Kenneth Green named MBTA Transit Police
Chief
BOSTON – October 21, 2015 – MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola today
announced that he has selected Acting MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green
to serve in the position permanently.
“I
am very pleased to make this announcement today,” said DePaola. “Policing
in a public transit environment poses unique challenges, and I strongly believe
that Chief Green’s 26 years of MBTA experience will serve him well in this
critical leadership role.”
Governor
Charlie Baker commended the selection of Chief Green, and stressed the
importance of choosing a respected law enforcement professional with decades of
community policing experience.
“The
only thing more important than a reliable public transit system is a safe one,”
said Governor Baker. “As a Deputy Chief and Acting Chief, Ken Green has
demonstrated the skills necessary to lead the Transit Police Department, and
keep the MBTA safe for both riders and employees.”
General
Manager DePaola said the MBTA was fortunate to have a number of good candidates
for Police Chief, and that the screening and interview process was very
thorough. “Chief Green’s knowledge of the transit system and strong
relationships with the communities we serve made him the clear choice for the
job,” said DePaola.
Chief
Green joined the 270-person MBTA Transit Police Department as a patrolman in
1991, after serving as a police officer for the town of Winchester for eight
years. An original member of the MBTA Transit Police SWAT team, Green was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004 and to Lieutenant and Deputy Chief in
2012. He has been serving as Acting Chief since November 2014, when Chief
Paul MacMillan retired.
“I
am truly honored to lead the fine men and women of the Transit Police
Department and serve the MBTA and the citizens of Massachusetts in this
capacity,” said Chief Green. “The votes of confidence from Governor Baker,
Secretary Pollack, General Manager DePaola, respected elected officials and
community members are humbling. I am committed to ensuring the safest
transportation system possible and dedicated to the principles of community
policing.”
"The appointment of Kenneth Green as Chief is a huge
victory for all those who value experience, champion diversity and advocate for
effective, community conscious policing," said Attorney Michael Curry,
President of the Boston NAACP. "It will be with great pride and a sense of
permanence that we in the community can now refer to him as Chief
Green!" Curry added: "This announcement comes on the heels of transformational
changes happening in the leadership of law-enforcement in pockets across the
country, including Boston. The inclusion of people of color and women at all
levels helps to make us more effective at protecting and serving."
"There is no better person to take the reins of the MBTA
Police Department than Chief Kenneth Green," said Senator Linda Dorcena
Forry. "Chief Green has nearly 25 years with the Transit Police, and has
the knowledge and fortitude to move the department forward. Once again, the
Baker Administration has shown great insight in appointing someone with the
experience and ability to make necessary changes," concluded Senator
Forry.
“We
applaud the appointment of Chief Kenneth Green,” said Rev. Miniard Culpepper, a
member of Ministers In Action, and Regional Director of the Progressive
National Baptist Association. “This appointment speaks volumes about the Baker
Administration’s commitment to a diverse state government workforce. Chief
Green has over 30 years of law enforcement experience and we believe he's the
most qualified to lead the MBTA Transit Police.”
“The Baker Administration made a great choice in selecting Chief
Green,” said State Rep. Russell Holmes of Mattapan. “It shows the
Administration’s true commitment to selecting the best candidate for the job
and staying true to their commitment of hiring a diverse workforce that
reflects the Commonwealth.”
"I am thrilled to learn that Kenneth Green will transition
from acting to permanent MBTA Police Chief," Boston City Councilor
At-Large Ayanna Pressley said. "He has earned this appointment after years
of dedicated service, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to community. I
am especially encouraged by Chief Green's track record when it comes to his
willingness to engage the community, even and especially when people are
critical. I trust that under his leadership, we will see improvements,
particularly in access, safety, and for our young people, because Chief Green
shows his pride in the T daily by having the hard conversations and doing the
tough work to achieve these
reforms."
Deputy
Chief Green has been involved with various youth groups and has participated in
several community-based collaborations and lectures. He has been recognized as
the chief architect of the “THINK ABOUT IT FIRST” concept, an innovative
strategy that has been duplicated nationally. The “THINK ABOUT IT FIRST” cards
are given to youths who may be considering detrimental conduct. The cards list
the consequences that may occur if a person is arrested, and how it would
affect his/her life.
Chief
Green holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University and a Master’s
Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. Chief Green will be
formally sworn in at a later date.
For more information,
visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot.
