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.
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.
This proceeding is closed to the public.
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. 2024-003-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.
This proceeding is closed to the public.
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.
Commission Approves NDI Policy, Explores Officer Fitness Standards, and Announces New “Restricted” Certification Status
The POST Commission approved a new policy for sharing information with the National Decertification Index (NDI), a nationwide registry that tracks law enforcement officer decertifications.
Commissioners also discussed officer physical fitness in relation to recertification. They reviewed research showing that officers typically begin their careers in peak physical condition but often leave the profession less fit than the general population. The Commission explored potential standards, resources, and incentives to support wellness throughout an officer’s career, including considerations for age and breaks in service. These discussions may inform future regulatory changes.
The Commission also introduced a new “restricted” certification status for officers not currently affiliated with a law enforcement agency.
In other updates, the Division of Finance and Administration reported $8.07 million in FY 2025 budget activity, with an expected year-end reversion between $620,000 and $674,000. The agency currently employs 51 staff members.
Case No. 2025-010
Status 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.