The State of Police Reform in Boston

The Boston City Council:

As a member of the original Boston Police Reform Task Force (BPRTF) which initially proposed the reforms we now have in place in the city I am writing to express my concerns regarding the implementation and follow up with these initiatives. The BPRTF reforms were established in good faith after in depth research and debate and widely lauded by the public and media. Additionally, both the past and current Administration pledged their support in seeing these reforms fully implemented and supported.

As we are entering into the new year of 2026 I implore the Boston City Council to once again prioritize police reform. Doing so will work towards ensuring that we empower the mechanisms for transparency and accountability which were set in place for the benefit of both the public and the BPD.

I am asking the Boston City Council to hold a hearing calling BPD Commissioner Cox, BPPA Union President Calderone and any other appropriate BPD personnel to explain any reasoning behind the continued non-compliance with OPAT / CRB / IAOP requests or recommendations. Any impediments to compliance should be identified if there remain any existing conflicts between BPD policies or procedures and the OPAT mandate.

OPAT has had a challenging beginning from its inception and I am hopeful the Boston City Council can assist it to reach its maximum potential and fulfill its stated mission. I believe a City Council hearing with all involved parties can serve to bring public light and resolution to any hesitance or obstructions which may exist. Hearings such as what I am proposing are critically important to not only building trust between the community and the BPD but maintaining it.

Additionally, I am asking that the Boston City Council invites before it OPAT Executive Director Evandro Carvalho, Civilian Review Board (CRB) Chair Sam Harold and Internal Affairs Oversight Panel (IAOP) Chair Anthony Fugate to explain the challenges they have had to navigate as well as come up with remedies for any obstacles impeding their mandated mission.

Lastly, I would ask that the BCC request solutions for delays in any and all Public Records Requests from the media and public alike. One aspect of the BPRTF reforms directly addressed this issue but the historic problem seems to have worsened.

I thank you for your attention and work on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Jamarhl Crawford
617-290-8108

SAVE THE DATE: Community Town Hall Forum
THE STATE OF POLICE REFORM IN BOSTON

Saturday, January 17th, 2026

MAMLEO @ 61 Columbia Rd. DOR. MA 02121

1PM – 4PM
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED:

• BPD Compliance with OPAT / CRB / IAOP recommendations
• Differences between POST (state) & OPAT (city)
• BPD Dashboard
• BPD Commissioner and BPPA commitment to Police Reform