With the return of beautiful weather, the crowds of children and families to the athletic fields at Moakley Park come right along with it. But as there has been in recent years, unfortunately, there is another element that arrives right along with them.
The area has become one of the destinations of choice for people using illegal drugs often right out in plain sight and even during the daylight hours. To make it worse, drugs are bought and sold openly and blatantly in front of young kids who should not have to be exposed to these activities. With drugs, often come gangs and with gangs there is a good bet that there could be weapons, which can instantly turn an area designated for healthy pursuits and fun into one that is potentially dangerous.
No one can say the police aren’t trying their best to make every part of the South Boston community as safe as possible. They certainly do try. But when the Boston Police Department is operating with a manpower shortage the job becomes much more difficult and public safety is often less than it should be because of that shortage.
It is in the best interest of everyone to do what they can to assist law enforcement whenever possible. If you see drugs being used and sold at our parks, beaches and athletic fields, make that 911 call right away. You don’t even have to give your name. The police will respond. They may not always have enough on duty officers to be standing at every location, but they come when they are called. When those involved in the illegal drug activity realize that our parks are no longer safe havens for them, and that they will be arrested and charged, they will most likely find another place to gather. The most important thing is to make sure they gather as far away from children as possible.
