Certification Subcommittee Meeting
2024-12-19 08:30 - 08:35 (America/New_York)
Meeting Summary:
Approval of minutes from the Oct. 1 , 2024 and Dec. 19, 2024 meetings.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Meeting Minutes Dec. 19, 2024 (PDF)

Public Meeting
2024-12-19 08:35 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/kpVHgsHB1c4
Commission Marks 2024 Milestones, Sets 2025 Priorities, Reviews Survey Results on Officer Wellness
The POST Commission closed out 2024 with steady growth, the recertification of nearly 6,000 officers, seven Certification Subcommittee meetings on character, fitness, and officer wellness, and the launch of a new website. Other achievements included rolling out the disciplinary records portal with monthly updates and issuing new auditing regulations.
Looking to 2025, priorities include increasing Division of Standards case activity, finalizing agency certification standards, launching a business intelligence tool to improve reporting and analytics, and developing a law enforcement agency audit program.
The Commission also approved a FY26 budget request of $9.5 million, an 8% increase over FY25.
The Commission received a detailed presentation on the results of a recent survey sent to LEA heads examining agency resources, challenges, and standards for officer physical fitness and behavioral health. A survey of 213 mostly small to mid-sized agencies revealed that 180 have no physical fitness requirements, with common barriers cited as time, cost, and limited resources. On behavioral health, 127 agencies reported no requirements, and respondents highlighted stigma, cost, and cultural challenges as key obstacles. Commissioners urged expanding officer-centered wellness resources, adding annual wellness checks, and addressing misconceptions about mental health and decertification.
The legal team presented the revised code of conduct standard, incorporating MPTC feedback to expand definitions of “de-escalation” to include critical thinking, trauma-informed practices, and cultural relevance. Commissioners gave preliminary approval to accept the code of conduct standard as a preliminary draft.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Cancelled: Suspension Hearing in the Matter of William Chu
2024-12-19 10:00
This proceeding has been cancelled.
Suspension Hearing In the Matter of William Chu

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Robert Devine
2025-01-07 09:30 - 09:45 | https://youtu.be/aFE7VXJulWE
Case No. 2024-003 Pre-Hearing Conference in the the Matter of Robert Devine (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert W. Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Omar Connor
2025-01-09 09:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/nsg2D93NxlE
Case No. 2024-035 Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Omar Connor (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Joseph P. Kittredge, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of Matthew Hubbard
2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:30 | POST Commission, 84 State Street, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Case No. 2023-015 Hearing in the Matter of Matthew Hubbard (via Zoom and in person)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Kevin B. Coyle, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.

Public Meeting
2025-01-16 08:30 - 09:30 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sjtTnH2eqU&feature=youtu.be
POST Reports Progress in Officer Training Compliance, Announces Administrative Suspensions
The Executive Director began the meeting with a training compliance overview. The Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) provides 26 hours of in-service training annually—delivered either in person or online—along with 8 hours of firearms instruction and 6 hours of CPR. Agencies must report compliance to MPTC by September 30. Officers who fail to complete the required training will face administrative suspension, with certification reinstated once training is completed.
POST outreach to 356 officers who had not met in-service requirements proved largely successful. As of this meeting, only 14 officers had unresolved training discrepancies, and POST administratively suspended six of them.
In November 2024, MPTC flagged irregularities in the completion times of certain online training courses, affecting up to 487 officers from training years 2023–2025. MPTC directed agencies to review any officers with time discrepancies. Early findings indicate that 5%–10% of these cases require follow-up, which may result in disciplinary action or administrative suspension. Although many discrepancies had reasonable explanations, MPTC will require officers with unresolved issues in TY25 to retake the course in person.
The financial team reported that POST has committed over 48% of its budget for the second quarter of FY25. The Governor will release the FY26 budget next week, and POST is preparing to deliver its budget testimony.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Community Information Session
2025-01-29 18:00 - 19:30 | YWCA, 1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA, 01608
Hear from the POST Commission at a Community Information Session in Worcester on Wednesday, January 29 at 6 PM at the YWCA of Central Massachusetts. Learn more about the POST Commission’s mission and purpose, meet Commission staff, ask questions and share your comments. This event is co-sponsored by the YWCA of Central Massachusetts and the NAACP Worcester, and we look forward to seeing you there. Note that while POST staff is happy to answer questions regarding our operations and governing regulations, we cannot comment on individual cases.
The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission was established as part of the criminal justice reform legislation enacted in Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020. Our mission is to improve policing and enhance public confidence in law enforcement by implementing a fair process for mandatory certification, discipline, and training for all peace officers in the Commonwealth.

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Thomas Heller
2025-01-30 09:30 - 10:00 | https://youtu.be/wYoDHaR3tSs
Case No. 2024-045 Hearing in the Matter of Thomas Heller (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert H. D’Auria, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of James McCall
2025-02-10 09:30 - 10:15 | https://youtu.be/gwTrfxzkBMM
Case No. 2024-048 In the Matter of James McCall
Pre-Hearing Conference (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: James McCall, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-02-13 09:30 - 11:30 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo3BeuaOyqw
Commission Reports Complaint Reporting Backlog, Streamlines Recertification, and Discusses Potential Oversight of Constables
Executive Director Enrique Zuniga opened the meeting by reviewing agency reporting compliance and overdue cases. Several agencies have exceeded the 90-day extension for open complaints, closed cases, and incident reports with pending discipline. Boston Police Department accounts for most of the overdue complaints, partly due to the Commissioner’s review of each case, which extends the timeline. Despite the backlog, more agencies are submitting reports faster, and overall open complaint report numbers are declining. The Commission will begin issuing quarterly reports tracking progress on closing open cases.
Commissioners also reviewed a proposed expedited plan for recertifying officers with last names A–H, whose certifications expire on July 1, 2025. The process will be significantly streamlined, and the LEA portal is set to open May 1. Officers will now be recertified on a three-year term plus their birth month, following a timeline structure previously approved by the Commission.
The Commission addressed concerns raised during a recent community meeting in Worcester about the legal status of constables. POST clarified that under M.G.L. c. 6E, any constable who executes arrests must be certified. Currently, no constables are certified. POST will begin collecting records from departments that employ or collaborate with constables to build a statewide database and assess future enforcement measures.
A financial update showed a potential $600,000 budget reversion for FY25. The Governor’s FY26 budget proposal includes an $8.92 million appropriation, $570,000 below POST’s original request. The Legal Division also provided updates on the recertification process.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Robert Devine
2025-02-18 09:30 - 10:00 | https://youtu.be/Ur2TPsDWwQk
Case No. 2024-003 In the Matter of Robert Devine
Pre-Hearing Conference (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert W. Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Robert Devine
2025-03-18 09:30 - 09:50 | https://youtu.be/tLk5jrOj08w
Case No. 2024-003 Pre-Hearing Conference In the Matter of Robert Devine (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert W. Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-03-20 08:30 - 12:00 | https://youtu.be/gaseI7A1Kic
Commission Reviews Officer Fitness and Wellness Survey Results, Advances Use of Force Reporting Standards, Announces Streamlined Recertification Process
The Legal Division shared results from a January survey of 60 police unions, developed with MPTC input, aimed at assessing current support for officer physical fitness and behavioral health. Survey responses showed broad union support for on-site gyms and on-duty exercise time, with moderate officer participation in fitness programs. The Cooper test emerged as the most commonly used fitness standard across both unions and agencies, echoing results from a previous agency survey conducted in November 2024.
Unions identified key barriers to behavioral health support, including stigma, fear of negative job consequences, time constraints, and concerns over POST reforms. While unions and agencies agreed on physical fitness benchmarks, they were sharply divided on behavioral health standards. Nearly half of union respondents opposed any formal mental health or wellness checks, citing concerns about privacy and intrusiveness.
The Legal Division also presented updates on the draft policy for voluntary relinquishment of certification and proposed revisions to Use of Force reporting standards. Commissioners requested further clarification on the status of the draft before voting to preliminarily approve the standards.
The Commission introduced a streamlined process for the upcoming recertification of incumbent officers with last names A–H whose certifications expire July 1. Under the revised system, POST will verify in-service training completion directly with the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC). Agencies must report any changes in employment status, disclose outstanding disciplinary issues since the officer’s last certification, and confirm the officer’s fitness to serve.
The Commission also discussed efforts to track agency constables and considered whether to further define police duties and functions in regulations.
The meeting concluded with an administrative update announcing the release of POST’s annual report.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Cancelled: Hearing in the Matter of Thomas Heller
2025-03-25 10:00 - 12:30, 2025-03-28 10:00 - 12:30
This hearing has been cancelled.
Case No. 2024-025 Hearing In the Matter of Thomas Heller

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of James McCall
2025-03-31 09:30 - 10:15 | https://youtu.be/HWYAmhntg9U
Case No. 2024-048 Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of James McCall (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: James McCall, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, Esq.
Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of James McCall
2025-04-08 09:30 - 14:45 | POST Commission, 84 State Street, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Case No. 2024-048 Hearing In the Matter of James McCall
Hearing (via Zoom) and in person: POST Commission, 84 State Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02109
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent: James McCall, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, Esq.
The hearing will be conducted according to the adjudicatory rules of practice and procedure outlined in M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 10 and 11, 555 CMR 1.10, and 801 CMR 1.01, except as provided in 555 CMR 1.10(4).
In-person hearings are conducted at the POST Commission office:
Ellison Conference Room
84 State Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02109
*All adjudicatory proceedings conducted under 555 CMR 1.10 shall be public except where the Hearing Officer determines that full or limited closure is necessary to protect privacy interests and will not be contrary to the public interest. See 555 CMR 1.10(4)(a)2. Members of the public may attend open portions in person or view them remotely over Zoom.
All in-person attendees are reminded of the Commission’s policy prohibiting weapons in Commission offices and designated facilities.

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of William Castro
2025-04-09 09:30 - 11:00 | https://youtu.be/UE0Je3U2ZiA
Case No. 2025-010 Pre-Hearing Conference In the Matter of William Castro (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
The hearing will be conducted according to the adjudicatory rules of practice and procedure outlined in M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 10 and 11, 555 CMR 1.10, and 801 CMR 1.01, except as provided in 555 CMR 1.10(4). *All adjudicatory proceedings conducted under 555 CMR 1.10 shall be public except where the Hearing Officer determines that full or limited closure is necessary to protect privacy interests and will not be contrary to the public interest. See 555 CMR 1.10(4)(a)2.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-04-17 08:30 - 10:00 | https://youtu.be/Qk4Pui2G8F8
Commission Advances Streamlined Process for Officer Recertification, Adopts Voluntary Relinquishment Policy, Reviews Proposed Officer Response Procedures
The POST Commission reviewed the process for the second round of officer recertification, covering approximately 8,000 officers with last names A–H. Staff reported a streamlined process focused on confirming officer details and noting any changes since their previous certification. Moving forward, certification terms will last three years plus the officer’s birth month. The LEA portal will reopen May 5, 2025 to process applications. The Commission reminded agencies to report all job status changes, as officers not linked to an agency will be marked “Expired” when their certification ends.
The Division of Standards provided a semi-annual update, reporting 359 public complaints and 410 agency-submitted cases from October 1, 2024, through March 30, 2025. Staff review an average of 30 new public complaints and 17 agency reports each week.
The legal team presented updates on several standards, including use of force, officer response procedures, investigatory stops, traffic stops, and the code of conduct. Commissioners voted to adopt the draft policy on voluntary relinquishment of officer certification, which outlines the process and consequences of an officer choosing to give up certification.
Finance staff reported that 66% of the FY25 budget has been committed and shared updates on FY26 budget planning and upcoming legislative testimony.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Single Commissioner Hearing in the Matter of Michael Richard
2025-05-02 10:00 - 12:00
Case No. 2025-025 Single Commissioner Hearing in the Matter of Michael Richard (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Marsha V. Kazarosian, Esq.
Respondent’s Counsel: Colin R. Confoey, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, Esq.
This proceeding is closed to the public.

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Robert Devine
2025-05-06 13:00 - 13:15 | https://mapostcommission.gov/event/pre-hearing-conference-in-the-matter-of-robert-devine-5/
May 6, 1 PM – 1:15 PM
Case No. 2024-003-P
Pre-Hearing Conference In the Matter of Robert Devine (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Watch Recording
May 6, 1:15 PM
The Pre-Hearing Conference will be followed by an in-person hearing at 1:15 PM that is closed to the public.
Case No. 2024-003-P
Pre-Hearing In the Matter of Robert Devine (in person)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.

Public Meeting
2025-05-15 08:30 - 12:15 | https://youtu.be/Rr13vXA9hpA
Commission Advances Recertification, Reviews Complaint Reporting Delays, and Seeks Feedback on NDI Policy
At its May meeting, the POST Commission reported steady progress in officer recertification, reviews of complaints and incident reports, and legal policy development. The Law Enforcement Agency (LEA) portal opened May 5 to accept recertification applications for officers with last names A–H, and training sessions are now underway.
Executive Director Enrique Zuniga updated Commissioners on ongoing reviews of incident reports and monthly disciplinary record updates. He reported an increase in public and agency complaints, averaging 34 per month from the public and 15 from LEAs—up from last year’s averages of 30 and 10. The Commission also flagged several agencies with complaints overdue by more than 90 days, including closed cases where discipline remains pending. The average delay in resolving complaints across all agencies ranged from 134 to 161 days.
The Commission discussed budget developments, noting that both the House and Senate FY26 proposals maintained the Governor’s recommended $8.9 million appropriation—6% below the agency’s original $9.5 million request. The FY25 budget is projected to revert approximately $638,000.
The legal team presented key updates, including draft standards for criminal investigation procedures and criminal intelligence data management, developed in collaboration with the Municipal Police Training Committee. Legal staff also introduced a proposed policy on reporting to the National Decertification Index (NDI) that would limit NDI submissions to cases of officer decertification or certification revocation, as consistent with POST’s interpretation of legislative intent. It also includes provisions to prevent unauthorized edits to Massachusetts submissions.
Commissioners also reviewed draft guidance clarifying the meaning of police duties and functions as defined in POST regulations. No votes were requested on any legal matters, as the legal team sought feedback before moving forward.

Meeting Materials (PDF)

Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of Auria Rojas
2025-05-15 10:00 - 10:45
This proceeding is closed to the public.
Case No. 2024-047
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission in the Matter of Auria Rojas (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent: Auria Rojas, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Omar Connor
2025-06-03 09:30 - 09:45 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwzsGWa6pFw
Case No. 2024-035
Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Omar Connor (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent: Omar Connor, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of Robert Devine
2025-06-05 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-06 10:00 - 12:30
This proceeding is closed to the public.
Case No. 2024-003-P
Hearing In the Matter of Robert Devine (in person, closed to the public)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Robert W. Stowe, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
All adjudicatory proceedings shall be public except where the Presiding Officer determines that full or limited closure is necessary to protect privacy interests and will not be contrary to the public interest. See 555 CMR 1.10(4)(a)2.
Hearing Officer’s Order on Closing the Proceeding to the Public
Watch Recording
Recording Disclaimer (PDF)

Status Conference in the Matter of William Castro
2025-06-23 09:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/d1GB_NaSixg
Case No. 2025-010
Status Conference In the Matter of William Castro
Status Conference (via Zoom)
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Joshua Heal
2025-06-24 09:30 - 09:45 | https://youtu.be/7d-b6vVY1uE
Case No. 2025-026
Pre-Hearing Conference (via Zoom) In the Matter of Joshua Heal
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Peter S. Farrell, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-06-26 08:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/Asab6UbR1oU
Commission Prioritizes Officer Wellness, Advances Juvenile Standards, and Grants First Voluntary Relinquishment
At this meeting, the POST Commission reaffirmed its commitment to officer wellness, emphasizing the psychological toll of law enforcement and the need for education, peer support, and stronger mental health resources. Guest speaker Dr. Tracie Goodness highlighted the impacts of trauma and PTSD, while Commissioner Hanya Bluestone advocated for mandatory wellness standards and support for officers and their families.
The legal team presented research on officer physical fitness and outlined key principles for draft juvenile operations standards, encouraging public feedback.
The Commission approved its first application for voluntary relinquishment of certification and postponed discussion of the National Decertification Index policy to the next meeting.
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording
POST Commission Invites Public Comment on Robert V. Choquette’s Voluntary Relinquishment of Certification Application
