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.
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.
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.
Meeting Summary: The Executive Director reported on in-service training requirements, noting that MPTC provides 26 hours of training (either in person or online), along with 8 hours of firearms training and 6 hours of CPR. Agencies must report compliance to MPTC by September 30. Individuals who fail to complete the required training will be administratively suspended, with certification reinstated once requirements are met. In November 2024, MPTC identified discrepancies in the completion times for some online courses, with about 5%–10% of cases requiring follow-up, which may lead to discipline or administrative suspension. A financial update was also provided, including FY25 Q2 spending via the treasurer’s report and next steps for FY26.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.