(RoyalPatriot.com )- A Massachusetts news outlet reports that a new database attempts to make it simpler for the public to learn about the police officers who serve their Massachusetts towns was revealed last December. Officials believe that this would promote openness and confidence.
The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission stated that it had produced a list of certified law enforcement officers.
The POST Commission added four Massachusetts police officers to its list of 15 suspensions earlier this month. The commission revealed the identities of the 15 officers whose certificates were suspended last month.
According to the POST Commission, all of the officers on the list were suspended per a state statute that requires the commission to suspend police who are detained, accused of, or found guilty of a crime. The POST Commission noted in a press release that officers convicted of a crime would have their certification withdrawn. The suspensions are in place until the commission issues a final determination or revocation.
The policemen whose suspensions have been appealed can ask for a hearing.
Boston police officers Michael Murphy and Kendra Conway, who were involved in a controversy involving overtime compensation in the department, are among the newly added suspensions.
As reported in October 2022, Iancy Gonzalez, a member of the Salem Police Department, had resigned after being charged with felony theft and participating in a money order fraud caper.
Lawrence police officer Carlos Vieira, who was convicted of physically abusing a 13-year-old kid in 2018, was given a sentence of 10 years in prison last November.
Reports show the POST Commission was charged with developing a mandated certification procedure for police personnel in Massachusetts when it was established under a historic police reform legislation in 2020. Its duties also include formulating policies for decertification and suspension of certification and choosing the appropriate penalties for wrongdoing.
According to the press announcement from the POST Commission’s executive director, Enrique Zuniga, the commission has been working assiduously to satisfy legislative requirements and timelines while constructing the new Commission.
