Regulations, Advisories & Guidance
MA General Law
Policies and Forms
- Model Use of Force Policy (PDF) or (Word) as of March 19, 2026
- Model Use of Force Reporting Form (PDF) or (Word) as of Sept. 24, 2026
- For more information, read the Form Guidance.
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
- Draft – 555 CMR 3.00: Regulated Agencies, Officers, and Conduct (PDF) as of Sept. 20, 2026
- The POST Commission voted to begin the process of promulgating the regulations above. A public hearing will be held on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information on the hearing and submitting written or oral comments, visit the Notice of Public Hearing.
- Draft Revisions – 555 CMR 1.00: Procedural Rules (PDF) as of July 13, 2026
The following draft has not yet been approved by the POST Commission. While the formal public comment period has not yet begun, comments are welcome at any time at [email protected].
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