New Boston Police Commissioner Put On Leave After 1999 Allegation

BOSTON — New Police Commissioner Dennis White has been placed on leave just two days after being sworn in as the city brings in an outside group to investigate a 22-year-old domestic assault allegation.

Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long has been appointed acting commissioner, Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement late Wednesday night.

White was tapped to lead the Boston Police Department after the abrupt retirement Friday of William Gross, who cited a desire to spend more time with his family.

Walsh said a "full and impartial investigation" will take place.

"These disturbing issues were not known to me or my staff, but should have been at the forefront," said Walsh on the eve of his nomination hearing to become labor secretary for President Biden.

Walsh did not detail the allegation against White. The Boston Globe said it had recently asked about a 1999 restraining order against White that forced him out of his home and to stay away from his family and surrender his department-issued firearm. The Globe said court records detail White hitting his wife and threatening to shoot her.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Boston Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.