Walczak to Release Public Safety Platform to Address Violent Crime, Says if Elected, Would Ask Commissioner Davis to Remain in Post

BOSTON -- Wednesday, June 26, 2013 -- In the wake of a heinous triple murder over this past weekend, Mayoral Candidate, Bill Walczak, said today that, if elected, he would ask Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis to remain on as Commissioner.  “Violent crime is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive, coordinated response and a close working relationship between community residents and the police.   Throughout his tenure, Commissioner Davis has worked very effectively with community residents, other City agencies and other law enforcement organizations to address violence on several fronts.  And his steady hand and reassuring presence in the wake of the Marathon bombing helped Bostonians maintain a strong sense of community during a time of great tragedy.  The homicides that took place this past weekend are a reminder that that Boston continues to need a steady, experienced hand.”

“I share the concerns that have been raised about the number of violent incidents that have occurred in our neighborhoods since the Marathon bombing.  And I believe the openness and data-driven analysis that have been the hallmarks of Commission Davis’s tenure can be enhanced by taking greater advantage of social media to keep neighborhood residents informed about crimes in their communities.  Mayor Menino created Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics to deliver transformative city services.  One of my first executive orders as Mayor will be to have Commissioner Davis and the Urban Mechanics Office to create an e-alert system that uses GPS to notify residents in real time about crimes in their neighborhood using cellphones, text messages, twitter and email."

“During my tenure as Board President of Codman Academy Charter Public School,  I have witnessed first-hand Commissioner Davis’ proactive leadership and effective use of crime data to improve public safety for our all our citizens, including our youth.  In particular, BPD’s advice that 4-7 pm is the most high risk time of day for adolescents prompted Codman Academy to start a summer program for teens with The Huntington Theatre from 4-7 pm.   As Mayor, I would work with Commissioner Davis to advocate for expansion of after-school and summer job, as well as art and recreation, opportunities that maximize youth potential and minimize opportunities to get involved in less productive pursuits.”

"As Vice President of the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association, I worked with the Dorchester Reporter and Boston Police to review, on an almost daily basis, the date, time, place and nature of the crimes that took place in the Columbia-Savin Hill area, and made the information available through email several times a week.   We now have the technology to be able inform all Boston residents about crimes in real time and in a way that can enhance public safety."

“I believe Boston has the talent and know-how to be among the safest cities in the country.  And I look forward to working with dedicated public servants like Ed Davis to bring about the kind of urban innovation that will keep Boston at the forefront of this country’s, and the world’s, great cities.”