ACLU files lawsuit against the City of Boston for information about ‘Operation Clean Sweep’
"The ACLU of Massachusetts has deep concerns about so-called 'Operation Clean Sweep’ and the lack of transparency about the city’s actions.”
The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the City of Boston, seeking information about the two-day effort in August the police department called “Operation Clean Sweep.”
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In a statement, the ACLU of Massachusetts said the city has failed to “adequately respond” to public records requests made about the police action and series of arrests made in the area known as “Methadone Mile,” the stretch of city blocks surrounding Mass. Ave., Melnea Cass Boulevard, and Southampton Street that are dotted with shelters and recovery services for those struggling with substance use disorders and addiction issues.
The group said it submitted a public records request to the city “seeking documents related to the operation, as well as follow-up police actions in the area where the initial operation occurred.” A response received on Sept. 17 showed information was missing, the ACLU alleges.
“The city’s response does not include documents related to pre-operation planning or coordination, police reports, arrest logs, property seizure logs or records, or communications between departments engaged in the operation,” the organization said.
After a Suffolk County corrections officer was assaulted on the morning of Aug. 1, Boston police began a directed patrol it called “Operation Clean Sweep,” ultimately arresting 34 people. WBUR reports the majority of those arrested were booked on charges related to drug possession or old warrants.
In the days after the operation, South End residents, activists, and advocates expressed concern about the methods used and that the police actions had displaced people experiencing homelessness and substance abuse disorders into the surrounding neighborhoods.
In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, the ALCU cited concerns about the city’s “lack of transparency” and requested the release of all the records pertaining to the operation.
“The ACLU of Massachusetts has deep concerns about so-called ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ and the lack of transparency about the city’s actions,” Ruth Bourquin, senior and managing attorney at the ACLU of Massachusetts, said in a statement. “Public safety must be protected, but not at the cost of people’s basic legal rights. The ever-growing problem of homelessness and substance use disorder in Boston will be solved only by smart delivery of services and housing — not sweeping arrests and harassment.”
