UPDATE: The Boston Police Department faces a serious crisis as officers are reportedly refusing to cooperate with investigations conducted by the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT). This alarming situation was revealed in a letter from the Civilian Review Board, sent to Police Commissioner Michael Cox on September 11, 2023, highlighting “widespread refusal” among officers to engage in necessary interviews.
The refusal to cooperate comes in the aftermath of heightened demands for police accountability following the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Boston established OPAT to ensure transparency and address community concerns. However, this latest development raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of these reforms in fostering trust between the community and law enforcement.
According to Evandro Carvalho, OPAT’s Executive Director, the oversight board has received over 450 complaints against police conduct, but many officers have largely ignored requests for participation in investigations. Carvalho stated, “Generally speaking, they have not been participating, but some have.” The board is composed of Boston residents who evaluate whether disciplinary action or policy changes are necessary based on the complaints.
The letter to Commissioner Cox reveals deep frustration within the Civilian Review Board regarding his lack of response to recommendations, with some issues remaining unresolved for more than a year. While the board sustained eight out of 19 cases reviewed between July 2024 and June 2025, the actions taken haven’t matched the severity of recommended discipline. For example, suspensions recommended ranged from one to 20 days for six officers, raising concerns about the accountability measures in place.
The Civilian Review Board has pointed out that Black Bostonians accounted for 46% of the complaints, which correlates with a disproportionate share of arrests and use-of-force incidents. The neighborhoods most affected include Dorchester, Roxbury, and South End, where the highest volumes of complaints and enforcement actions are recorded.
In a troubling revelation, the letter states that one sustained finding by the board was “effectively undone” by Commissioner Cox, undermining the board’s authority and creating a perception of a lack of accountability. The board expressed serious concern over the current situation, stating, “Your ignoring and not even responding for more than a year to some CRB recommendations undermines the values of accountability, transparency, and public trust.”
As this situation develops, OPAT awaits a response from Commissioner Cox, expected next week. The public and community leaders are now watching closely to see whether Boston’s police leadership will take these concerns seriously and implement necessary changes.
The implications of this refusal to cooperate are profound, potentially affecting trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. With community members calling for accountability, the Boston Police Department’s next steps will be critical in shaping the future of policing in the city.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
