BOSTON — July 8, 2024
POST Commission Statement about Demotion of Commissioner Eddy Chrispin
The following is a statement from Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) Executive Director Enrique Zuniga:
We are deeply disappointed to learn that Eddy Chrispin was demoted last week from Deputy Superintendent on the Boston Police Department’s (BPD) command staff to Sergeant Detective due to his recent appointment as a POST Commissioner. As a result, we urge BPD to reverse its decision and immediately reinstate Commissioner Chrispin to his prior rank. We see no legitimate reason why Commissioner Chrispin’s appointment to the POST Commission should result in his demotion.
We understand BPD demoted Commissioner Chrispin claiming to have concerns about conflicts of interest due to his position on the command staff. Like any other state agency, the POST Commission has procedures to deal with conflicts of interest that may arise. Commissioners routinely disclose or recuse themselves from a particular matter that presents a conflict of interest. Additionally, current and past commissioners have held positions on an agency’s command staff, such as the position of police chief, while also serving as commissioners.
Commissioner Chrispin, who was appointed to the Commission in June, fulfills the statutory requirement of having an active law enforcement officer chosen by the Attorney General from nominations by the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO) on the Commission. This unwarranted decision by the BPD sets an unfortunate precedent and undermines the decisions of the appointing and nominating authorities while also undermining POST’s work toward police reform.
The Legislature was unmistakably clear that it intended for the POST Commission to be an independent police oversight body. Yet, BPD has taken employment action against Commissioner Chrispin, a duly nominated and appointed commissioner, which has nothing to do with his performance for the BPD and everything to do with his service on the POST Commission.
POST Commissioners play a unique role and oversee the important charge of improving law enforcement in the Commonwealth for the public and peace officers alike. Each Commissioner brings a unique set of skills and background that help support the goals of police reform.
We support Commissioner Chrispin and are confident that his 25-year career in law enforcement, perspective as an active officer and history working with diverse communities will contribute to the mission of POST. We look forward to Commissioner Chrispin’s service and support of the Commission’s mission to enhance public confidence in law enforcement. To read Commissioner Chrispin’s full biography and qualifications, click here.
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