No Police Commissioner Appointment Pending Legal Process

BOSTON — Mayor Kim Janey did not name a new police commissioner Friday, saying an unresolved legal process prevented her from doing so.

WBZ had reported that Janey would name Police Superintendent Nora Baston as White's replacement.

Commissioner Dennis White's attorney filed papers in court to stop the process of his removal, Janey said at a news conference.

"We need to wait for the hearing," Janey said. "We cannot name a new commissioner until we deal with the current situation."

White has been on administrative leave since Feb. 3, two days after replacing William Gross as commissioner.

Janey said she decided to hold a hearing on White's leadership after reviewing the findings of an investigation into decades-old domestic violence allegations that emerged days after White was named commissioner.

White’s court filing is meant to stop the hearing, she said.

"The hearing will happen once the court makes the final ruling," she said in response to questions.

Janey also announced plans for new policies for the department, including background checks for all Boston Police leadership candidates and a strengthened domestic violence policy.

She also said she would assemble a committee "to set the stage for the future of the Boston Police Department and realize our vision for safety, healing, and justice."

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