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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.