BOSTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement regarding the Boston Police’s handling of the allegations made against retired officer and former union president Patrick Rose.

“The disturbing reports about the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) handling of the allegations made against Patrick Rose, former president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, are the latest example of the desperate need for greater transparency, increased oversight and a fundamental change in culture.

“That Boston Police leadership for decades would knowingly protect an alleged child abuser and allow him to ascend through their ranks is an alarming violation of public trust, and there must be accountability. It is well known in community that claims directly to internal affairs at BPD are often met with no recourse, consequences or accountability. To ensure transparency and prevent something like this from ever happening again, the BPD must immediately release any and all records related to its internal investigation of Mr. Rose, and we must have a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into how these alleged abuses were covered up for so long. The findings of such investigation must lead to changes in personnel, in practices, and in law.

“We must fight for justice and healing for Mr. Rose’s victims—and for everyone in Boston abused at the hands of law enforcement. Our communities deserve nothing less.”

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