PRESIDENT MEETS MASS LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICY GROUP

Possible Collaborations On Selective Initiatives Discussed

President Dennis Galvin traveled to Dedham today to meet with members of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Policy Group (MLEPG). Galvin met with MLEPG Chairman Larry Calderone and Vice Chairman John Nelson. Also at the meeting were MLEPG members Mike Perreira and Jamie Kenneally. Larry Calderone is a Boston Police officer and a member of the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, John Nelson is former Peabody police officer and currently Vice President of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police (MASSCOPS), one of the largest police unions in the state. Mike Perreira is a former Fall River Police officer and serves as an area representative for MASSCOPS. Jamie Kenneally is a Boston Police officer and a member of the Boston Police Patrolman’s Association.

This meeting had been planned for weeks and it finally came to fruition. The discussion was lively and very informative. After a mutual exchange of information about each respective organization, a larger discussion ensued over the state of policing in Massachusetts and what the future might bring. There was a general consensus that the police service in the state needs a network of credible advocates to help guide the formulation of public policy regarding the police mission. MLEPG formed to address this and has enthusiastically extended an invitation to MAPLE to consider affiliation. The MLEPG members share the same concerns as MAPLE with regard to the public image and support of the police service. An invitation to both Chairman Calderone and Vice Chair Nelson was extended to speak at MAPLE’s fall general meeting, as we explore the details of affiliation. There will be much more to come on this issue.

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Picture: John Nelson left, Dennis Galvin center, Larry Caldrerone right