9 Boston police officers arrested in connection with overtime fraud scheme (lawyers, costs)

[Boston Shudra]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

The latter isn't spending taxed revenue. BPD has also been bagged cooking OT multiple times and, every time, the 'media' has rightfully reported it.

Based on past exposés, $200k between 9 people does seem a little low. In any case, it’s good that they got caught. Even if it seems low, that’s still $200k taxpayer dollars that could’ve been used in a multitude of other ways. Every penny counts.

[jayrandom]

Originally Posted by Boston Shudra

Based on past exposés, $200k between 9 people does seem a little low. In any case, it’s good that they got caught. Even if it seems low, that’s still $200k taxpayer dollars that could’ve been used in a multitude of other ways. Every penny counts.

How expensive do you think the investigation was? The subsequent prosecution? If this doesn’t have a deterrent effect, I’d guess it’s going to be a net money loser. Perhaps it will allow reforms that could save far more than the $200k, though.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by NatalieJastrow

I just hope they are reviewing social programs with this kind of fine tooth comb. Bet there is a lot more graft there.

.

Exactly. Look I am no fan of cops but recognize they are needed and not a lot of people want to do the job. You might complain about their salary but just a few years ago the complaint was corruption of cops by their being vulnerable to bad guys paying them off.

If you hate cops.. what is YOUR solution?

A good start would be an independent and robust public oversight board. The current Ombudsman Panel has very limited powers and cannot investigate misconduct, recommend discipline, or push back on misconduct dismissals ... it's effectively a feel good campaign run by the BPD.

Police are needed, in some capacity, but there needs to be real reform ... both policy and culture ... so that PDs can attract and/or retain the "good actors". I know a few sub-35 LEOs who have either made career shifts or are considering it as they feel they are being squeezed between a public optics issue and PD unions/culture which are unwilling to address said optics issues. The strong push back on LEOs who passively support BLM (i.e., seeking solidarity), both here and elsewhere, really highlights the deeply entrenched culture issues.

"whistle blow" = unemployed.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by massnative71

Apples and oranges. You cannot expect most cops (or firefighters/EMTs) to work in the trenches until 65 like a state office worker, for instance. Yes it might be due for pension reform, although with that keep in mind that it's the all they have for retirement. As with state workers, they are not in Social Security nor do they get a 401K match.

Not really, you can work until you are 65 if you want and in fact you may have to if for whatever reason you started working late for the police and want full pension. So that's not the issue.

And BTW, do you want to make a list of jobs that don't have that privilege and are much more taxing on your body? Because there's a lot of them.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by NatalieJastrow

Truth is... we have many ways for those who are engaging in misconduct to be taken to task. The problem is typically it turns out that those making the allegations are wrong and criminals and every single time, when the facts are presented in a fair forum... the finding is for the police officers... and criminals and miscreants don't like that.

No, problem is that investigating your misconduct is your buddy when you are involved somehow with law enforcement. Remember how hard everyone from AG down worked to cover the fake drug tests 10 years ago?

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by Shrewsburried

A good start would be an independent and robust public oversight board. The current Ombudsman Panel has very limited powers and cannot investigate misconduct, recommend discipline, or push back on misconduct dismissals ... it's effectively a feel good campaign run by the BPD.

Police are needed, in some capacity, but there needs to be real reform ... both policy and culture ... so that PDs can attract and/or retain the "good actors". I know a few sub-35 LEOs who have either made career shifts or are considering it as they feel they are being squeezed between a public optics issue and PD unions/culture which are unwilling to address said optics issues. The strong push back on LEOs who passively support BLM (i.e., seeking solidarity), both here and elsewhere, really highlights the deeply entrenched culture issues.

"whistle blow" = unemployed.

PD unions should be discouraged. Like it is for the military.

[Shrewsburried]

Originally Posted by NatalieJastrow

Why do you feel that will do anything positive? It will just make sure that no one wants to be a cop. No one wants to have every single thing they do investigated?

People also don't wish to work in environments overrun with corruption and nepotism.

A transparent PD force encourages enrollment by improving optics within the public domain.

[Lampert]

Originally Posted by NatalieJastrow

How many people do you have to investigate YOUR job?

Like for anyone else, in case I did something potentially criminal the police would come out and conduct an investigation. Except they would be a lot more thorough than if doing an investigation on someone they know and someone that may potentially investigate them 1 year later.

[Cantabridgienne]

Poor cops, being investigated for their stealing and murdering.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by Lampert

Not really, you can work until you are 65 if you want and in fact you may have to if for whatever reason you started working late for the police and want full pension. So that's not the issue.

And BTW, do you want to make a list of jobs that don't have that privilege and are much more taxing on your body? Because there's a lot of them.

It's not just the physical toll, it also comes with extreme mental stress. Yes being a coal miner wears the body down more than working law enforcement. Not the point. Thing is, do you want a 65 year old police officer with arthritis and high blood pressure fighting alone with a 6'5" 250 lb guy high on crack and backup is still 5 minutes away. It's just a liability. I heard somewhere that the average life expectancy of a cop or firefighter is a good 10 years less than the general population. Shouldn't they be entitled to a few years of enjoyment and relaxation after leaving the street? Those serving in the military get to retire younger as well, same concept. I imagine you have a similar resentment against them?

Originally Posted by Lampert

Like for anyone else, in case I did something potentially criminal the police would come out and conduct an investigation. Except they would be a lot more thorough than if doing an investigation on someone they know and someone that may potentially investigate them 1 year later.

But do you work in a job where you walk around with a big target on your back, where not only is your employer out to burn you but also the public? My guess is that whatever you do, do your job 100% by the book you will for the most part remain off the radar. It doesn't work like that with the police.