Police Patrols in Franklin Park

There are nearly ten different police agencies with jurisdiction in Franklin Park. Where does one turn to report a problem? Download Eyes on the Park for a good list of phone numbers.

New blue emergency poles can be found in key park locations:

• At the Playstead parking lot by the softball field backstop (near the rear of the Zoo, headed down to the main park road)
• On the road in front of the Golf Clubhouse, along the loop path.
• Others may be installed in the future - we'll update you as we learn more.

Franklin Park Coalition recognizes that the park suffers from a negative public safety perception, when in fact, there have been almost no incidents involving casual park users for many years. We seek more visible police patrols to help overcome this perception. Despite media sensationalism about violence in abutting neighborhoods, rarely does delinquent or criminal activity spill over into the park.

Boston Park Rangers, Boston Police Areas B-2, B-3, and E-13 all have jurisdiction in or around the park. FPC has fought for more Rangers on horseback, knowing that this is a friendly deterrent for negative activity. 

Other police agencies who play a security role in the park include:
- Franklin Park Zoo security
- MA Department of Public Health police for the Shattuck Hospital
- MA State Police for hopeFound (Shattuck Shelter)
- Boston Public School Police for White Stadium
- and Boston Police units who help with speed traps, mounted patrols, events, and special issues.

Seeing the occasional homeless person in the park or someone sitting on a park bench drinking from a paper bag- covered bottle can be unnerving. The Boston Park Rangers understand these "quality of life" issues and respond compassionately yet firmly. hopeFound (Shattuck Shelter) also offers advice and outreach when needed to homeless individuals in the park. There are only a few places in the park where behavior like this is common. FPC is working with the Rangers and Boston Police for more regular patrols in these areas. We have also made sure litter is picked up and these sites are maintained to discourage negative activity. A clean, well-maintained park sends the message that delinquent behavior is not welcome! 

For more information on park policing and how to help be the eyes and ears of our park, visit the Safety in the Park page.

The Boston Park Ranger trailer is located in the Parks Maintenance Yard at the edge of Franklin Park. Inside there's a stuffed owl and fisher cat found dead in Franklin Park, memorabilia from years of service, and much to show how familiar the Rangers are with the park's flora and fauna.

The Park Ranger program was begun in 1985 and nearly eliminated in 2003 when the city faced a budget shortfall. Franklin Park Coalition members delivered hundreds of yellow postcards to Mayor Menino urging him to save the Rangers. Today there are 12 year-round Rangers to patrol all the parks in the Emerald Necklace and, if city funds allow, a seasonal class of up to ten are hired for the spring, summer and fall months.