Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) GM Frank DePaola announced Oct. 21 that he has selected Acting MBTA Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green to serve in the position permanently.

DePaola said the MBTA was fortunate to have a number of good candidates for Police Chief, and that the screening and interview process was very thorough. "Chief Green's knowledge of the transit system and strong relationships with the communities we serve made him the clear choice for the job," said DePaola.

Chief Green joined the 270-person MBTA Transit Police Department as a patrolman in 1991, after serving as a police officer for the town of Winchester for eight years. An original member of the MBTA Transit Police SWAT team, Green was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004 and to Lieutenant and Deputy Chief in 2012. He has been serving as Acting Chief since November 2014, when Chief Paul MacMillan retired.

"I am truly honored to lead the fine men and women of the Transit Police Department and serve the MBTA and the citizens of Massachusetts in this capacity," said Chief Green. "The votes of confidence from Governor Baker, Secretary Pollack, General Manager DePaola, respected elected officials and community members are humbling. I am committed to ensuring the safest transportation system possible and dedicated to the principles of community policing."

Deputy Chief Green has been involved with various youth groups and has participated in several community-based collaborations and lectures. He has been recognized as the chief architect of the "THINK ABOUT IT FIRST" concept, an innovative strategy that has been duplicated nationally. The "THINK ABOUT IT FIRST" cards are given to youths who may be considering detrimental conduct. The cards list the consequences that may occur if a person is arrested, and how it would affect his/her life.

Chief Green holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Boston University and a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. Chief Green will be formally sworn in at a later date.