Brothers and Sisters,

Last week the Massachusetts State Senate voted 30-7 to pass bill S. 2820 (An Act to reform police standards and shift resources to build a more equitable, fair and just commonwealth that values Black lives and communities of color). The vote took place without any public hearings or the submission of written testimony from the public or law enforcement agencies. The  bill was then sent to the House Of Representatives, in which written testimony was allowed to be submitted until last Friday at 11am. The following is the transcript of the testimony our attorney’s office had submitted to the House on behalf of our Association:

“Subject: S2820

Our firm represents the MBTA Police Association and MBTA Sergeants Association. Both our clients and our firm oppose this bill in its current form as it frustrates the police’s ability to execute their duties safely.  While we agree, some reform is necessary, this bill is being rushed without public hearing and the valuable input of law enforcement officials who have dedicated their lives for the protection of our entire community.

 We encourage you to delay this bill until a public hearing can be held and testimony of law enforcement professionals be heard. Thank you.”

A vote will be held by The House tomorrow on this bill. Our Association has since joined a growing number of Police Unions that is being referred to as the “Legislative Coalition” being led by the BPD Patrol Association. 

We will continue to update you on any progress made, as well as the results of the vote, and subsequent impact on our department. As always please feel free to reach out to an E-Board member with any questions or concerns.

Fraternally,

The E-Board

Dear Members:

As you well know, whether it is from Covid-19 or the social movement, your profession is incredibly challenging right now.  We have spoken with the Command Staff regarding the present situation.  We agree that it is important to maintain social distancing and limit interaction with the general public.  Therefore, while it is important to answer all calls and render aid and protection when needed, as a general rule, social distancing should be maintained and contact with the public limited. It is important that we do not interfere or being seen as interfering with the appropriate exercise of First Amendment rights by individuals or groups.  It is in everyone's interest that the protesters not see the police as an impediment to their rights.

Unfortunately, we have to anticipate that anti-police activists will harass, threaten and target police and possibly your families. Police unions are recommending that police officers limit social media activity and remove any personal information.

In addition you should expect a heightened review of all uses of force and the corresponding use of force reports. If you have to use any force, make sure it is completely justifiable and warranted.  Make sure you go home safely to your family at the end of the tour.

Fraternally,

The E-Board

Brothers and Sisters,

We write to you in these trying times to address the decision put fourth by the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board. It was reported last night that the FMCB had voted to not allow the use of MBTA Buses in support of the efforts to police the numerous protests being held throughout the Commonwealth. For those of you who have not yet read about this decision, a link to a news article detailing it will be attached. 

We have been assured by the administration that operations for our department have not changed, and MBTA Buses will still be utilized to transport our Officers to and from any protest, in order to protect our ridership and infrastructure, if the need arises. Although we have been assured of this support for our department, we strongly disagree with the actions taken by the FMCB in abandoning our fellow law enforcement agencies, as well as the communities those agencies are putting their Officers at risk, trying to protect. Although we strongly support and will defend the First Amendment, many of us have seen first hand how quickly peaceful protest can turn dangerous not only for law enforcement, but for the very people who are wishing to peacefully participate.. 

To that end, we have authored and  sent them a letter stating our opposition to this, and strongly urging them to reconsider their decision.  It should be noted that the president of local 589 had reached out to our E-Board expressing his opposition to this as well. They argued to continue being utilized, but were ultimately told they could no longer participate. 

These past few months have been exceptionally difficult times in our profession. We understand everyone’s frustration with the current events taking place in the nation and state and understand the impacts they are having. We will continue to have our members best interest at heart while navigating through this unprecedented time. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or would like to discuss any work hazards, please reach out to an E-Board member.

Fraternally,

The E-Board 

https://whdh.com/news/mbta-board-votes-to-not-transport-police-to-protests-protesters-to-police/

Brothers and Sisters,

The MBTA has released an updated policy regarding sick leave due to COVID-19 related issues. This policy is in regards to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that took effect April 1, 2020. This act grants sick leave for employees who are effected by COVID-19 illness or quarantine issues. As first responders, we would be exempt from the federal act as it is written.  However the MBTA has established an additional policy to provide COVID-19 related sick leave to all departments deemed “Emergency Responders”, which our department falls under. The new policy will grant sick leave up to double the weekly work hours for all “Emergency Responders”, up to 80 hours.  Our attorney has spoken with Labor Relations to ensure this time is in addition to any accrued contractual sick time you have in you sick bank. So in the event you find yourself in any of the following situations, as listed in the new policy under Section V “Additional Paid Sick Leave”:

1. The employee is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;

2. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;

3. The employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis;

4. The employee is caring for an individual who is subject to an order described in paragraph 1 or has been advised as described in paragraph 2.

The additional sick leave will apply to you. Please follow all guidelines outlined in the policy on required documentation for this leave. 

The new policy also allows an individual who finds themselves in a hardship due to childcare displacement related to COVID-19 to apply for up to 12 weeks of leave, in 2 week increments. However this leave is granted based on operational and staffing needs of the department in which the employee works. Section IV “Paternal Sick Leave” of the policy outlines the details of this leave that we are now eligible for.

Attached is the matrix the MBTA has sent to us with all sections we fall under highlighted. Further explanation of each section can be found in the accompanying policy the MBTA sent with the matrix. For any other additional questions regarding this new policy,  please contact an E-Board member.

Fraternally,

The E-Board

Brothers and Sisters,

The following is information on a COVID-19 testing site for first responders. Please read the bulletin and if you find yourself exposed or displaying any of the listed symptoms, call the number listed to set up a test. You will need to provide a Badge and Police Identification Card for access to the testing. 

As always, contact an E-Board member with any questions or concerns.

Fraternally,

The E-Board

CVS Shrewsbury Site COVID-19 Testing 

A drive through COVID-19 test site at CVS Pharmacy 720 Boston Turnpike Shrewsbury MA is now up and running.

The US Public Health Agency is currently running the testing while training CVS employees.

CVS has advised that at this time testing will be for First Responders & Medical Health Professionals only, Identification must be presented.

The current hours of testing are 8am-8pm 7days per week by appointment only.

Allen Peterson CVS Pharmacy District Assists Protection Leader 401-374-6777 is coordinating the scheduling of appointments.

If departments have multiple officers who want testing he is requesting to email him at allan.peterson@cvshealth.com a list of officers names and phone numbers and he will call them to schedule appointments.

Mr. Peterson is requesting “COVID Testing” to be the subject of the email.

If departments only have 1 or 2 officers to be tested they can call the 401 number.

Please contact Mr. Peterson with any questions or to schedule an appointment for personnel.

Scheduling:

We now have a call center up and running. The call center is staffed 9:00 am to 5:30 pm seven days a week. The number for the call center 401-374-6777. This is the best way for any individual meeting the below criteria to make an appointment.

Testing Requirement: 

The criteria for testing has been updated. First Responders and Health Care workers are now required to have ONE of the following symptoms:

Cough

Difficulty Breathing

Shortness of Breath

Sore Throat

OR Fever (99.4 or higher)

Brothers and Sisters,

The following is the transcript of an email that has been sent to the General Manger of the MBTA by our attorney’s office. This email was sent earlier this afternoon and we have still not received a response, however when we do we will also share that information with you. 

“Good afternoon,

As you're aware, this firm represents both the MBTA Police Association as well as the MBTA Sergeants Association. It has come to my attention, that while the MBTA is using best efforts to clean the MBTA buses and MBTA stations, it appears that the MBTA Police Headquarters, substations and most importantly MBTA police cruisers are not being disinfected. This police force has been decimated over the recent years by the loss of numerous officers to other departments.  Our members have been dedicated employees while protecting our community. All available means should be used to protect them, particularly when the means to do so is readily available.

I implore you to use all necessary efforts to clean, the aforementioned police station, substations and police cruises forthwith. I understand that you have retained a private entity, National Water Main Cleaning, Co., of Boston, to disinfect those buses by a "fogging process" and those efforts have been met with success. Please do not withhold this disinfectant program from the police department.

Unfortunately, it appears inevitable, that members of the department will become infected with COVID-19. I urge you to follow and adopt the DOL guidelines and provide 80 hours of additional paid sick leave at the officer's full rate of pay.  The DOL is encouraging employers of emergency responders to be "judicious" with this leave.

Please contact me with any questions.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Very truly yours”

As always we welcome suggestions to mitigate work hazards during these troubling times. Please contact an E-Board member with any concerns.

Fraternally,

The E-Board