Mayor Brian Arrigo’s call for a top-to-bottom Police Department review is an inspiring and potentially complex mandate.
Arrigo has centered his review request around the search for a new police chief. An original, overly optimistic goal aimed at picking Chief Joseph Cafarelli’s successor by July 1 has been pushed off for six to nine months while the review is conducted.
Department Executive Officer James Guido, perhaps the best-equipped executive on the department, will step in under city ordinance to serve as chief until the review is completed. Arrigo, in setting out his goals for the review, stated on June 20 that the review’s goal is to ensure the department’s “highest priority (is) on engaging with our community.”
With that goal in mind, the thorough department review can be a starting point, not a final step in improving the department. Cafarelli took admirable steps as chief to reach out to Revere’s residents and introduce them to police work and attempt to give them a law enforcement perspective on the city.
But Arrigo’s administration has been defined to date by a focus on neighborhood involvement and engagement. A comprehensive department study is a perfect vehicle for reexamining how police officers can work effectively in Revere’s neighborhoods to engage with residents and get a clear understanding of their concerns.
Revere’s city government and, by extension, its police force has an opportunity to carve out a reputation as a small municipality communicating effectively with residents from many different backgrounds.
The city is enriched by immigrants from Morocco and other countries who celebrated Moroccan Cultural Day in May and marked Ramadan two weeks ago with a traditional meal and social event held at the Beachmont School.
The strong community involvement by Revere residents of Middle Eastern and North African descent reflects a local heritage counting residents from Central and South America and Europe. Building a stronger Revere police force means equipping officers with the 21st-century skills required to understand and help people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The department review initiated by Arrigo can be a springboard for a number of positive improvements. But it can also pose a challenge that risks personality and political clashes. Arrigo is certainly no stranger to the Police Department’s history and the protracted battles sparked by changes in chiefs.
But the past does not have to repeat itself in Revere any more than it must haunt any other community committed to progressive and positive change. There are plenty of reasons why the review boldly initiated by Arrigo can outweigh any criticisms with positive changes.