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To the Editor:
Those familiar with Formula One racing also are familiar with what is known, somewhat disparagingly, as “silly season”. It usually takes place during the summer break and it is apparent it is taking place in Norfolk County as well.
It is a time when wild speculation, fabrication, untruths and character assassination can take place. Sadly, I am seeing some of those same characteristics here. Allow me to share another view from what I know to be true and accurate.
During my 22 years as Chief of Police, I had the good fortune to work with four different District Attorneys. Two went on to become Congressmen, one a Chief Superior Court Justice, and one, Mike Morrisey, chose to stay on and serve the County In a job he loves and has been very good at. Mike, in my opinion and experience, is second to none in his service. Whether it was domestic violence, juvenile diversion programs, protection of seniors, white collar crime, or service and support to our police departments (to identify a few) Norfolk County, under his leadership, has been in the forefront of providing services to it's residents.
So what has happened to make normally sane people act so insane; to fail to take in a long record of accomplishments and dedication? Much of the vitriol of late can be attributed to the Karen Read case. For others, it is the cynical cruelty of the times we are living in, like sharks sensing blood in the water. Allow me to offer two other perspectives: one on the Reed case, the other a more realistic source of assessment.
In the matter of the Read case, which I admit I have not assiduously followed, having decided early on that the madness and circus atmospheric theories were senseless, what many may not know is that in any criminal prosecution it is rarely one person’s decision to go forward. The opinions and evidence of investigators, assistant district attorneys, legal advisors, and staff, to name a few, as well as a grand jury’s hearing of the evidence, all contribute to
any decision to prosecute. To assume it is one person’s arbitrary decision is inaccurate. Further, no investigation or prosecution is ever perfect, only in hindsight is there perfection, that applies to every case and in this case as well.
A second assessment to consider is that of the individuals who most closely work with the District Attorney and can objectively evaluate the office performance: your local police chief. I do not purport to speak for them.
In the early 1990’s the Norfolk County Police Chiefs organized a formal entity to work collaboratively. It is called the Norfolk County Chiefs of Police, comprised of the 27 cities and towns in Norfolk County. I was honored to serve as it’s president from its formation until my retirement. There have been many positive results of that collaboration, not the least of which is “Metro”, an elite group of 46 agencies offering a multitude of services to it’s member communities.
When NCCOP was formed Mike Morrisey was serving in the legislature and the Chiefs of Quincy & Braintree brought him to one of our early meetings. There are many hurdles to overcome when you are to authorize enforcement powers for multi jurisdictions, not the least of which is funding and legal services. In those early years Mike was our “go to” guy as we moved forward. No citizen of Norfolk County should ever ignore that contribution. As I prepared to write this I contacted a senior, respected Chief to obtain his view of the present hoopla. His words were, “Mike is getting beat up just for doing his job.” I didn’t go any further for as far as I know that is the prevalent view of the Chiefs, and there is no group that can be more influential to the
longevity of a DA than his/her county chiefs. If that is inaccurate, I am sure some will speak out.
In closing, months ago I reached out to Mike and the Chiefs to offer a public rebuke, Mike thanked me and said it wasn’t necessary and the Chief’s were in compliance. It is necessary now and I do this of my own volition.
I submit this as testament to fairness and fact and loyalty to a public servant who has demonstrated his loyalty to his office and our communities. Hopefully, it is just another “silly season”, much like those whose specious assertions and opinions are now being heard. (The Observer is not among them). I am familiar with the cacophony of the irresponsible and unfair, I trust my fellow citizens are as well. To recognize those Jim Johnson wrote about last week, the many kind and genuinely good people he regularly encounters, I appeal to your sense of fairness and intelligence. Let us move forward.
L.P. Benedetto
Former Franklin Chief of Police
