LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Expressing concerns that Boston's police department is currently understaffed to adequately handle the demands of the upcoming Democratic National Convention, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) gave its support to the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA) movement to recruit police organizations all across the country to protest the Democratic National Convention in Boston in late July.
"Based upon our experience in Los Angeles in 2000 when the city played host to the Democratic National Convention, we understand the intense requirements placed on police officers to handle not only the needs of the delegates attending the convention and the protestors free to demonstrate outside the convention, but also the regular public safety demands of the city," said Bob Baker, President of the LAPPL. "It is unacceptable for the public safety of Boston's residents and visitors to be put in jeopardy, when the leadership of the city has the ability to implement measures to ensure adequate police resources will be available to guarantee public safety during the event."
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has cited budget issues for his cuts to the police ranks and his unwillingness to award a competitive contract to officers, even though the Boston balance sheet shows nearly $500 million in unreserved cash. The police officers have been offered a three-year contract providing for a 0% raise and a one-time $2,500 bonus to each officer. The DNC will place extraordinary strains on the public safety needs of Boston. Until Boston police officers are given a fair contract and they are guaranteed overtime pay for their additional service during the upcoming DNC, the Los Angeles Police Protective League urges its members and supporters to boycott the convention.
The BPPA launched its recruitment campaign with a new Web site, www.boston04.net, and a full-page advertisement in American Police Beat, the nation's largest newspaper targeted to law enforcement. In the first two days of the campaign, the BPPA received committed support from 18 police associations in nine states with membership conservatively estimated at 60,000 law enforcement professionals. The recruitment effort is expected to reach approximately 300,000 police union members nationwide, with several organizations already committing to send members to protest in Boston during the DNC, should the current issues go unresolved.
"We stand in solidarity with our fellow officers in Boston," said Baker. "We hope the leaders of Boston will follow the example of leaders in New York who are preparing for the Republican National Convention and ensure that adequate funds and officer resources are dedicated to providing a consistent or increased level of security during the convention. Mayor Menino's current attitude toward the officers of the city shows a blatant disregard for the safety of Boston's residents and the visitors to the DNC."
"The BPPA is proud to be joined by the Los Angeles Police Protective League in our campaign to protest Mayor Menino's decision to place his fame and his legacy ahead of the safety and livelihood of Boston's residents and Boston's public employees," said Tom Nee, President of the BPPA and the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). "Police officers from every corner of America will band together to show the nation that public safety comes first."
About the LAPPL
Formed in 1922, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,000 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com