A group of domestic violence victims ushered in a safe and peaceful 2006 thanks to a warrant sweep conducted by Probation Officers which resulted in the arrest of 25 domestic violence offenders during the holidays.

 

Six Boston Municipal Court Probation Officers and one Assistant Chief from the Dorchester Division joined forces with the Boston Police Department’s Family Justice Center Detectives and the Department’s Youth Violence Strike Force for a two-day sweep dubbed Operation Silent Night. For the first time in the operation’s history, Silent Night was put into effect citywide. Quincy, Brockton, and Brookline police departments all assisted in the effort.

 

Operation Silent Night targeted more than 90 absconded offenders. Of the 90, 49 had probation warrant violations from the Dorchester Division of the BMC. Operation Silent Night is the brainchild of Probation Officer Thomas Todd of the Dorchester Division and has been in place for the past five years. Since it was established, Operation Silent Night has resulted in the arrest of 115 domestic violence offenders. Operation Silent Night is an annual warrant sweep which takes place generally between Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.

 

“We decided to do this because of the increase in domestic violence during the holidays. Domestic violence during this time of year can be attributed to the stress of financial obligations and emotional issues that arise during the holiday season. Family members and former partners often try to rekindle and mend broken relationships which may lead to creating more problems,” Todd said.

 

Most of the offenders apprehended had probation violations and had been charged with violent crimes, including assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon. For the first time since Operation Silent Night was conducted, five women were arrested on domestic violence charges.