Dear Representative Pressley:

I am writing on behalf of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association to strongly protest your decision to urge your constituents to contribute to a bail fund for protesters arrested this weekend during the Straight Pride rally in downtown Boston. The Police are assigned to work at these kind of events in order to keep the peace and control any crowds or disorder. Whether someone was there as part of the rally or as a counter protest, the Boston Police officers are there to treat all the same and to maintain order. My members have informed me that the individuals who were arrested on Saturday were not peaceful protesters but were committing crimes of assault against Boston Police Officers. In fact at least four officers were injured by actions of some of the protesters. These officers were screamed at, abused and fought by these so-called peaceful protesters. Your actions in support of these individuals serves only to encourage criminal and disruptive behaviors such as those suffered by my members this weekend. This attitude also further contributes to the growing we/they attitude against police officers in this Country. As an elected official and particularly as someone who has historically worked with the Boston Police Department and the BPPA as a member of the Boston City Council you should be working to encourage Boston city residents and visitors to respect and cooperate with Boston Police officers who are there to serve and protect. The BPPA supports the right of free speech, but free speech does not include the right to abuse and assault the men and women who are appointed to keep the peace.

I urge you to reconsider your support of the protest bail fund. Instead, I hope you will make it clear to your supporters that you don’t approve of violent behavior against public safety personnel.

Sincerely,
Michael Leary
President
Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association