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Judge blocks termination proceedings for embattled BPD Commissioner Dennis White while his lawyer appeals ruling

BOSTON — A day after the court ruling that Mayor Janey could fire Dennis White, Judge Heidi Brieger said the Commissioner and his attorney must have time to appeal the ruling.

A statement from White’s attorney Nick Carter reads, “Superior Court Judge Heidi Brieger today allowed Dennis White’s emergency motion for a temporary stay of her order denying his preliminary injunction request pending a ruling on his single justice petition to the Massachusetts Appeals Court.”

View full PDF here.

Mayor Kim Janey says in a statement Wednesday, “I respect Judge Brieger’s decision to review her ruling, and as such, I have postponed the hearing for Dennis White. I stand ready to move forward on behalf of the residents of Boston and the Boston Police Department, as soon as the court allows. I am grateful for the continued professionalism and service of our BPD officers during this time.”

Commissioner Dennis White came under fire just days after being sworn in as commissioner after allegations of past domestic abuse surfaced.

A few weeks ago, acting Mayor Kim Janey was poised to name his replacement but this legal challenge prevented it. With White’s injunction now denied, the acting mayor tweeted out that she will reschedule a Zoom hearing with White that is required before White could be removed from his position.

White’s attorney, Nick Carter, issued a statement Tuesday evening regarding the decision from the court:

“Commissioner White respects the court, and will be exercising his right of appeal. This evening we have sent the attached letter to Acting Mayor Janey and the City’s counsel.”

That letter can be read in full at the bottom of this story, along with the full decision from Suffolk Superior Court Judge Heidi Brieger.

Read the letter from Commissioner White’s attorney about his request for a formal hearing:

Read the entirety of the decision from Judge Heidi Brieger:


This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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