Police commish talks security

Since becoming the first woman police commissioner in Boston history, Kathleen O'Toole, BC '76, has been compelled to deal with a dramatic rise in homicides, a labor dispute with the police, unprecedented security levels at the Democratic National Convention, and the accidental death of a young woman at the Red Sox postseason celebration.

O'Toole returned to her alma mater Tuesday night as part of the Boston College Magazine Master Class: Alumni in Residence lecture series, cosponsored by the political science department and BC Law School.

O'Toole discussed the challenges she faces as police commissioner of New England's largest city. She diagnosed Boston's most pressing issue as youth violence. O'Toole also recognized the arduous but crucial need to identify long-term problems and form strategic, innovative solutions. "Unfortunately, we have so many crises that it is a big challenge to step away from the day-to-day emergencies and spend time on strategic thinking and management issues," she said. "To make a difference in this job, I need my team to step aside and think more strategically, and get more involved in prevention and intervention."

Mirroring this emphasis on strategic thinking, O'Toole outlined her ongoing three-pronged plan to diminish crime. She called for greater partnership to assuage the damaging effects of turf issues. "We spend a lot of time in breaking down the barriers, working more effectively with other agencies, and harnessing resources," said O'Toole.

Despite being the oldest police force in the nation, however, the Boston Police Department was one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country to readily embrace technology. "We were the first in the nation to create an online domestic violence registry," said O'Toole. She said she focused on reengineering the department to tear down the often criticized and inefficient nature of bureaucracy. "The government needs to be more user-friendly,"she said.

Asked about the police's role in a post-Sept. 11 world, O'Toole said that there is still a lot of work to be done. "I don't think we have it right yet," she said. "We need to develop a better balance between civil liberties and homeland security."

Recognizing the great commitment and responsibility of her position, O'Toole said "it's grueling, but I love every minute of it. I feel blessed to have returned to the department where I started my career."

Boston's 37th police commissioner said she subscribes to the philosophy of community policing, a relatively new approach to law enforcement designed to reduce and prevent crime by assigning officers to police the streets of their hometown.

"Our number one priority is community policing, with a particular focus on children," said O'Toole.

She believes that Boston can more effectively combat violence and terrorism if the citizens serve as the eyes and ears of the police. "Boston has been distinguished as the model for community policing," O'Toole added.

"Commitment to the Jesuit ideals and service to others is very important and rewarding," O'Toole said.

She also highlighted the importance of empathy in the public sphere. "Compassion and empathy are incredibly important parts of our business," said O'Toole. "I always try to put myself in the shoes of other people and encourage my officers to treat people the way they want to be treated."

As the executive director of the Alumni Association from 1998-1999, O'Toole stressed the strength of the BC alumni network in Boston. "There is an unbelievable sense of camaraderie between alums," said O'Toole. "Some of the most successful business leaders in Boston are BC alums; they have supported me all the way."

O'Toole listed diverse recruitment and greater understanding of the police as high priorities. "Nothing is more important than recruitment," said O'Toole. "We need to attract people of diversity ... the Boston Police Department needs to represent the communities we serve."

She also reminded students that the opportunities of law enforcement extend far beyond the television depictions of CSI and Law and Order.

Despite the media's incessant coverage of crime and violence, she said the majority of police work is providing service to people in need.

O'Toole, whose daughter graduated from BC last year, underscored the importance of student involvement in public affairs.

"I invited student government leaders to police headquarters because I think it is important to maintain strong lines of communication with students," she said. "Much of the success that the Boston Police Department has experienced during the past few years can be attributed to student involvement."

O'Toole praised students for urging their communities to be responsible at sporting events by editorializing in student newspapers and sparking awareness campaigns.