Investments to Strengthen Public Safety Recommended by Mayor

A series of public safety recommendations relating to many objectives are included in the City of Boston Fiscal Year 2019 (FY 19) operating budget and capital budget submitted by Mayor Martin Walsh.

Proposed funding will support prevention initiatives and community engagement programs by adding additional officers and cadets, strengthening of trauma supports and the implementation of police body cameras through a series of investments aimed at supporting public safety for a growing city.

The funding will also further the Boston Police Department’s ongoing work in strengthening community relationships and prevention programs while securing a force reflective of the communities they serve, keeping residents safe and healthy.

Public safety is usually the most important message North End/Waterfront residents mentioned at the Boston Police District A1 monthly meetings hosted by the North End/Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA), chaired by David Marx.

Commanding Officer, Captain William Fong and his staff present monthly Part 1 crime statistics and listen to resident’s suggestions to further prevent crime in the district.

“Every resident of our city should feel safe in their neighborhood,” Mayor Walsh noted. “Which is why we are investing in the full spectrum of public safety in this year’s budget, from prevention to intervention enforcement and mental health.”

The investment in the recommended Mayor’s budget represents a 3.8 percent or $14.6 million increase over the previous fiscal year.

            Included in the FY 19-23 capital plan, the City and BPS will increase its investment in school security to a total of $5 million, representing a $2 million increase from the previous year. The project upgrades external and internal doors, locks and key cards, intercom, motion detectors and cameras. Additionally, $2 million will be allocated for the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to begin planning for the installation of additional security cameras at BHA locations.