Dennis White (police commissioner) facts for kids

Dennis A. White was a police officer who served as the Commissioner of the Boston Police Department for a short time in 2021. He was sworn in on February 1, 2021. Just two days later, he was placed on leave. This happened because the city began looking into questions about a past personal matter from 1999. On June 7, 2021, the acting mayor, Kim Janey, ended his time as commissioner.

Early Life and School

Dennis White grew up in the Four Corners area of the Dorchester neighborhood in Boston. He went to Jeremiah E. Burke High School, also in Dorchester. Before joining the police, he worked for the Boston Fire Department for five years. In 2005, he earned a bachelor's degree in legal studies. He got this degree from Newbury College in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Police Career Journey

Dennis White worked for the Boston Police Department for 32 years. He started in regular roles and moved up to leadership positions. In 2014, he became a deputy superintendent. Later, in August 2018, the police commissioner at the time, William G. Gross, made White a superintendent. He also became the chief of staff. In 2020, White was part of a special group. This group had 11 members and worked to improve policing in Boston.

Becoming Police Commissioner

On January 28, 2021, Commissioner Gross announced he was retiring very suddenly. He suggested Dennis White as his replacement. The mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, then named White as the new commissioner. White officially started as acting commissioner on January 29. He was formally sworn in on February 1, 2021. This made him the 43rd commissioner and the second Black commissioner for the department.