Events

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. 

Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Meeting Materials (PDF)

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Meeting Summary:

The Executive Director provided a recertification update and reminded those in attendance that the Law Enforcement Agency Portal will begin accepting recertification submissions on May 1, 2026, for officers whose certification expires on July 1, 2026. He shared that about 5,000 applications are expected to be submitted. 

The Executive Director then provided an update on compliance with complaint reporting. He shared that the Boston Police Department has the most overdue internal affairs investigations at 43, followed by the Massachusetts State Police at 15. He shared that six other agencies each have two pending internal affairs investigations and 24 agencies have one pending investigation. 

The Finance and Administration Division provided a financial update, including that the staff recently presented the FY27 budget to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means in pursuit of its original request of approximately $9.59 million. 

The Legal Division provided a presentation on potential amendments to 555 CMR 1.00, including potential revisions concerning complaints classified as minor matters. Staff stated that they are in the early stages of evaluating potential amendments and invited comments and feedback. 

Meeting Agenda (PDF)

Meeting Materials (PDF)

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