Regulations, Advisories & Guidance
MA General Law
Policies
- Model Use of Force Policy (PDF)or (Word) as of March 19, 2026
Regulations
- 555 CMR 1.00: Procedural Rules (PDF) as of Oct. 11, 2024
- 555 CMR 2.00: Construction, Application of Rules, Notice (PDF) as of Sept. 29, 2023
- 555 CMR 6.00: Use of Force by Law Enforcement Officers (PDF) as of Nov. 25, 2022
- 555 CMR 7.00: Recertification (PDF) as of Sept. 30, 2022
- 555 CMR 8.00: Databases and Dissemination of Information (PDF) as of Sept. 1, 2023
- 555 CMR 9.00: Initial Certification of Officers; and Renewed Certification of Independently Applying Officers (PDF) as of Sept. 29, 2023
- 555 CMR 10.00: Specialized Certification for School Resource Officers (PDF) as of May 12, 2023
- 555 CMR 11.00: Regulatory Action and Advisory Opinions (PDF) as of Sept. 1, 2023
- 555 CMR 12.00: Maintenance, Reporting and Audits of Law Enforcement Records and Information (PDF) as of Dec. 6, 2024
Proposed Regulations
The following are drafts that have not yet been approved by the POST Commission. While the formal public comment period has not yet begun, we welcome comments at any time at [email protected].
- Draft – 555 CMR 3.00: Law Enforcement Agencies, Officers, and Functions Subject to Regulation (PDF) as of July 11, 2026
- Draft Revisions – 555 CMR 1.00: Procedural Rules (PDF) as of July 13, 2026
Advisories and Guidance
- Guidance to Law Enforcement Agencies and Prosecuting Agencies Regarding 555 CMR 1.00 and 6.00 (PDF) as of Sept. 14, 2023
- Guidance for Constables and Other Law Enforcement Personnel Regarding 555 CMR 9.00 (PDF) as of Feb. 11, 2025
- Practical Guidance for Massachusetts Constables (PDF) as of Dec. 18, 2025
- DOs and DON’Ts for Constables (PDF) as of Dec. 18, 2025
- Construction of Scope of MGL Chapter 6E (PDF) as of April 4, 2022
- Strategies for Youth Recommendations for POST De-Escalation Guidance (PDF) as of June 14, 2021
- Requirements and Plan for Recertification of Certain Law Enforcement Officers (PDF) as of March 16, 2022
- Policy on Removal of Certain Information from the POST Commission Database (PDF) as of Nov. 16, 2023
- Guidance on Developmentally Appropriate De-escalation and Disengagement Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and Other Alternatives to the Use of Force for Minor Children (PDF) as of June 30, 2021
- Guidance M.G.L. Chapter 123, Section 12(a) and 12(e) and the Use of Force (PDF) as of March 8, 2023