Boston Policeman shoots fellow Officer. Gets probation.

[Blackfork]

Boston Police are some of the highest paid in the US. Shooting someone and getting three years probation, plus pension seems a pretty good deal.


By Michele McPhee
Boston Herald Police Bureau Chief
Tuesday, April 24, 2007

A veteran Boston police officer is expected to resign from the force after pleading guilty yesterday to charges he shot a fellow cop during an off-duty argument about whether he was too drunk to drive, officials said.
Officer Paul Durkin, 50, entered the guilty plea yesterday, just days before his trial on assault and battery charges was expected to start. He also indicated in court that he would turn in his badge after 27 years of service to the Boston Police Department, entitling him to a city pension.
Prosecutors said that after a night of drinking June 22, Durkin pulled his service revolver out and shot Officer Joseph Behnke outside that cop’s West Roxbury home. Behnke was shot in the left hip, and was brought to the hospital by his wife, a nurse.
Durkin was indicted by a grand jury in September. Behnke is still out on paid administrative leave awaiting the results of an internal investigation, BPD spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said yesterday.
Judge Janet L. Sanders sentenced Durkin to three years’ probation and ordered him to undergo alcohol treatment, said Jake Wark,spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.
The sentence was applauded by BPD Commissioner Edward Davis last night. “Violence is unacceptable in our society and anyone who engages in violent behavior must be held accountable,” he said in a statement.
Durkin’s attorney, George Murphy, could not be reached last night.

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[thedpp]

Thats hardly fair...if I were to shoot a cop I would never see the sun again. Without a doubt he deserved 5-10 years in prison. Once again it shows that it pays to be a cop or rich.

 

[Sage of Seattle]

just days before his trial on assault and battery charges

Assault and battery and NOT attempted murder charges?

Absolutely outrageous.

 

[Pilgrim]

The sentence was applauded by BPD Commissioner Edward Davis last night. “Violence is unacceptable in our society and anyone who engages in violent behavior must be held accountable,” he said in a statement.

I guess if he had missed he would have been sentenced to six hours in the corner and sent to bed without his supper.

Pilgrim

 

[ATW525]

Unfortunately is not special treatment, it's simply the way Massachusetts prosecutes violent criminals. They prefer to give them a slap on the wrist and send them on their way. After all, in this case they know the poor helpless officer wasn't responsible for his own actions... it was the evil gun that made him do it.

 

[Titan6]

They were just having a fun that got a little out of hand. No harm done, go about your business. If we need anything from you we will call.

There are clearly two standards here.

 

[gotarheels03]

Wow, he's drunk and shoots a cop, and gets probation...... Any non-LEO would be crucified in that situation.

 

[jahwarrior]

what do you expect? it's boston. <-------says a former new yorker....