Leo J. Sullivan

Leo J. Sullivan (December 8, 1905 – February 1, 1963) was an American government official from Boston who served as commissioner of the Boston Police Department from 1957 to 1962.

Early life Sullivan was born on December 8, 1905, in South Boston. He attended The English High School and Saint Anselm College. Sullivan managed Foster Furcolo's campaign in Suffolk County during the 1956 gubernatorial election. During his tenure as commissioner, Sullivan broke up the special service squad, established a juvenile squad, and eliminated 101 positions from the department (which saved the city $550,000 a year). He supported consolidation of stations and opposed legislation to return the department under city control.

In 1961, CBS aired a program called "Biography of a Bookie Joint", which showed police officers entering and exiting Swartz's Key Shop, an illegal gambling parlor. After Sullivan refused to resign, Volpe brought him before the Massachusetts Governor's Council's on charges of splitting renovation and repair contracts, failing to advertise contract bids, engaging in the insurance business while serving as commissioner, and neglecting his duty by not ordering an investigation into the officers who were filmed visiting Swartz's Key Shop. Sullivan resigned on March 15, 1962, during the hearings on his removal.

Death Sullivan died on February 1, 1963, at his home in South Boston.