Police commissioner's memo

Here is the Commissioner’s Edward F. Davis' memo on planned layoffs.

SUBJECT: FY2010 BUDGET CUTS

On July 1, 2009, the Department will be making necessary budget cuts for FY2010. The current fiscal crisis that has plagued the country has left the City of Boston with no choice but to reduce personnel and non-personnel costs.

At this time the Boston Police Department will be eliminating civilian positions and disbanding and relocating units. However, it is still unclear whether any additional cuts will be necessary during FY2010.

40 police cadets will be laid off as of July 1, 2009 and 4 police cadets will remain with the Department until January, 2010 to allow them to complete the 2 year cadet program.

The Mounted Unit will be disbanded. 9 hostlers and 1 storekeeper will be laid off as of July 1, 2009. The 10 officers and 1 supervisor currently assigned to the Mounted Unit will be redeployed to the Districts.

The Operations Division Neighborhood Interaction Unit that is responsible for taking calls on minor offenses and property crimes will be disbanded. 10 civilians will be laid off as of July 1, 2009. Those calls will be handled by the Districts.

The Hancock Street facility will be closed as of July 1, 2009. A number of options for relocation are currently being evaluated.

The Anti-Corruption Unit will be moved to another location.

The City’s Labor Relations Department is actively negotiating with Department employee unions. Federal funding made available to the City has decreased the likelihood and scope of layoffs of sworn personnel. No final decisions can be made until the status of federal funding has been determined and negotiations with public safety unions has been completed.

While we recognize the important contributions these units have made to the City of Boston, these difficult and trying times necessitate this action. The Department’s Human Resources Division is working closely with the City to ensure that those most impacted by these budget cuts are provided with as much information and assistance as possible. I will continue to update you as more information becomes available.


Edward F. Davis
Police Commissioner