As Police Officers we are entrusted with a gamut of duties and responsibilities associated with the protection of the public against crime and the criminal element. It is because of these duties that we are not afforded the same rights, under law, as other labor employees to strike when we feel we are the victim of unfair labor contracts or practices. This does not negate our right to protest.
Organized police protest is one of the most effective tools that law enforcement officers have to bring public attention to contract disputes or unfair working conditions. The reason it is so effective is simple, publicity. Organized police protests make headlines, national headlines. In March of 2000 over 400 police officers and thousands of supporters hit the streets of Downtown Louisville to protest the firing of Chief Gene Sherrard by former mayor Dave Armstrong.
This concentrated effort by police officers and their supporters caused a backlash to the Armstrong administration that was felt for years following this 4 hour march on City Hall.
Here are some the National News stories about that protest:
Louisville police march, demand mayor rehire police chief
- CNN
Police Chief Fired - firing angered the city's police department
- NPR
Thousands rally behind chief fired for 'insensitive' awards
- Detroit Free Press
Supporters marched on Louisville City Hall to protest the mayor's firing of the city's police chief
Boston Police Officers are currently reaping the benefits of highly publicized planned protests. National headlines have been dedicated to the police union's efforts to bring attention to current contract negotiations being hindered by an adverse Mayor.
Is this concerted effort paying off?
Absolutely!
Hundreds of Boston police protest outside mayoral conference
- The San Francisco Chronicle
Democrats Fear Boston Police Union May Picket During Party Convention
- NY Times
Police Protest Outside Mayoral Conference
- ABC News
A Boston Officer speaks with an off-duty colleague at a Boston Police picket line.
As police officers have long criticized the media for often reckless and incomplete reporting of police related news, Boston Police have found that the press can be a great ally in the fight for fair contract negotiations for public servants.
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