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Main Page Armed Boston Specials Longwood Security
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Posted by: masscopguy

Longwood SecurityLocation:Boston, MA 02445Salary/Wage:33,280.00 - 37,440.00 USD /yearStatus:Full Time, EmployeeShift:Second Shift (Afternoon), Third Shift (Night)Job Category:Law Enforcement/Security SrvsRelevant Work Experience:1+ to 2 YearsCareer Level:Experienced (Non-Manager)Education Level:High School or equivalent

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Job DescriptionLongwood Security Services Inc. is the fastest growing Professional Armed Security Service provider to residential communities in the Boston area.

Due to growth and expansion Longwood is looking for candidates that are already 'Armed Special Officers' in the city of Boston; or individuals that meet the requirements to attend a paid 180 hr. classroom academy for certification to become an Armed SPO.

Must have clean criminal record, min. of high school diploma, professional appearence, good report writing skills, ability to deal with a diverse work environment and pass a pre-employment drug test. Lic. to carry firearm a plus but not required. Must also have a valid MA drivers lic. as these positions involve driving a marked patrol vehicle.

We are looking for high-energy, motivated individuals who are interested in becoming part of an extremly professional team that makes a difference in the communities we serve.

We offer:
Excellent pay / 401(k) retirement plan with matching funds / Paid training / Advanced scheduling / Paid vac. and sick time / Health insurance with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care / Credit union / the BEST equipment including a fleet of new patrol vehicles.

Posted by: KozmoKramer

Quote:

Armed Boston Specials Longwood Security

Quote:

Lic. to carry firearm a plus but not required.

Huh???

Posted by: pahapoika

heard a rumor and maybe somebody here knows , these special Boston police officers are only allowed to carry .38 revolvers ?

Posted by: Kilvinsky

Kosmo, I would guess that a permit to carry isn't REQUIRED ahead of time. If you've already got one, it's a plus, but if you don't, they'll get one for you. It's just a guess, but I would say an educated one.

As for Boston Specials only being allowed to carry .38s. This is true. Rule 400. I don't know a lot of specifics about this rule, but I DO know that. The rule does/did require no collar insignia and red stripes on the pants. Plus the badge has improved over the old square badge. Setting aside all the snide remarks about specials (and let's be honest, there will be some) if you're going to give a guy the power to arrest someone, give him a badge that conveys SOME authority. If you have to get less than 2 feet away to read the words "SPECIAL OFFICER" it seems a bit silly.

I never was a Boston Special but know a number of folks who were and some of them do see some real action but as with every job, there are those who will get a little over eager and simply tick off the city cops. I'm just glad they're giving the guys training now.

Posted by: soxrock75

Quote:

Originally Posted by pahapoika

heard a rumor and maybe somebody here knows , these special Boston police officers are only allowed to carry .38 revolvers ?

That's nor rumor brother, that one is FACT! Also, Boston Specials are limited in the type of uniform they wear, hat, shirt color etc. They are not to display anything on their uniforms or cruisers that say the word "police". I guess the Boston Police, which governs the specials, wants a clear distinction.

From what I hear, Longwood isn't that bad a gig. You get some great experience working in the housing developments in Boston. The only downside, is that you have to supply your own gun and the the cost of the vest that you are issued is deducted weekly from your payroll. Oh yeah, you are also working some of the toughest areas of Boston with only a .38!!!!!

Posted by: pahapoika

a cop told me about the ,38's . he said .38 period , can't even move up to a .357

sounds like a tough place to work. good experience through. if someone's going to become a cop , you'll meet all your "clients" in that part of town

Posted by: RCPD33

Quote:

Originally Posted by pahapoika

a cop told me about the ,38's . he said .38 period , can't even move up to a .357

sounds like a tough place to work. good experience through. if someone's going to become a cop , you'll meet all your "clients" in that part of town

I know a guy on there now who carries a 357, but uses .38 bullets in case he is caught. Unless someone is really paying attention and knows their stuff (which frankly, I've seen most of the command staff, nuff said!), nobodys gonna know.

Posted by: EOD1

can someexplan the reasoning w/ .38 only? i can understand not wanting a whacker to show up w/ a "desert eagle point 5-0" (name the movie... give ya a hint has bra pitt & u can't understand him). but whats the rational on .38 only?

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by soxrock75

You get some great experience working in the housing developments in Boston.

Longwood Security does not work in the Boston housing developments, that's the responsibility of the Boston Housing Authority Police.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCPD33

Until he actually has to fire the .357, at which point the Boston Homicide Unit will seize it, and you can bet your ass they'll notice the difference. Tell your friend to save himself a huge potential lawsuit by picking-up a used .38 revolver, they're short money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EOD1

can someexplan the reasoning w/ .38 only? i can understand not wanting a whacker to show up w/ a "desert eagle point 5-0" (name the movie... give ya a hint has bra pitt & u can't understand him). but whats the rational on .38 only?

Revolvers are (almost) idiot-proof, and many people wouldn't be able to qualify with anything more powerful than a .38 Special +P round.

I personally would take back my S&W Model 10 revolver in a heartbeat.

Posted by: wgciv

Quote:

Originally Posted by EOD1

Snatch

Posted by: Sgt Jack

Quote:

Originally Posted by pahapoika

heard a rumor and maybe somebody here knows , these special Boston police officers are only allowed to carry .38 revolvers ?

Hey I'd take a .38 over nothing any day....carry some speed loaders and practice with them..nothing wrong with a good wheel gun...

Posted by: BSP268

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784

Longwood Security does not work in the Boston housing developments, that's the responsibility of the Boston Housing Authority Police.

longwood security patrols harbor point and that is development in boston .

Posted by: masscopguy

Longwood does not work in BHA housing projects but they do work in the other housing projects which are just as dangerious. They work in the Villa Victoria project in the South End which is not under the controll of the BHA.

The Castle Square housing "development" in the South End also has specials that I believe work for Allaince.

The Specials can wear any type of badge they want as long as it doesn't say police. If the word police apears on the badge, it must be the square shaped one issued by BPD that says special police and actually the date on it as to when the special police commission expires.

You will see some speiclas with the claim shell shaped badge but it will say public safety officer or security enforcemt officer on it.

Posted by: HousingCop

Harbor Point Apartments was owned by the BHA up until 5 years ago but leased to a management company. It's a private development now. There are apartments that run from a one bedroom ($1,000-$1,300/ month) to 3 bedroom townhouses ($1,700-$2,100/month) It's hardly the cesspool it once was. There are some S-8 units there but for the most part, they are law-abiding folk who reside there now.

Compare it to other BHA 'jects and you're talking apples & oranges.

Quote:

The Specials can wear any type of badge they want as long as it doesn't say police. If the word police apears on the badge, it must be the square shaped one issued by BPD that says special police and actually the date on it as to when the special police commission expires.

You will see some speiclas with the claim shell shaped badge but it will say public safety officer or security enforcemt officer on it.

The word POLICE never appeared on the square badge. Always said "Special Officer". The current issue is a clamshell style with the same basic info on it as the square "Ice Scraper" badge. They can ONLY wear the issued badge given to them yearly by BPD. If they choose to wear something else, they risk the wrath of an overzealous cop who may catch them. I've seen it happen, and it's not pretty. A quick side word would usually do the job, but as you know, some guys like to make a big deal over nothing and blow it all out of proportion.

Posted by: masscopguy

Thank you Housing Cop for the clarification on the badges.

William Cloran who teaches the Special Police Course told me the badge could be any shape as long the word police was not on it.

The last time I saw 2 Longwood guys in the South End they were both wearing the riduclious looking square badge.

Do you happen to know when the BPD issued new special badges?

Posted by: soxrock75

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784

Longwood Security does not work in the Boston housing developments, that's the responsibility of the Boston Housing Authority Police.

They are still housing developments, just not owned/operated by the City of Boston. They were taken over and rehabbed years ago with Federal HUD money and then the tenants were given the option of running them in a Co-Op type of deal.

Most of the complexes are still VERY Shady. Call them what you want, "you can put makeup on a pig BUT it is still a pig".

Posted by: lostcause

Longwood deos a number of housing properties in Boston, Harbor Point, Villa Victoria, all MHFA units, Madison Park, Franklin Highlands and numerous others.

As for the badge it has to be the clamshell one issued by the city, which is better then the old square badge.

As for the gun it has to be a 38, the city sets the rules.

Told be friends it is not a bad gig, new cars, decent pay and benefits, lots of overtime available.

Was told that if you don't have your LTC they will work with you to get it.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by masscopguy

Longwood does not work in BHA housing projects but they do work in the other housing projects which are just as dangerious. They work in the Villa Victoria project in the South End which is not under the controll of the BHA.

"Housing project" implies ownership by a governmental agency, usually the city housing authority.

When I was with the BHA Police, we used to field 3-4 calls a week from other police agencies and concerned citizens about yahoos who were claiming to be Boston Housing cops. Invariably, they were security guards who worked at MHFA apartment complexes.

About 3 weeks after I got on Quincy PD, I stopped a wazoo who flashed a Boston Special clamshell badge, claiming to be a Boston Housing cop. He was quite surprised to learn of my former place of employment, as well as by the triple-digit citation.

Posted by: mpd61

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784

Delta!

You and Me brother! I have a nice old Model 10-5, five incher, smooth as glass. I can see you and I standing on Hancock Street dropping all the bad guys on both sides of the sidewalks. (sorry , I'm going to take my meds now)

Posted by: pahapoika

not bad mouthing the .38 revolvers , hell , we still carry them ( DOC )

just seemed strange they ( boston special ) couldn't use a .357.

would never feel under gunned with that sidearm

</IMG>

Posted by: KozmoKramer

Unless a lot of yahoos and whackers apply for these jobs, it seems like a decent opportunity for young guys (and girls Dunny) waiting for police jobs to open up.
An opportunity for some training, a thorough background check, and experience working with some of Boston’s less than desirables.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by HousingCop

The word POLICE never appeared on the square badge. Always said "Special Officer".

Here is the infamous "ice scraper";

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpd61

I still have my Model 10, it's just collecting dust in my Massachusetts Democrat-approved lockbox, additionally secured with a Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi-endorsed trigger lock.

Eventually, I envision showing it to my police officer grandson, who will probably laugh at his grandpa's ancient weapon, as he charges his laser for his next shift.

Posted by: TacEntry

...Ice Scraper! We used to call em' Licence Plates - I've got three of 'em stuffed in a drawer somewhere from back in the mid-nineties... I found being a BPD Special was invaluable experience back in the day... An awesome way to become a "COP" and really do everything but Ch 90, serve warrants or do extensive investigations... Locked up many knuckleheads, drunks, thieves... Learned how the court system works - BMC (quickly!) good times! I'd recommend it to anyone getting a foot in the door...

Posted by: masscopguy

Ok, The word police never appeared on the square special badges.

But back in the day there were claim shell badges around that said Boston Spcial Police on them. The specials who worked at the old Boston Garden wore them and I worked with 2 guys who were plain cloths specials working security at Quincy Market.

My main pont was the special officer's badge can't say police on it.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by masscopguy

But back in the day there were claim shell badges around that said Boston Spcial Police on them. The specials who worked at the old Boston Garden wore them and I worked with 2 guys who were plain cloths specials working security at Quincy Market.

Those were private-purchase, and most definitely not authorized by Rule 400.

Posted by: new guy

I know alot of guys who got there start through MHFA. Most look back and say that they developed some pretty good street skills from their experience. If you go in thinking that you are going to be on par with BHA Police than your going to be dissapointed. BHA PD Officers have more training, better equipment, and are not bound by all of the same rule 400 limitations that the specials have. If you go in there with realistic expectations and the right attitude than it could be a good place to get some experience.

Posted by: Macop

Hey housing what ever happened to the Harbor Point Police?

Posted by: HousingCop

As far as I remember, Harbor Point PD used to be in-house till a mini-riot during a summertime weekend a few years back, where a friend of mine got bonked on the head with a brick or bottle during an arrest gone bad. The bad guys were in custody and being shuffled to a waiting BPD wagon when the new HP Chief arrived in his unmarked, lights & sirens blaring. He took a corner on 2 wheels going Mach 1 and creamed some old lady who happened to be standing on the corner. Then the proverbial s#it hit the fan.

Round 2 erupts where more cops were called from C-11, C-6, B-2, MSP Old Colony and various other agencies. I was busy and got there when the dust had settled. It's practically a legendary story for the ages.

Anybody remember what year it was. I am guessing '96 or '97.

Shortly thereafter, it went out to bid for private contractors who wore the Harbor Point patch and uniform but were paid indirectly through the company instead of through the in-house management company.

Posted by: new guy

Housing Cop, didn't you guys take over for Bromely Heath PD ? And if so, what happened over there ?

Posted by: mpd61

Quote:

Originally Posted by HousingCop

He took a corner on 2 wheels going Mach 1 and creamed some old lady who happened to be standing on the corner. Then the proverbial s#it hit the fan.

Anybody remember what year it was. I am guessing '96 or '97.

Ed! Lotsa laughs outta that one huh?
Wasn't it more like '95? And wasn't that Tom M? I used to work part time next door at Bay Colony.

Posted by: Delta784

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpd61

I used to work part time next door at Bay Colony.

That's a little further than next door.

Posted by: DVET1979

I left Longwood a little over a year ago and I worked mainly at Harbor Point but I was also "stamped" to work MHFA nad Villa Victoria. I left for a full time CS job. Not a bad gig at all and plenty of experience. Harbor Point now is a very diverse community. They have a few hundred UMASS Boston students living there (like 7 or 8 hundred) along with young urban professionals. The old Columbia Point element is still more than alive and well there. You will encounter all walks of life and be confronted with all sorts of scenarios. It is a great place to start out.

Posted by: HousingCop

Quote:

new guy- Housing Cop, didn't you guys take over for Bromely Heath PD ? And if so, what happened over there ?

We took over B/H in late 98 and about a dozen of their guys were laid off. Some already had side gigs so it wasn't so bad for them. For the most part, they were solid guys but a couple of them were a bit shady to say the least. I am not bashing them, they had a tough job, I am only going on personal experience and criminal BOP checks.

Last week in the Herald they did an article on B/H and it was very unflattering to say the least. I know of some people on the lease in the households who were caught with drugs, handguns, and in one case a sawed-off shotgun and they were never kicked out per HUD rules.

Then 2 people (one who is a co-ordinator there at B/H and the other who runs their liberal non-profit office from inside there) have the balls to write letters to the editor saying that the Housing Police are the main partol force and we are dropping the ball. Hey, how about bouncing out drug dealers and convicted felons and doing YOUR job before busting on ours?

By the way, Mr. Co-ordinator failed to mention that he has a job there in the op/ed in the Herald and also is a full time Boston Firefighter. This is a guy who shouldn't throw stones but has had enough crash through the windows of his own glass house over the years.

But getting back on track, Longwood is a pretty good gig to get your feet wet in a tough job market. Not bad $$ either and a ton of experience waiting for those adventerous souls.

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