Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Kenneth Green appointed permanent Chief of Police



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.