Case No. 23-015-S In the Matter of Mila Depina-Cooley
Pre-Hearing Conference (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: William T. Broderick, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Meeting summary: The Subcommittee approved the minutes from the July 25, 2024 meeting and discussed the draft plan for recertification. Members reviewed various presentations and proposals previously submitted to the Subcommittee and held a discussion on the standards for good moral character and fitness for employment in law enforcement. A public comment period followed before the meeting concluded.
This event has been canceled. Future events related to this matter will be posted to our website when available.
Case No. 2024-004-S In the Matter of Robert Devine
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Hearing Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: Robert W. Stowe, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Commission Advances Use of Force Standard, Reviews Overdue Agency Reports and FY24 Spending
At its latest meeting, the POST Commission approved the draft Use of Force standard for inclusion in the certification regulations for law enforcement agencies. The draft includes clarifications on key principles, updates on de-escalation requirements, and guidance to help agencies develop compliant policies.
The Commission also received an informational presentation on the Use of Force Reporting standard, which outlined reporting requirements for use of force incidents, excessive force allegations, public complaints, investigative procedures, record and evidence maintenance, and training.
As part of its ongoing oversight, the Commission identified three categories of records that require agency updates through the LEA portal: open complaints and incident reports overdue by more than 90 days, internal affairs reports closed but pending disciplinary action, and public complaints forwarded to POST that are awaiting agency responses. Currently, 84 agencies have at least one outstanding report, with Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police Department, Springfield Police Department, and Lawrence Police Department each having more than 10 records to update.
The legal team introduced a revised draft of 555 CMR 12.00, governing the maintenance, reporting, and auditing of law enforcement records. The updated version incorporates feedback from public comments and stakeholders.
In financial news, the Commission reported final FY24 spending at $7.6 million—90% of the allocated budget. For FY25, the largest anticipated expenses include payroll, information technology, and office space.
The legal team updated the Commission on the Agency Certification Initiative, shared additional comments on certification standards, and outlined a proposed timeline for finalizing the regulations. As part of this effort, the Commission invited public feedback on the draft Code of Conduct standard, which outlines ethical conduct, prohibitions, and accountability requirements for officers.
Commission Holds Brief Public Session Before Entering Executive Session
The Commission opened the meeting with a brief public session before entering executive session to discuss confidential matters.
Case No. PI-2023-12-19-002 In the Matter of Omar Connor
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Hearing Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: Joseph P. Kittredge, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Meeting summary: Approval of minutes from September 10, 2024 meeting; Draft Plan for Recertification; Good Moral Character and Fitness for Employment in Law Enforcement Plan for Recertification; Public comment.