Outgoing BPD Chief Bill Evans

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Outgoing Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans says a major takeaway from his five-year tenure is a gentler approach to demonstrations and large gatherings.

During his final Ask The Commissioner segment on Boston Public Radio Tuesday, Evans said that under his watch, the Boston police department took a less aggressive approach to policing sporting events, demonstrations, and local protests that followed the violence at rallies in Charlottesville, VA.

“I always say if you come looking for a fight, with the helmets and sticks, you’re going to get a fight, but if you learn to talk to people, it’s a lot better of an approach," he said. "By experience, we’ve learned that that’s a much better approach, and now I think across the country, you’re seeing everyone handle demonstrations the way we have.”

Evans served in Boston law enforcement for 38 years. He officially retires from his post August 3 to head public safety at Boston College.

He’ll be succeeded by Superintendent-in-Chief William Gross, who will, as of August 4, be the city’s first African-American chief of police.