Full Answer
How many police officers are there in Boston?
Boston Police Department Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts Police Officers 2,144 Sworn uniformed Police Officers Civilian members 569 Civilian Members Police commissioner responsible vacant 21 more rows ...
How is the Boston Police Department structured?
The BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, with each zone supervised by a Deputy Superintendent and every district headed by a Captain. The Boston Police rank structure is as follows: The Commissioner is appointed by the Mayor of Boston. The Commissioner is the executive head of the department.
Does the Boston Police Department require its officers to live in neighborhoods?
Like all City of Boston departments, the BPD requires all employed officers hired since 1995 to live within Boston city-limits. The BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, with each zone supervised by a Deputy Superintendent and every district headed by a Captain.
How do I contact the Boston Police Department?
Contact. 617-343-4500. [email protected]. Boston Police Headquarters. One Schroeder Plaza. Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120. United States. Public Service Unit COVID-19 office hours. Our office is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
How many officers are there in Boston?
When was the Boston Police Department founded?
What is the oldest police department in the United States?
What happened to the Boston Police Department in 1919?
How many protesters were arrested in Boston in 2011?
Who was the first Irish police officer?
Who is the mayor of Boston in 2021?
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About this website

How many Boston police districts are there?
11 neighborhood districtsThe BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, with each zone supervised by a Deputy Superintendent and every district headed by a Captain.
How many police officers are in Boston Massachusetts?
The 2,181 officers who are under an extension mostly work for the state's two largest police departments, the State Police (980 officers) and Boston Police (882 officers). There are five agencies — Tolland Police, Swampscott Police, Wellesley College, St.
Where is Boston police headquarters?
Boston, MABoston Police Department / Headquarters1 Schroeder Plaza. Located at the geographic heart of the city, as a bridge between Roxbury and the Fenway districts, the new Boston Police Headquarters replaced the previous limestone Renaissance Revival headquarters (1926) at 154 Berkeley Street, since redeveloped as Jurys Boston Hotel (2004, The Architectural Team).
How many police departments are in Massachusetts?
This is a list of law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, the state had 357 law enforcement agencies employing 18,342 sworn police officers, about 280 for each 100,000 residents.
Do you have to live in Boston to be a Boston police officer?
A: Yes, you must be a resident of the City of Boston in order to work for the BPD. You also must have been a resident for at least one year before taking the Civil Service Exam required of all potential officers. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (617) 343-4677.
Is Boston Safe?
According to the WalletHub study, Boston is among the top six cities with the highest number of hate crimes per capita. In terms of traffic fatalities, however, Boston is very safe, placing 4th on the list of cities with the fewest traffic fatalities per capita.
Who is the chief of police in Boston MA?
Michael CoxBoston's new police commissioner, Michael Cox, was the victim of an assault by fellow officers who mistook him for a suspect.
Does Boston have a police commissioner?
Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the appointment of Roxbury native and former Dorchester resident Michael Cox as the 44th Commissioner of the Boston Police Department.
How old is the Boston Police Department?
The Watchmen's responsibilities grew along with the town, which became the City of Boston in 1822. Less than twenty years later, the City founded a police force of six men under the supervision of a City Marshall.
Why are cops called 12?
Police are called 12 as a slang term. According to sources, 12 comes from the police radio code “10-12,” which means that visitors are present in the area where police are going. It's similar to a warning to police that they might have company when they arrive on the scene.
What is the best police department in the US?
America's Best Urban Police Force Is The NYPD | NY Police Department.
How many state troopers are there in MA?
2,187 troopersAt present, it has 2,187 troopers, 1,500 of them being uniformed troopers, and 540 civilian support staff—making it the largest law enforcement agency in New England. The MSP is headed by Colonel Christopher Mason. 6,922,107 (2022 est.)
How many Boston firefighters are there?
1238 FirefightersThe Boston Fire Department has a force of 1238 Firefighters, 214 Lieutenants, 78 Captains, 58 District Chiefs and 14 Deputy Chiefs whom are commanded by Chief John Hasson.
Who is the chief of police in Boston MA?
Michael CoxBoston's new police commissioner, Michael Cox, was the victim of an assault by fellow officers who mistook him for a suspect.
What is the racial makeup of the Boston Police Department?
Area of Focus #1: BPD Racial Demographics 20% of Bostonians identify as Hispanic or Latino, while 10% of sworn officers identify as Hispanic. Black officers are demographically representative of Boston's Black population, while White officers are overrepresented in the police force.
How many police chiefs are there in Massachusetts?
Today, we have thirty-two full time members and are growing as the population is shifting across the state.
Brief history of the Boston Police | Boston.gov
The people of the town of Boston established a Watch in 1631. Shortly after that, the Town Meeting assumed control of the Watch in 1636. Watchmen patrolled the streets of Boston at night to protect the public from criminals, wild animals, and fire.
Boston Police Department - Departmental Organization - LiquiSearch
Departmental Organization. The Boston Police Department is organized into bureaus under the Office of the Police Commissioner. The Chief of Staff, media liaisons and the Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) also operate out of the Commissioner's office.
How many officers are there in Boston?
The Boston Police Department has approximately 2,015 officers and 808 civilian personnel, with patrol services covering an area of 89.6 mi 2 (232.1 km 2) and a population of 617,594. Like all City of Boston departments, the BPD requires all employed officers hired since 1995 to live within Boston city-limits. The BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, with each zone supervised by a Deputy Superintendent and every district headed by a Captain.
When was the Boston Police Department founded?
The Boston Police Department was formally founded in May 1854, at which point both the night watch and Day Police were disbanded. A 14-inch club replaced the old hook and bill, which had been in use for 154 years.
What is the oldest police department in the United States?
The Boston Police Department ( BPD ), dating back to 1838, holds the primary responsibility for law enforcement and investigation within the American city of Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest police department in the United States.
What happened to the Boston Police Department in 1919?
On September 9, 1919, when Police Commissioner Edwin Upton Curtis refused to allow the creation of a police union, 1,117 BPD officers went on strike. This signaled a dramatic shift in traditional labor relations and views on the part of the police, who were unhappy with stagnant wages and poor working conditions. The city soon fell into riots and public chaos as over three-fourths of the department was no longer enforcing public peace. Governor Calvin Coolidge intervened to quash further chaos. Coolidge announced that the police did not have the right to strike against the public safety and brought in the state national guard to restore order to Boston. The strike was broken, permanently, when Coolidge hired replacement police officers, many of whom were returning servicemen from World War I, and the former officers were refused re-entry into the department. Ironically, the new officers hired in the wake of the strike received higher salaries, more vacation days and city-provided uniforms, the very demands the original strikers were requesting. The BPD strike set a precedent for further movements to stymie police unionization around the country.
How many protesters were arrested in Boston in 2011?
In the early hours of October 11, 2011, Boston Police and Transit Police moved into the protesters' secondary camp, arresting approximately 100 protesters.
Who was the first Irish police officer?
On November 3, 1851, the first Irish-born Boston Police officer, Bernard "Barney" McGinniskin, was appointed. His presence generated considerable controversy. The Boston Pilot wrote, "He is the first Irishman that ever carried the stick of a policeman anywhere in this country, and meetings, even Faneuil Hall meetings, have been held to protect against the appointment." At the time, the police salary of $2.00 a day for the morning and afternoon beat and $1.20 for the night watch was nearly twice as high as the wages of laborers. City Marshal Francis Tukey resisted mayor John Prescott Bigelow 's appointment of McGinniskin, expressing the predominant anti-Irish sentiments in the city by arguing it was done at "the expense of an American." On January 5, 1852, shortly before the newly elected mayor Benjamin Seaver (who had been supported by Tukey) took office, Tukey fired McGinniskin without giving a reason. After criticism in the press, Seaver reinstated McGinniskin, who remained in the police until the 1854 anti-Irish groundswell of the Know Nothing /American Party movement, when in the words of the Boston Pilot, "Mr. McGinniskin was discharged from the Boston Police for no other reason than he was a Catholic and born in Ireland." McGinniskin became a United States inspector at the customhouse and died of rheumatism on March 2, 1868. McGinniskin is buried in the St. Augustine Cemetery in South Boston.
Who is the mayor of Boston in 2021?
Following the abrupt resignation of commissioner William G. Gross at the end of January 2021, mayor Marty Walsh quickly named superintendent Dennis White to succeed Gross. White was sworn in on February 1, 2021. Two days later, White was placed on leave due to "the handling of a 1999 allegation of domestic violence" against White coming to light. The city of Boston subsequently hired an independent attorney to conduct an investigation; meanwhile, Walsh resigned as mayor upon his confirmation as United States Secretary of Labor. Results of the investigation were released in mid-May, followed by several legal actions by White's attorney seeking to block the city from terminating White. Ultimately, acting mayor Kim Janey fired White on June 7, 2021.
What is Boston Police Department?
The Boston Police Department is dedicated to working in partnership with the community to fight crime. We work to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
What is a civilian job in Boston?
A civilian career in law enforcement is a great opportunity to give back to your community through your contributions to the Boston Police. You can search for open positions through the City's Career Center.
What is the job of the Bureau of Personnel?
The bureau is responsible for providing training to all personnel.
When was the Boston Police Class photograph taken?
Scope and Contents Includes photograph of Boston Police Class, 1945 January 6 and 9 photographs of car accident possibly on Alford Street, Charlestown circa 1935.
Which act gave the mayor the power to appoint police officers?
Chapter 123 of the Acts of 1838 granted the Mayor and Aldermen the power to appoint police officers with all or any of the powers of the constables except the power of serving and executing any civil process.
What documents were used in the Roxbury riots?
Scope and Contents note This series contains a wide variety of documents relating to both the 1967 and 1968 riots, including but not limited to: fire reports, auditor reports, case law, police journals, and damage claims. All files are created and organized by the original creator, Theodore R. Stanley, who acted as Assistant Corporation Counsel. Mr. Stanley represented several businesses in the Blue Hill Avenue of Roxbury, many of whom still exist, who were bringing a suit to the city for damage compensation following...
How many officers are there in Boston?
The Boston Police Department has approximately 2,015 officers and 808 civilian personnel, with patrol services covering an area of 89.6 mi 2 (232.1 km 2) and a population of 617,594. Like all City of Boston departments, the BPD requires all employed officers hired since 1995 to live within Boston city-limits. The BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, with each zone supervised by a Deputy Superintendent and every district headed by a Captain.
When was the Boston Police Department founded?
The Boston Police Department was formally founded in May 1854, at which point both the night watch and Day Police were disbanded. A 14-inch club replaced the old hook and bill, which had been in use for 154 years.
What is the oldest police department in the United States?
The Boston Police Department ( BPD ), dating back to 1838, holds the primary responsibility for law enforcement and investigation within the American city of Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest police department in the United States.
What happened to the Boston Police Department in 1919?
On September 9, 1919, when Police Commissioner Edwin Upton Curtis refused to allow the creation of a police union, 1,117 BPD officers went on strike. This signaled a dramatic shift in traditional labor relations and views on the part of the police, who were unhappy with stagnant wages and poor working conditions. The city soon fell into riots and public chaos as over three-fourths of the department was no longer enforcing public peace. Governor Calvin Coolidge intervened to quash further chaos. Coolidge announced that the police did not have the right to strike against the public safety and brought in the state national guard to restore order to Boston. The strike was broken, permanently, when Coolidge hired replacement police officers, many of whom were returning servicemen from World War I, and the former officers were refused re-entry into the department. Ironically, the new officers hired in the wake of the strike received higher salaries, more vacation days and city-provided uniforms, the very demands the original strikers were requesting. The BPD strike set a precedent for further movements to stymie police unionization around the country.
How many protesters were arrested in Boston in 2011?
In the early hours of October 11, 2011, Boston Police and Transit Police moved into the protesters' secondary camp, arresting approximately 100 protesters.
Who was the first Irish police officer?
On November 3, 1851, the first Irish-born Boston Police officer, Bernard "Barney" McGinniskin, was appointed. His presence generated considerable controversy. The Boston Pilot wrote, "He is the first Irishman that ever carried the stick of a policeman anywhere in this country, and meetings, even Faneuil Hall meetings, have been held to protect against the appointment." At the time, the police salary of $2.00 a day for the morning and afternoon beat and $1.20 for the night watch was nearly twice as high as the wages of laborers. City Marshal Francis Tukey resisted mayor John Prescott Bigelow 's appointment of McGinniskin, expressing the predominant anti-Irish sentiments in the city by arguing it was done at "the expense of an American." On January 5, 1852, shortly before the newly elected mayor Benjamin Seaver (who had been supported by Tukey) took office, Tukey fired McGinniskin without giving a reason. After criticism in the press, Seaver reinstated McGinniskin, who remained in the police until the 1854 anti-Irish groundswell of the Know Nothing /American Party movement, when in the words of the Boston Pilot, "Mr. McGinniskin was discharged from the Boston Police for no other reason than he was a Catholic and born in Ireland." McGinniskin became a United States inspector at the customhouse and died of rheumatism on March 2, 1868. McGinniskin is buried in the St. Augustine Cemetery in South Boston.
Who is the mayor of Boston in 2021?
Following the abrupt resignation of commissioner William G. Gross at the end of January 2021, mayor Marty Walsh quickly named superintendent Dennis White to succeed Gross. White was sworn in on February 1, 2021. Two days later, White was placed on leave due to "the handling of a 1999 allegation of domestic violence" against White coming to light. The city of Boston subsequently hired an independent attorney to conduct an investigation; meanwhile, Walsh resigned as mayor upon his confirmation as United States Secretary of Labor. Results of the investigation were released in mid-May, followed by several legal actions by White's attorney seeking to block the city from terminating White. Ultimately, acting mayor Kim Janey fired White on June 7, 2021.
Overview
Departmental organization
The Boston Police Department has approximately 2,015 officers and 808 civilian personnel, with patrol services covering an area of 89.6 mi (232.1 km ) and a population of 617,594. Like all City of Boston departments, the BPD requires all employed officers hired since 1995 to live within Boston city-limits. The BPD is divided into three zones and 11 neighborhood districts spread across the city, …
History
Before the existence of a formal police department, the first night watch was established in Boston in 1635. In 1703, pay in the sum of 35 shillings a month was set for members of the night watch. In 1796, the watch was reorganized, and the watchmen carried a badge of office, a rattle, and a six-foot pole, which was painted blue and white with a hook on one end and a bill on the other. The hook was used to grab fleeing criminals, and the rounded "bill" was used as a weapon…
Equipment
The Boston Police uses the following vehicles.
• Ford Police Interceptor SUV – Current issue patrol car.
• Chevy Caprice Current issue patrol car.
• Chevy Impala Current issue patrol car.
Demographics
By gender
• Male: 84%
• Female: 16%
By race
• White: 65.5%
Fictional portrayals
The Boston Police Department has been portrayed in several prominent motion pictures including Patriots Day, Gone Baby Gone, Mystic River, The Departed, Edge of Darkness, Blown Away, The Brink's Job, That's My Boy, R.I.P.D., The Heat, the second "X-Men" film X2 (film), What's The Worst That Could Happen?, The Boondock Saints, Spenser Confidential, Surrogates, and The Town. BPD is also featured in the television series Spenser: For Hire, Rizzoli & Isles, Leverage, Crossing Jordan, F…
See also
• List of law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts
• Boston Police Special Operations Unit
• Boston Marathon bombing
Further reading
• Francis Russell. A City in Terror: Calvin Coolidge and the 1919 Boston Police Strike (Boston: Beacon Press, 1975, ISBN 978-0-8070-5033-0).