Officer Status Lists

An individual cannot be hired or actively employed as a law enforcement officer in Massachusetts if they are not certified by POST. The list below describes the different types of certification statuses. 

Administratively Suspended: Officer fails to complete in-service training requirements within 90 days of the deadline imposed by the Commission; or an officer with a duty to report information to the Commission fails to do so. See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 9, Paragraph 5 b and c. Individuals cannot perform police duties or functions until the Commission lifts the administrative suspension.

Certified: The officer has met all necessary requirements and is certified for three years. See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 4.

Certified/SRO: School Resource Officer: (SRO) A sworn municipal police officer appointed by the Chief of Police who has completed SRO training and fulfilled other requirements for certification under M.G.L. Chapter 6E, Section 3 and 555 CMR 10.00.The SRO is tasked with providing law enforcement, promoting school safety and security, and maintaining a positive school climate for students, families, and staff in public elementary and secondary schools.

Certified/SRO Conditional: A School Resource Officer who has met some certification requirements and must satisfy all remaining requirements within a specified timeframe. 

Conditionally Certified: The officer has complied with only some recertification requirements. See M.G.L. c. 6E, § 3(a). To maintain certification, the officer must satisfy each of the conditions listed in their notice within the indicated timeframe. Once the Commission determines that all conditions have been met, the status will change to “Certified.” Officers must remain in compliance with Chapter 6E and all Commission regulations. Failure to meet conditions within the designated or extended timeframe may result in a status change, which could restrict eligibility for appointment or continued employment.

In addition, an officer on excused medical, military, or administrative leave who has not completed recertification requirements will be classified as “Conditionally Certified” with the restriction that they cannot perform police duties or functions. See 555 CMR 7.04. 

Decertified: An individual who has been decertified by the Commission. A decertified officer cannot work for any law enforcement agency and will be added to the National Decertification Index (NDI). See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 10.

Expired: An officer whose certification lapsed on July 1, 2025, did not submit a recertification application by that date, and is not currently affiliated with a recognized law enforcement agency. The Division of Certification will make reasonable efforts to notify officers of their expired status using any available personal email address. Officers classified as expired will be publicly listed on the POST Commission website for 90 days from the date of classification. This public listing informs employers, agencies, and the public that the officer’s certification is no longer valid.

Not Certified: Officers who have failed to meet one or more recertification requirements under M.G.L. c. 6E, § 4(f)(1) and 555 CMR 7.06. As a result, the Commission cannot renew their certification. These individuals are not eligible for employment as law enforcement officers in Massachusetts. However, unlike decertified individuals, officers who are not certified may still seek certification.

Restricted: An officer who is not currently affiliated with a recognized law enforcement agency and does not meet the criteria for “Expired” status. Restricted officers will be listed as such on the POST website. This designation indicates that while the certification remains valid, the officer is not currently authorized to serve due to the lack of agency affiliation.

Suspended: An officer who is arrested, charged, or indicted for a felony will have their certification suspended immediately. The Commission may also suspend certification after a preliminary inquiry if an officer is charged with a misdemeanor that affects fitness to serve, or if suspension is deemed in the public interest. Officers whose certification has been suspended will be listed on the monthly suspension list. Suspended officers may not perform any police duties or functions. See MGL Chapter 6E, Section 9.

Unassociated: An officer who is not currently employed by a law enforcement agency. To view a report of all unassociated individuals, select the “Unassociated” drop-down in the “Law Enforcement Agencies” search field.

Under Review: POST requires additional information to process the recertification application and/or the officer is challenging a certification decision.