Crime & Safety
Boston Police Commissioner Stands By Statement Criticizing ACLU
Police Commissioner William Gross doubled down on his criticism of an ACLU lawsuit over the city's gang database this week.
BOSTON – Boston Police Commissioner William Gross is defending a message he posted to his Facebook page criticizing the American Civil Liberties Union, which has brought a lawsuit against the Boston Police department.
Just before 3 p.m. Saturday, Gross took to his private Facebook feed to lash out at the ACLU for what he said was a failing to support police or to better the local community and instead “hiding and waiting for a slow news day to justify their existence.”
He called the ACLU “paper warriors.”
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Talking to reporters Tuesday, Gross said the post has been taken out of context and those who criticize the police department should walk a mile in law enforcement shoes when it comes to combating crime and violence.
“I was simply on my Facebook page talking to my friends saying, ‘Don’t get dejected. You can sue us all day. Don’t get dejected. Your voices will be heard,’” Gross said.
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The ACLU said over the weekend Gross was trying to distract people from actual purpose of the lawsuit.
“Commissioner Gross’ accusations appear to be nothing more than an attempt to divert attention from the serious issues raised by an ACLU lawsuit," the ACLU said in a statement to the Herald, which also reported that the mayor stayed neutral.
Related:
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against Boston Police
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