Case No. 2023-002-P
Via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Barbara A. Dortch-Okara (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Jennifer N. Smith, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Case No. 2025-042-P
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent: Ryan Keough, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Case No. 2026-002
Single-Commissioner Hearing via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/91208008353
Presiding Officer: Marsha V. Kazarosian, Esq.
Respondent’s Counsel: Paul M. Facklam Jr., Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Case No. 2024-022
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: William P. Aiello, Esq.
Meeting Summary:
The Executive Director provided an update on the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding Review Commission, noting that it has begun its five-year review cycle. He then shared recent outreach efforts, including a meeting with the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association and the Municipal Police Training Committee to discuss the potential development of a specialized training pathway for correctional officers seeking to become deputy sheriffs.
The Finance and Administration Division then presented on the POST Commission’s budget, funding outlook for Fiscal Year 2027, and staffing. Staff shared that they are currently preparing testimony for an upcoming appearance before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. The Governor’s budget proposal, filed on January 28, 2026, includes funding of just over $9 million for the Commission. This amount represents approximately $580,000 less than the Commission’s request.
Legal Division staff presented revised Detainee Transportation draft standards as part of the agency certification initiative. The standard was last presented in December 2025. Staff then presented the revised Collection and Preservation of Evidence draft standard, which was last presented in November 2025. The Commission voted to grant preliminary approval of both draft standards.
Staff then provided information on the development of a draft Model Use of Force policy in collaboration with the Municipal Police Training Committee and noted that the Commission welcomes public comment on the proposed policy.
The Division of Certification then provided an update on Paul Oliveira’s application for voluntary relinquishment of certification. Staff shared that, as part of the public comment process, they learned of an additional lawsuit that Oliveira did not disclose and require additional time to review the information. The matter was tabled.
Chair Margaret Hinkle then reported the results of the executive director’s performance evaluation and expressed appreciation for his work.
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2025-038
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Joseph Resnek, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, 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.
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2024-026
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Kenneth Anderson, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, 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.
Case No. 2024-022
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Meeting Summary:
The Executive Director shared that the Massachusetts State Police modified their requirements for issuing a Private Investigator’s license, such that they now issue licenses to individuals with a law enforcement certification, subject to certain conditions. As a result, the Commission may see a decrease in requests for voluntary relinquishment of law enforcement certifications.
The Executive Director also provided a financial and administrative update. He stated the Commission continues to project unspent funds for FY26, with a current estimate of approximately $425,000. The Commission also will continue to pursue its FY27 budget request of approximately $9.59 million to support, in part, the development of an audit program.
The Information Technology Division announced the initial release of three new business intelligence dashboards on the Commission’s website. Staff shared that the release provides a high-level view of data and will be expanded over time. The dashboards allow users to view the composition of agencies by certification status and the total number of certified officers; complaint allegations by type; and complaint volume from the public and law enforcement agencies by year. Future updates will include additional information.
The Standards Division provided a semi-annual update on complaints and disciplinary matters. Of note, the weekly rate of complaints has increased from approximately 30 to 35 per week. Additionally, in 2025, the team processed approximately 1,700 public complaints and nearly 1,000 additional complaints submitted by agencies. Staff shared that the Division currently has 101 active preliminary inquiries (investigations).
Legal Division staff presented revised Internal Affairs and Officer Complaint Investigation Procedures standard as part of the agency certification initiative. The standard was originally presented in January 2026. No vote was requested.
Staff then provided information on the development of a draft Model Use of Force policy in collaboration with the Municipal Police Training Committee. The Commission voted to approve the draft policy.
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2024-039
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Nick Balatsos, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, 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.