Police Chief John King Honored for Administrative Excellence