To Commissioner Clapprood, Mayor D.

Sarno, Media Outlets, City Council President

From: Urban Board of Directors
Contact Henry M. Thomas III, President

The Urban League of Springfield, at its April board meeting on Tuesday, voted to convey its
strong opposition to the Police Commissioner’s recent administrative action to reinstate 5
officers. These officers were suspended because of criminal charges levied against them after
an assault incident at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant in Springfield.

We agree that the patrol officers are entitled to their day in court to determine guilt or
innocence. However, when an officer is criminally charged for conduct unbecoming of a sworn
officer, the customary procedure has been for them to be suspended without pay. It is not
routine for such officers to be reinstated before their case has been adjudicated. For the Police
Commissioner to take this action, in our opinion, is short-sighted and an exercise in poor
judgement.

We strongly agree with City Council President Justin Hurst’s opposition to the Commissioner
and the Mayor’s decision to reinstate these 5 officers prematurely. Yes, we believe the 5
suspended officers should have their day in court, but they are not entitled to the kind of special
treatment that offends most citizen’s sensibilities! The reason given for the reinstatements was
that the department needs additional help to cover for police officer shortages due to the
COVID-19 crisis. The problem with that excuse is that the City has access to the Massachusetts
State Police, Massachusetts National Guard, and even the Hampden County Sheriff’s
Department to address any substantial workforce shortage at hand.

The Urban League strongly urges the Commissioner to rescind her decision to reinstate the 5
suspended officers. There is no reasonable justification to refuse revocation of the order to
reinstate them; particularly, when their reinstatement was not in keeping with standard operating
procedure or practice. This point can be clearly verified. Further, it should be noted that the
reinstatement of the officers undermines community trust and faith in the department. Therefore,
the credibility of the department is at stake in this matter. For all these reasons, we urge the
Commissioner to do the right thing for all the citizens of Springfield – rescind the reinstatements!

Urban League Board of Directors:

Henry M Thomas III , President
Rev. WC Watson, Board Chair