BPD eyeing possible ‘misconduct’ of 4 officers

BPD eyeing possible ‘misconduct’ of 4 officers

By O’Ryan Johnson  |   Friday, February 18, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Local Coverage

A Boston police detective sergeant is on paid leave and three other officers were placed on administrative duty while internal affairs officers and prosecutors investigate allegations of possible “misconduct” related to court appearances, a police statement said.

Officers make overtime pay for court appearances that fall on their days off or at times that are not part of their regular shift, police said.

“At this point we’re trying to determine the facts and circumstances relative to this investigation,” said Boston police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll. “We need to figure this out because we’re concerned that four officers went to court that weren’t supposed to go.”

She said the situation has led the department to audit the system it uses to manage police officers’ court appearances. In a message from Boston police Commissioner Edward Davis to the entire department, Davis said the investigation involves “several” officers from Area E-5 Hyde Park/West Roxbury.

Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley’s office is cooperating with the department and monitoring its investigation, a spokeswoman for the DA confirmed.

“The commissioner has called for an audit of the court reporting system,” she said. “At this point, it’s a citywide audit. It’s just good management, being extraordinarily thorough.”

Gerry Sanfilippo, president of the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, said the union remains firmly behind its members as the investigation moves forward. When called late last night, he declined to comment on the investigation.

“We always support our members to the fullest,” Sanfilippo said.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1317663