Robert Devine Case No. 2024-004-S
Status Conference (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Prosecuting Attorney: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Appellant Counsel: Robert Stowe, Esq.
POST Commission Introduces Plans for Mandatory Agency Certification, Announces Changes to the Disciplinary Records database, Honors Outgoing Member, Prepares for Certification Deadline
The POST Commission recognized Commissioner Larry Ellison with a certificate of appreciation for his service. Commissioners thanked Ellison for his contributions and welcomed his successor, Commissioner Eddy Chrispin, appointed by the Attorney General.
Executive Director Enrique Zuniga reported that the June 30 certification deadline is quickly approaching. POST is actively contacting departments that have not submitted certification information and plans to publish the names of non-compliant agencies.
POST continues making progress on the disciplinary records catch-up project. Starting July 1, certain records will be removed from the public database under 555 CMR 8.06(4)(b)(13), which excludes records of former officers who were certified more than three years ago, unless the officer was decertified. In addition, the July 2024 disciplinary records database will include POST-imposed discipline, such as decertifications, which were previously listed only in the “Decisions and Orders” section of the website.
On the financial front, the FY25 budget remains in the Conference Committee phase, with the House recommending $8.75 million and the Senate proposing $8.66 million. The final budget awaits the committee’s report, followed by a legislative vote and review by the Governor. Commissioners also received a staffing diversity update. Commissioner Luma suggested analyzing staff-only metrics—excluding appointed Commissioners—for a clearer view of hiring diversity.
The legal team presented options for implementing law enforcement agency (LEA) certification. Commissioners discussed expanding beyond the eight statutory requirements and supported an incremental rollout. They raised questions about staffing and funding to support implementation. Unlike other states that offer voluntary certification, Massachusetts aims to become the first with a mandatory agency certification program.
POST Commission Marks Bridge Academy Completion, Welcomes New Members, and Advances Agency Certification Initiative
At its latest meeting, the POST Commission welcomed two new members, Commissioner Eddy Chrispin and Commissioner Clyde Talley.
The Commission marked the official conclusion of the Bridge Academy on June 30, 2024—an important milestone in implementing the police reform law (Chapter 253 of the Acts of 2020). The Academy, a one-time, no-cost initiative created by EOPSS and MPTC, provided 200 hours of training and a 2,400-hour work requirement for reserve and part-time officers who lacked the full 800-hour training. Of the 3,500 eligible officers, 1,400 completed the program, leaving 51% uncertified.
POST also reported that nearly all agencies have submitted recertification applications for officers with last names Q–Z by the June 30 deadline. One agency requested and received an extension.
Commissioners reviewed a new flowchart outlining how POST interacts with law enforcement agencies in the complaint process—from submission to review and closure.
The Commission shared updated data on its disciplinary records catch-up project. Between January 31, 2023, and March 5, 2024, POST received 590 complaints. A subset of 489 complaints will soon be published; the rest remain pending disciplinary outcomes. Additionally, the July database will include records of 205 individuals who were never certified, including those who resigned, are on leave, or were terminated. These records will remain public for five years after separation.
POST staff gave a live demonstration of the new website, www.mapostcommission.gov, highlighting real-time updates, improved search capabilities, and expanded functionality. Commissioners responded positively and recommended reviewing the site’s photos to ensure diversity and clarity in its purpose for both law enforcement and the public.
The Legal team presented updates on the LEA certification initiative, reviewed stakeholder feedback, and outlined the next steps in response to Commissioner input. The public comment period remains open through August 9.
Case No. 2023-015-S In the Matter of Mila Depina-Cooley
Hearing (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: William T. Broderick, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Case No. 2023-10-24-006 In the Matter of Marcarthur Voltus
Preliminary Hearing (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Kenneth J. Fishman (Ret.)
Prosecuting Attorney: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
Meeting summary: The Subcommittee reviewed a proposed revised set of recertification regulations under 555 CMR 7.00. Discussions included a proposal to require completion of in-service training as an additional certification condition, and clarification of the statutory standard that officers must be “of good moral character and fit for employment in law enforcement.” The meeting also addressed a memo and proposed survey focused on assessing officers’ physical and psychological fitness.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING on proposed regulations 555 CMR 12.00: Maintenance, Reporting, and Audits of Law Enforcement Records and Information
Under the authority of M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3(a) and 8(d) and pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (the “Commission”) will conduct a public hearing to gather comments, ideas, and information concerning a proposed regulation, 555 CMR 12.00: Maintenance, Reporting, and Audits of Law Enforcement Records and Information.
Summary of Proposed Regulation: The proposed regulation would establish requirements for law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers to create and maintain certain records and to report certain information to the Commission. The regulation would also establish requirements and procedures concerning the auditing of law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers by or on behalf of the Commission. Lastly, the proposed regulation enumerates ways in which the Commission may take disciplinary action against law enforcement agencies and law enforcement officers as a means of enforcing the obligations of this proposed regulation.
Availability of Proposed Regulation: The proposed regulation is available on the Commission’s website at: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/post-commission. You may obtain a written copy by e- mailing a request to [email protected] or mailing a request to General Counsel Randall E. Ravitz, Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, 84 State Street, Suite 200, Boston, MA 02109.
Hearing Details: The hearing will be held virtually, using the Zoom platform, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All persons desiring to be heard on this matter should appear at that time. If you are interested in offering comments, you are encouraged, but not required, to pre-register by sending an email to [email protected] with a subject line stating, “555 CMR 12.00.” Given the volume of comments anticipated, the Commission may limit a speaker’s time to five minutes.
Case No. 2023-012-S In the Matter of William Farwell
Status Conference (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: David M. Bae, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney: Shaun Martinez, Esq.
Case No. PI-2023-05-11-008 In the Matter of Stanley Clerge
Pre-Hearing Conference (via Zoom)
Hearing Officer: Hon. Judith A. Cowin (Ret.)
Respondent Attorney: Kevin Coyle, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney: Timothy D. Hartnett, Esq.
POST Commission Advances Certification, Approves Policy Updates, Elects New Officers
The POST Commission reported ongoing progress in officer certification and disciplinary record reviews. The certification team continues to update the status of nearly 21,000 officers and is working to confirm the status of those with expired certifications.
As part of the historical disciplinary records review, POST is analyzing 150 records from 46 agencies involving terminations, resignations, or other serious matters. Some of these may require publication. POST is contacting agencies that need to revise or resubmit their records.
The Commission confirmed that its new website is now live, offering improved accessibility and real-time updates.
Commissioners elected Charlene Luma as Treasurer and Marsha Kazarosian as Secretary.
The Commission also reviewed progress on 555 CMR 12.00, which governs the maintenance, reporting, and auditing of law enforcement records. The initiative began in May 2023, and POST held a public hearing on August 1. A revised version of the regulations—reflecting stakeholder input—is expected in September.
POST staff provided an update on the Agency Certification Initiative, which is based on eight statutorily mandated standards. While other programs like CALEA and MPAC include over 100–180 standards, the Commission is considering whether to expand its own. POST received 19 comments by the August 9 deadline; most supported adding more standards but recommended a phased approach to ensure effective implementation of the initial eight.
Commissioners expressed support for adopting standards on bias-free policing, data collection, and community engagement, and suggested adding standards on sexual harassment, conflicts of interest, officer wellness, and equipment standardization. A draft on use-of-force standards (different from the use of force policy) will be discussed in a future vote.
The Commission approved several new policies:
Public Hearing Comments on CMR 12:00: Maintenance, Reporting, and Audits of Law Enforcement Records and Information (PDF)
Comments on Law Enforcement Agency Certification Standards (PDF)