May 18, 2006

ROMNEY NAMES MARK DELANEY AS STATE POLICE COLONEL

Governor Mitt Romney today named Major Mark Delaney as Colonel and Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. Delaney replaces Colonel Thomas Robbins, who is leaving the State Police after 26 years to become chief of police at Boston University.

“Mark Delaney’s exemplary performance and leadership over 32 years of service in the State Police make him the ideal candidate to command the state’s largest law enforcement agency,” said Romney.

Appointed to lead the State Police’s Forensic Services Unit in 2002, Major Delaney implemented a strategic plan to improve forensic services across the Commonwealth. Notably, he employed a number of measures that reduced the increasing backlog of DNA samples and streamlined the processing of crime scene evidence. Under his leadership, the lab has made impressive strides in the handling of crucial DNA information, cutting processing time from 12-15 months to 6-8 months.

In 2003, Major Delaney was asked by Governor Romney to lead a three-member panel that investigated the events leading to the prison murder of inmate John Geoghan.

“I would like to thank Governor Romney and Secretary Haas for allowing me the opportunity to command an agency that I love and respect,” said Delaney. “I look forward to leading the fine men and women of the State Police as we work to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

Delaney, a career law enforcement professional, graduated from the State Police Academy in 1974 and has served in a number of leadership positions within the State Police. He has investigated white collar crime and public corruption cases, commanded the Middlesex County Narcotics Unit, directed homicide and major crimes investigation in Middlesex County and served as the commanding captain of the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Attorney General’s Office.

“The State Police play a preeminent role in Massachusetts’ response to law enforcement and homeland security challenges,” said Public Safety Secretary Robert C. Haas. “Mark is a true professional and has all of the skills required to lead this agency forward.”

Delaney received his bachelor’s degree from Boston State College and his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Anna Maria College. He and his wife live in Burlington.

May 18, 2006

HEALEY AWARDS GANG-FIGHTING GRANTS TO 15 COMMUNITES

SPRINGFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey today joined Springfield officials to award the city a $1.4 million grant to combat gang activity in the city. The grant, part of the Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr. Community Safety Initiative, is intended to help local communities devise and implement innovative new approaches to crack down on gang violence.

“Gang violence and gang activity create an environment of lawlessness for cities across Massachusetts and the new initiatives funded today will help make our streets safer,” said Healey.

The $11 million gang prevention program supports communities like Springfield that have adopted regional strategies to combat gang violence. These initiatives include coordinated prevention and intervention programs, regional gang task forces, and crime mapping and reintegration strategies to prevent ex-offenders from returning to a life of crime.

“These grants are funding regional and multi-disciplinary prevention and intervention initiatives in communities that need the most help,” said Public Safety Secretary Robert C. Haas. “They are real solutions designed to combat gang violence.”

The Springfield Police Department will spearhead the $1.4 million project by focusing on suppression of gang and criminal activity and intervention of at-risk youth. The plan calls for an increase in uniformed officer deployment in city hot spots and will replicate Operation Cease Fire, a program first implemented in Boston in May 1996 as a coordinated, citywide strategy aimed at deterring juvenile and gang firearm violence.

“I'm grateful that the state has recognized the immense need for gang suppression in Springfield and we will coordinate with our law enforcement and human service partners to bring down gang related crime in our community,” said CommissionerEdward Flynn.

In addition, Springfield plans to create new outreach positions, increase social intervention strategies through expanded hours for recreation, youth development and counseling in targeted, inner-city neighborhoods. The grant funding will also enhance efforts to develop workplace skills, job readiness and employment opportunities for at-risk youth.

The City of Springfield is also implementing a comprehensive anti-youth violence strategy through the city-wide collaboration of law enforcement, public education, youth service organizations, faith-based organizations, workforce development agencies and the business community.

A full list of the grants approved today is attached.

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Applicant

City of Boston

City of Brockton

City of Fall River

City of Fitchburg

Haverhill Police Department

City of Holyoke

City of Lawrence

City of Lowell

City of Lynn

Metropolitan Area Planning Council

City of New Bedford

Southern Essex Coalition

City of Springfield

City of Taunton

City of Worcester

Total