The Boston University Police Department’s involvement in traffic enforcement has long been a subject of discussion. As a former BU student, I am deeply concerned with the safety of students crossing Commonwealth Avenue and other major roadways around the university. The logs of the BUPD have revealed in prior online postings that it has attempted “second-hand” traffic enforcement. In a number of instances, they have stopped cars operating in an egregious manner, procured license and registration information and requested a hearing in front of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, something any private citizen is able to do.
I feel this practice, while sound on the outside, is not only illegal, but a direct violation of individual civil rights. The officers derive their authority from two state statutes, both as special state police officers and deputy sheriffs, neither of which allows the BUPD to participate in an attempt to enforce traffic laws. The usage of the blue lights, the police cruiser, the uniform and the BUPD badge are a direct infringement on the rights of private citizens operating a motor vehicle. To effect a traffic stop for egregious or negligent operation goes directly against the authority granted by statute of what those officers may or may not do.
Until the legislature signs into law a bill specifically granting authority to campus police officers — who are now regulated under the vague wording Massachusetts General Law Chapter 22C, Section 63 — the ability to perform traffic stops for negligent motor vehicle operation, the university most certainly has the right to call in details of the Boston, state or transit police departments to which traffic enforcement responsibility is vested.
Russell Grand
CLA ’77
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