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Bias in media coverage of Roxbury crime

Abstract:: Callie Crossley reports on the documentary film Street Cop, set in Roxbury. Crossley interviews Roxbury community activists Georgette Watson and Ben Haith about the documentary's portrayal of crime and drug traffic in the community. Watson complains about the negative images of Roxbury in the media and about the negative attitude of many police officers toward African Americans. Crossley's report includes footage from Street Cop and footage of Crossley, Watson, and Haith walking in Dudley Square. Crossley's report also includes footage from an interview with Larry Brown (Boston Minority Police Association). Brown says that the documentary gave a realistic and effective portrayal of law enforcement. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item:David Boeri reports that William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department) has been accused of sexual assault by a female employee of the Police Department. Accusations against William Celester

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Drug traffic in Roxbury housing development

Abstract:: David Boeri reports on drug traffic in the Franklin Development Project. Boeri's report includes footage of William Sommers (Inspectional Services Commissioner, City of Boston) touring a condemned building on Homestead Street. Boeri interviews Sommers and Pat Farreta about the problems in the building. Ferrata talks about drug dealers who sell drugs from their apartments. Boeri talks to a tenant, who refuses to comment on the drug traffic in the building. Boeri reports on a plan for increased police presence in the community to combat drugs. He interviews Don Muhammad (Roxbury community leader) about how to solve the drug problem in the community. Boeri's report includes footage of police making a drug arrest. This tape includes additional footage of the area around the Franklin Development Project and footage of the condemned building on Homestead Street. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item:Ray Flynn proposes to increase the number of Boston residents working in Boston jobs. Boston jobs for Boston residents

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Abstract:: David Boeri reports on drug activity in the Grove Hall area of Roxbury. Boeri notes that Grove Hall residents say that the drug trade is out of control and are demanding more action from police. Boeri reports that police are increasing patrols in the area and that Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) has cited an increase in the number of arrests in the area. Boeri interviews Nathaniel Askia (former Director, FIRST., Inc.). Askia discusses the drug trade in Roxbury. Jones' report includes footage from an interview with William Celester (Deputy Superintendent, Boston Police Department). Celester says that police officers are making arrests. He adds that the courts are releasing drug arrestees back onto the streets. Boeri notes that most of the people arrested by police on drug charges are not the big dealers who control the drug trade on the streets. Jones' report is accompanied by footage of police officers making a drug arrest on Humboldt Avenue and by footage of police officers on the streets of Roxbury. This tape includes additional footage of police officers making a drug arrest on Humboldt Avenue. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following item: Marcus Jones reports on Congressional debate over a bill that would impose sanctions on the apartheid regime in South Africa.

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Abstract:: Deborah Wang reports that the Boston Police Department and the District Attorney's Office keep the money confiscated from drug arrests. Wang notes that neighborhood groups want the money to go back into the community to fund drug education, drug treatment, and crime watch efforts. Wang interviews Bill Good (Boston Police Department). Good says that the Police Department needs the money to keep its 'operational edge' over drug traffickers. Wang interviews Charles Yancey (Boston City Council). Yancey says that community residents are the most valuable asset in the war against drugs. Wang's report includes footage from a press conference at City Hall. Yancey, Ben Haith (Roxbury Multi-Service Center) and Louis Elisa (NAACP) talk about the need to return confiscated drug money to the community. Dapper O'Neil (Boston City Council) arrives at the press conference. O'Neil and Byron Rushing (State Representative) confront each other on the issue. Wang notes that O'Neil is opposed to the proposal. Wang reports that the city budget is tight and various groups are fighting over small amounts of money. Wang's report is accompanied by footage of police officers making a drug arrest.