*Postponed* Status Conference in the Matter of Joshua Heal
2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
*This proceeding has been postponed. A public notice about future proceedings related to this matter will be issued when available.*
Case No. 2025-026
Status Conference 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.

Hearing in the Matter of Omar Connor
2025-09-04 10:00 - 10:35 | Civil Service Commission Hearing Room, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 200, Boston, 02114
Case No. 2024-035
Hearing via Zoom and in person at Civil Service Commission Hearing Room, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 200, Boston, MA 02114
Presiding Officer: Hon. Charles J. Hely (Ret.)
Respondent: Omar Connor, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-09-25 08:30 - 13:00 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOpT-Xj2ftw
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 the Executive Office of 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)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-10-02 09:00 - 10:00 | https://youtu.be/tII13H6UR3A
Meeting Summary:
After the public meeting was called to order, the Commission proceeded into a closed executive session.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Watch Recording

Hearing on Motions in Limine in the Matter of William Castro
2025-10-07 09:30 - 10:40 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21Q9Ex9_-JU
Case No. 2025-010
Hearing on Motions in Limine via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Imari Soares
2025-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | https://youtu.be/VDslvGxijBc
Case No. 2024-025
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Barbara A. Dortch-Okara (Ret.)
Respondent: Imari Soares, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-10-16 08:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/26-ATKbTbsI
Meeting Summary
The executive director provided an update on in-service training for Training Year 2025, including information about officers who missed or did not report training. The Certification Division issued notices of noncompliance, with a deadline of Oct. 30, 2025, to the affected officers and agencies. Officers who remain out of compliance after the deadline may be administratively suspended.
The executive director announced that an updated Officer Status Change Form is available on POST’s website. The updated form is more user-friendly, includes drop-down menus to streamline data entry and processing, and now facilitates updates for officers in the “restricted” category.
Finance and Administration staff provided an overview of FY26 activity. The Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) acknowledged receipt of POST’s FY26 spending plan submission but has not yet issued formal approval or comments. Through the first quarter of FY26, POST spent approximately 19% of its total budget, compared to 25% at the same point last year. The House of Representatives passed the final deficiency budget for FY25. It included authorization for POST to use $74,000 in unspent FY25 funds in FY26. POST currently employs 50 staff members. Staff also provided an update on preliminary FY27 planning, noting that the Governor’s budget will be filed by Jan. 28, 2026, and that POST’s maintenance budget submission is due to A&F by Nov. 3, 2025.
Legal Division staff shared two draft documents for constables, created in consultation with the Massachusetts Trial Court’s Office of General Counsel. These documents are intended to clarify what actions are permitted or not permitted for constables who are not certified by the POST Commission. No vote was requested at this time.
Commissioner Marsha Kazarosian was re-nominated as Secretary of the POST Commission. Commissioner Charlene Luma was re-nominated as Treasurer of the POST Commission.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

Final Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of William Castro
2025-10-27 09:30 - 10:40 | https://youtu.be/F3f57r484bQ
Case No. 2025-010
Final Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Ryan Keough
2025-10-28 10:00 - 22:15 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNh-3ENPpVE
Case No. 2025-042
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent: Ryan Keough, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Status Conference in the Matter of William Castro
2025-11-05 13:00 - 15:00 | https://youtu.be/rdS0qzBk6_k
Case No. 2025-010
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

*Postponed* Hearing In the Matter of William Castro
2025-11-06 09:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-07 09:30 - 17:00
This hearing has been postponed. New dates will be announced when available.
Case No. 2025-010
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Partial Closure to be Determined
*All adjudicatory proceedings conducted under 555 CMR 1.10 shall be public except where the Hearing 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. The public may attend open portions in person or on Zoom.

Public Meeting
2025-11-20 08:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/bK2Mq9JE-Ys
Meeting Summary:
The executive director provided an update, starting with a summary of recent outreach and engagement efforts. He then shared that the Commission received a letter from the law firm of Werksman, Jackson & Quinn regarding a complaint about Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The executive director explained that the Commission has prepared and will send a response to the law firm following the public meeting.
The executive director then introduced a request from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) to form an advisory committee to provide the Commission with input on policy development. The Commission directed the executive director to organize a meeting with MCOPA to learn more about the request. The Commission did not make a decision regarding the formation of the committee and will revisit this matter at a future meeting.
Division of Certification staff presented a request from Kevin Dorr for voluntary relinquishment of certification. The request was approved.
Legal Division staff presented three agency certification standard drafts. First, staff shared revisions to the Criminal Investigation Procedures standard, which was last presented in September 2025. Commissioners voted to preliminarily approve this draft standard. Second, staff shared revisions to the Juvenile Operations Procedures standard, which was last presented in June 2025. Lastly, staff presented the Collection and Preservation of Evidence standard for the first time.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
POST Commission Invites Public Comment on Two Applications for Voluntary Relinquishment of Certification
Watch Recording

Status Conference in the Matter of Ryan Keough
2025-12-02 10:00 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/ZhQn4X77bXg
Case No. 2025-042
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent: Ryan Keough, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of William Castro
2025-12-09 09:30 - 17:00, 2025-12-10 09:30 - 17:00 | POST Commission, 84 State Street, 2nd floor, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Hearing Information
Case No. 2025-010
Hearing via Zoom and in person* at POST Commission Office, 84 State Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02109
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
*All adjudicatory proceedings conducted under 555 CMR 1.10 shall be public except where the Hearing 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. Members of the public may attend open portions in person or view them remotely over Zoom.
Watch Recording

Hearing in the Matter of William Castro
2025-12-11 09:30 - 17:00, 2025-12-12 09:30 - 18:00
Hearing Information
Case No. 2025-010
Hearing via Zoom* only
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
*All adjudicatory proceedings conducted under 555 CMR 1.10 shall be public except where the Hearing 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. Members of the public may attend open portions remotely over Zoom.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2025-12-18 08:30 - 11:00 | https://youtu.be/n7RJ30sbtpU
Meeting Summary:
The executive director provided an update on the major milestones of 2025, including onboarding seven employees, the issuance of nearly 65 decisions and orders, the ongoing development of agency certification standards, monthly disciplinary records releases, and more. He also shared potential projects for 2026, including an increase in disciplinary cases, deployment of a business intelligence tool, implementing a law enforcement agency auditing program, publishing letters of commendation, and more.
The executive director then provided an administrative and budget update, including the recent hiring of two new compliance agents to the Division of Standards, and that staff are in the final stages of hiring a new records access officer. He also shared that the Commission’s budget is plateauing and that staff will work to realize efficiencies by leveraging work through regulations and guidance, improving internal workflows, and continuing enhancements to technology.
The executive director then reintroduced a request from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) to form an advisory committee to provide the Commission with input on policy development. He summarized a recent meeting with Commission staff and MCOPA on this topic, as well as a new proposal letter from MCOPA. The Commission did not make a decision regarding the formation of the committee and will revisit this matter at a future meeting with more detailed recommendations from staff.
Division of Certification staff presented a request from Stephen Gondella for voluntary relinquishment of certification. The request was approved.
Finance and Administration staff provided a financial update regarding the Commission’s fiscal year 2027 budget request of $9.59 million. The Commission voted to approve the FY27 budget request. Staff also shared diversity metrics, comparing Commission demographics with statewide population and state workforce data.
Legal Division staff presented two revised draft guidance documents for uncertified constables. The drafts were last presented in October 2025. The Commission voted to approve the guidance. Following that, staff presented a request to remove Complaint No. 6616 from the public disciplinary records database. The Commission approved the request. Legal Division staff presented revised Detainee Transportation draft standards as part of the agency certification initiative. The standard was last presented in September 2025.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
POST Commission Invites Public Comment on Two Applications for Voluntary Relinquishment of Certification
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2026-01-15 08:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/6X2muuS2qVg
Meeting Summary:
The executive director began his update by acknowledging the recent passing of Officer Stephen LaPorta of the Uxbridge Police Department, who died from injuries sustained in a crash while assisting a motorist. He then addressed a letter received by the Commission from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA) regarding the Commission’s recent guidance to constables. He shared that staff are reviewing the letter and will return to the Commission at a future meeting if amendments or additional clarification to the guidance are recommended.
He then provided a general update on the Commission’s operations and ongoing projects, including the annual report, upcoming budget testimony before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means, progress toward the launch of a public business intelligence tool to improve reporting and data management, and a recent technology integration with the Commonwealth’s criminal justice information system that allows staff to be notified when officers have court interactions.
The executive director then reintroduced a request from MCOPA to form an advisory committee to provide the Commission with input on policy development and requested a vote on whether to establish such a committee. The Commission voted not to form an advisory committee.
The Legal Division presented proposed guidance regarding heads and officers of law enforcement agencies. The proposed guidance is intended to clarify how the Commission interprets the terms “head of an agency” and “officer of an agency” for purposes of applying M.G.L. c. 6E and Commission regulations.
Legal Division staff presented revised Juvenile Operations draft standards as part of the agency certification initiative. The standard was last presented in November 2025. The Commission voted to preliminarily approve the draft standard with an amendment. Staff then presented the Internal Affairs and Officer Complaint Investigation Procedures draft standard for the first time.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
POST Commission Invites Public Comment on Dean Paine’s Voluntary Relinquishment of Certification Application
Watch Recording

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of Sean Malone
2026-01-26 15:00 - 16:00 | https://youtu.be/F4ocEIh268I
Case No. 2023-002-P
Via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Barbara A. Dortch-Okara (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Jennifer N. Smith, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Watch Recording

Status Conference in the Matter of Ryan Keough
2026-02-03 10:00 - 10:20 | https://youtu.be/F8xR4Z6yA7A
Case No. 2025-042-P
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent: Ryan Keough, pro se
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Single-Commissioner Hearing in the Matter of Michael Vroom
2026-02-04 10:00 - 14:00 | https://zoom.us/j/91208008353
Case No. 2026-002
Single-Commissioner Hearing via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/91208008353
Presiding Officer: Marsha V. Kazarosian, Esq.
Respondent’s Counsel: Paul M. Facklam Jr., Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.

Status Conference in the Matter of James Fermin
2026-02-09 09:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/sLKZpTHfjgE
Case No. 2024-022
Status Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: William P. Aiello, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2026-02-19 09:00 - 11:00 | https://youtu.be/4H0EdGdtE-A
Meeting Summary:
The executive director provided an update on the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding Review Commission, noting that it has begun its five-year review cycle. He then shared recent outreach efforts, including a meeting with the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association and the Municipal Police Training Committee to discuss the potential development of a specialized training pathway for correctional officers seeking to become deputy sheriffs.
The Finance and Administration Division then presented on the POST Commission’s budget, funding outlook for Fiscal Year 2027, and staffing. Staff shared that they are currently preparing testimony for an upcoming appearance before the Joint Committee on Ways and Means on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget request. The Governor’s budget proposal, filed on January 28, 2026, includes funding of just over $9 million for the Commission. This amount represents approximately $580,000 less than the Commission’s request.
Legal Division staff presented revised Detainee Transportation draft standards as part of the agency certification initiative. The standard was last presented in December 2025. Staff then presented the revised Collection and Preservation of Evidence draft standard, which was last presented in November 2025. The Commission voted to grant preliminary approval of both draft standards.
Staff then provided information on the development of a draft model use of force policy in collaboration with the Municipal Police Training Committee and noted that the Commission welcomes public comment on the proposed policy.
The Division of Certification then provided an update on Paul Oliveira’s application for voluntary relinquishment of certification. Staff shared that, as part of the public comment process, they learned of an additional lawsuit that Oliveira did not disclose and require additional time to review the information. The matter was tabled.
Chair Margaret Hinkle then reported the results of the executive director’s performance evaluation and expressed appreciation for his work.
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

*Closed to Public* Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission in the Matter of Michael Villanueva
2026-02-19 11:00 - 23:45
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2025-038
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Joseph Resnek, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, 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.

*Closed to Public* Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission in the Matter of Sean Flaherty
2026-02-19 11:45 - 12:30
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2024-026
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Kenneth Anderson, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Tara L. Chisholm, 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.

Pre-Hearing Conference in the Matter of James Fermin
2026-03-12 09:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/6GVQrdKyqNE
Case No. 2024-022
Pre-Hearing Conference via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent’s Counsel: Walter H. Jacobs, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, Esq.
Watch Recording

Public Meeting
2026-03-19 08:30 - 10:30 | https://youtu.be/8LZ4JlpuPfY
Remote Participation via Zoom
Meeting ID: 997 5889 3646
1) Call to Order
2) Approval of Minutes
a) February 19, 2026
3) Executive Director Report – Enrique A. Zuniga, Eric Rebello-Pradas
a) General Update
4) Division of Standards Semi-Annual Report – Matthew P. Landry
5) Agency Certification Standards – Randall E. Ravitz, Annie E. Lee
a) Internal Affairs and Officer Complaint Investigation Procedures
6) Legal Update – Randall E. Ravitz, Heather E. Hall, Annie E. Lee
a) Use of Force Model Policy
7) Matters not anticipated by the Chair at the time of posting
8) Executive Session in accordance with the following:
• M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(1), to discuss “the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, . . . or individual”;
• M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(5), to discuss the investigation of charges of criminal misconduct;
• M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(7), combined with M.G.L. c. 6E, § 8(c)(2), and to the extent they may be applicable, M.G.L. c. 6, §§ 168 and 178, to discuss matters relating to preliminary inquiries and initial staff review concerning whether to initiate such inquiries, and regarding certain criminal record information; and
• M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(7), combined with M.G.L. c. 30A, §§ 22(f) and (g), to discuss and approve prior Executive Session minutes.
a) Division of Standards reports of Preliminary Inquiries in the following cases:
i) PI-2025-029
ii) PI-2024-047
iii) PI-2025-023
iv) PI-2025-027
v) PI-2025-040
b) Division of Standards request for approval to conduct Preliminary Inquiries and/or impose a suspension in the following cases:
i) PI-2026-019
ii) PI-2026-020
iii) PI-2026-021
iv) PI-2026-022
v) PI-2026-023
c) Suspension Hearing in the Matter of Darnell Campbell, Jr., Case No. 2024-039
d) Approval of the minutes of the Executive Session of February 19, 2026
Meeting Agenda (PDF)
Meeting Materials (PDF)
Watch Recording

*Closed to Public* Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission in the Matter of Darnell Campbell, Jr.
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:00
This proceeding is closed to the public.*
Case No. 2024-039
Suspension Hearing Before the Full Commission via Zoom
Presiding Officer: Full Commission
Respondent’s Counsel: Nick Balatsos, Esq.
Enforcement Counsel: Amy C. Parker, 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.
