The police union filed an injunction after 100 officers were assigned to wear body-cameras as part of a pilot program. If we don’t challenge the City when they violate signed agreements, then how can we enforce agreements in the future? But Judge Douglas Wilkins ruled Friday that Evans has the authority to order officers to wear cameras. After police and union officials struck a deal this summer, the program was first meant to be volunteer-based: 100 officers would step up to be fitted with cameras for six-months, and for their efforts be awarded a $500 stipend.
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Patrick Rose, the head of the union, expressed disappointment in the ruling through a statement.
The Boston Police Department’s superintendent-in-chief, as well as seven other members of its command staff, will be trained on and equipped with body cameras as they patrol the city, the police commissioner announced Thursday.
The eight high-ranking officers won’t be considered part of the hundred slated to take part in the study pilot program, Evans said, but added he felt that it was nevertheless important for his command staff to lead by example.
In the wake of high-profile officer-involved shootings across the country over the past few years, advocates nationwide have called for increased transparency from police departments.
That prompted the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Union to ask a judge to issue an injunction to halt the program until details can be renegotiated.
The city argued the police union has been actively discouraging members from participating. Officers were assigned after no one volunteered.
Be Civil – It’s OK to have a difference in opinion but there’s no need to be a jerk.
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But after no officers volunteered, Commissioner William Evans ordered officers to wear the cameras.
