From left, are Kate Cubeta, Pearl Morrison, Lee Phenner in back with Ann Mathes in front, Janice Bakey, Regina Caines and Capt. James Curran. / Alberto Guzman photo
The Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee went off-script, but in a positive direction: Instead of waiting until its annual Town Hall event in January, members gathered in the community room of police headquarters to honor the rank-and-file officers.
The Arlington Police Department “is only as good as the trust the community places in it,” Chief Fred Ryan told a room crowded with blue, reflecting an afternoon shift change on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
“We have an unwavering commitment to impartial policing.”
Among committee members listening were Pearl Morrison, a 45-year town resident who is a fixture at the January King birthday observances, Janice Bakey, a former School Committee member. Both are married to now-retired officers.
Kate Cubeta read a proclamation, which she was credited as having written, with much editing help. The plaque with its words was presented to Capt. James Curran, who leads the Community Services Division. Here is the full text:
“In 2008 the Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Observance Committee honored Arlington Police Chief Fred Ryan for his inspired leadership and dedication to improving police practices and reducing racism. His conscientious reforms and articulate outreach have brought him regional, national and international recognition.
“Just how do Chief Ryan’s personal convictions translate into fair and just policing on the streets of our town?
“If you’re an Arlington police officer, you’re asked to rise to higher expectations. You undergo more training than officers in many other towns, such as training on unconscious bias and on de-escalating incidents without force. You’ve learned the value of taking the time to apologize if you stopped someone in error.
“Now Arlington is a Sanctuary Town, so you must refrain from asking for citizen status. Being fair and impartial is indeed complicated. There is no settling for the status quo. Preparedness and continuous improvement are the goals.
“As an Arlington police officer, Chief Ryan’s policies have your success and well-being in mind, as well. You are now safer answering domestic-abuse calls because a social worker may come along to help negotiate the problem. Also, you will have better odds of saving a life from overdose with a ready dose of the antidote Narcan, and the real-time information from the Overdose Detection Mapping Application. Arlington was quick to adopt this latest tech advance in combating opioid abuse.
“If you are an officer assigned to the police substation at Menotomy Manor, you may enjoy handing out Popsicles and getting to know the kids who drop in and stay to do their homework there. Your community outreach throughout the town has led to the increased collaboration of departments and civic groups. You have developed the understanding, sensitivity, and trust essential to achieving equitable protection and to reducing crime. Citizens reach for their phones and call you for help because they have confidence in your abilities.
“Another praiseworthy aspect of your job is what you do after you catch an offender. Now the victim and perpetrator of a crime in Arlington may pursue Restorative Justice rather than the standard, impersonal legal process for the offense. With this option, the negotiated punishment fits the crime; the wronged gets more peace of mind, while the wrongdoer submits to appropriate and meaningful consequences, so he or she is far less likely to repeat the offense. This method has proven to reduce recidivism. Hats off to you for this progressive and rehabilitating police work.
“Chief Ryan’s initiatives bear fruit, so it is high time to recognize the sterling work of his police force. The officers on the beat deserve our respect and gratitude as they negotiate for peace and confront danger on our behalf. They keep us as safe as they can, at considerable risk to themselves, in these tumultuous times.
“May this recognition inform our citizenry and bolster the resolve of our dedicated police force.
“Respectfully Yours,
“The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance Committee, 2017”
During the week that the committee conferred this honor, The Boston Globe published a seven-part Spotlight Team report about racism in Boston.
This news summary was published Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017.
