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.

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Meeting Summary: 

The executive director reviewed the significant progress that the Division of Certification has made in processing recertification applications for officers with certifications expiring July 1, 2025. He also discussed updates to the Officer Disciplinary records database, as well as complaint/incident reporting trends, including overdue complaints without an extension, cases closed with discipline pending, the average number of days where discipline is pending, the total number of cases/complaints, and cases with approved extensions. The Boston Police Department led with the highest number in each category. 

Legal Division staff celebrated Counsel Evert Fowle’s selection to the Boston Bar Association’s Public Interest Leadership Program. Staff also presented on U and T Visas and outlined law enforcement agency obligations, as well as resources for those seeking visas. Staff presented on the Agency Certification initiative, specifically a revised draft of the Officer Response Procedures standard, which incorporated feedback from the Municipal Police Training Committee. New elements of the draft included enforcement quotas and immigration matters, including provisions around U and T Visas.  

Lastly, Division of Standards staff introduced proposed updates to complaint reporting procedures, specifically creating a clearer definition between minor and serious matters.  The proposal aims to improve agency reporting compliance and streamline internal processes. Further discussions on this are expected at a future meeting.  

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Meeting Summary:

The executive director gave an update on the Officer Disciplinary Records database, including efforts to improve uniformity and detail of records. He announced that complaint summaries will be added to the database on a rolling basis moving forward for new complaints (not historical). He also shared information on past and upcoming speaking engagements, and touched on recent critical incidents involving officers, which highlight the hazards of the profession.  

Finance and Administration Division staff provided a FY25 financial report. Final spending came in around $7.98 million, representing about 91% of the funding budgeted to POST for FY25. Staff also provided an overview of the FY26 spending request, which originally was for $9.5 million. The Governor’s budget included a reduction of 6% and the Conference Committee’s final budget included an additional 1% reduction. Staff submitted its spending plan to Administration and Finance and expects to receive feedback in early October. Staff is waiting to see if the legislature will approve a request to use $74,000 in unspent money from FY25 for FY26. The largest expenses for FY26 are payroll, information technology, and office space rent. POST aims to have 60 employees by the end of FY26. 

Legal Division staff presented on three Agency Certification standard drafts. First, staff shared a second round of revisions for the Officer Response Procedures draft, which included feedback from the Municipal Police Training Committee. Commissioners voted to preliminarily approve the draft standard. Second, staff shared revisions to the Criminal Investigation Procedures draft, which was last presented in April for initial feedback. Lastly, staff introduced the Detainee Transportation draft standard for the first time. The presentation provided a high-level overview of key aspects, such as officer conduct, transport vehicles, searches, restraints, and supervision. 

Meeting Agenda (PDF)

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Meeting Summary: 

After the public meeting was called to order, the Commission proceeded into a closed executive session.  

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