Joseph J. Leonard

Joseph J. Leonard (May 8, 1876 – August 20, 1962) was an American political figure who served as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department for 58 days.

Early life Leonard was born on May 8, 1876, in Jamaica Plain. He dropped out of The English High School after one year to go work as a lawyer and accountant.

Political career Leonard ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1902, but lost by 250 votes. He ran for the 8th Suffolk District seat in the Massachusetts Senate in 1906, but lost to Republican Frank Seiberlich 6,686 votes to 5,390. He was a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention of 1917. In 1924, Leonard became an assistant district attorney under Thomas C. O'Brien. The committee voted 4 to 1 against Goodwin's motion to request a legal ruling on the dispute from the Massachusetts Attorney General and Leonard became chairman. During his tenure on the commission, Leonard sought the settlement of a $85,000 claim against former Mayor James Michael Curley, despite Curley's threat of a libel suit. At 58 days, Leonard has the shortest tenure as Boston Police Commissioner.