Meeting Summary:

The Subcommittee approved the minutes from the April 11, 2024 meeting and continued its review of the draft plan for officer recertification. Members discussed proposed criteria to guide the recertification process, followed by a public comment period.

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POST Commission Introduces Plans for Mandatory Agency Certification, Announces Changes to the Disciplinary Records database, Honors Outgoing Member, Prepares for Certification Deadline

The POST Commission recognized Commissioner Larry Ellison with a certificate of appreciation for his service. Commissioners thanked Ellison for his contributions and welcomed his successor, Commissioner Eddy Chrispin, appointed by the Attorney General.

Executive Director Enrique Zuniga reported that the June 30 certification deadline is quickly approaching. POST is actively contacting departments that have not submitted certification information and plans to publish the names of non-compliant agencies.

POST continues making progress on the disciplinary records catch-up project. Starting July 1, certain records will be removed from the public database under 555 CMR 8.06(4)(b)(13), which excludes records of former officers who were certified more than three years ago, unless the officer was decertified. In addition, the July 2024 disciplinary records database will include POST-imposed discipline, such as decertifications, which were previously listed only in the “Decisions and Orders” section of the website.

On the financial front, the FY25 budget remains in the Conference Committee phase, with the House recommending $8.75 million and the Senate proposing $8.66 million. The final budget awaits the committee’s report, followed by a legislative vote and review by the Governor. Commissioners also received a staffing diversity update. Commissioner Luma suggested analyzing staff-only metrics—excluding appointed Commissioners—for a clearer view of hiring diversity.

The legal team presented options for implementing law enforcement agency (LEA) certification. Commissioners discussed expanding beyond the eight statutory requirements and supported an incremental rollout. They raised questions about staffing and funding to support implementation. Unlike other states that offer voluntary certification, Massachusetts aims to become the first with a mandatory agency certification program.

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POST Commission Marks Bridge Academy Completion, Welcomes New Members, and Advances Agency Certification Initiative

At its latest meeting, the POST Commission welcomed two new members, Commissioner Eddy Chrispin and Commissioner Clyde Talley.

The Commission marked the official conclusion of the Bridge Academy on June 30, 2024—an important milestone in implementing the police reform law (Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020). The Academy, a one-time, no-cost initiative created by EOPSS and MPTC, provided 200 hours of training and a 2,400-hour work requirement for reserve and part-time officers who lacked the full 800-hour training. Of the 3,500 eligible officers, 1,400 completed the program, leaving 51% uncertified.

POST also reported that nearly all agencies have submitted recertification applications for officers with last names Q–Z by the June 30 deadline. One agency requested and received an extension.

Commissioners reviewed a new flowchart outlining how POST interacts with law enforcement agencies in the complaint process—from submission to review and closure.

The Commission shared updated data on its disciplinary records catch-up project. Between January 31, 2023, and March 5, 2024, POST received 590 complaints. A subset of 489 complaints will soon be published; the rest remain pending disciplinary outcomes. Additionally, the July database will include records of 205 individuals who were never certified, including those who resigned, are on leave, or were terminated. These records will remain public for five years after separation.

POST staff gave a live demonstration of the new website, www.mapostcommission.gov, highlighting real-time updates, improved search capabilities, and expanded functionality. Commissioners responded positively and recommended reviewing the site’s photos to ensure diversity and clarity in its purpose for both law enforcement and the public.

The Legal team presented updates on the LEA certification initiative, reviewed stakeholder feedback, and outlined the next steps in response to Commissioner input. The public comment period remains open through August 9.

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Meeting summary:

The Subcommittee reviewed a proposed revised set of recertification regulations under 555 CMR 7.00. Discussions included a proposal to require completion of in-service training as an additional certification condition, and clarification of the statutory standard that officers must be “of good moral character and fit for employment in law enforcement.” The meeting also addressed a memo and proposed survey focused on assessing officers’ physical and psychological fitness.

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