Press Release  IG Shapiro Commends Mass State Police Following Statutory Review Of New Policies

In a letter sent yesterday, Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro commended the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) for its commitment to “upholding the best practices of its profession,” particularly in implementing changes to its use of force policy.

“It is important to share when government performs well,” IG Shapiro said. “Upon conclusion of our statutory review of policy changes the Massachusetts State Police made to attain accreditation, we found that the MSP is upholding high professional standards which merit public attention.”

The MSP earned full accreditation for the first time under the leadership of former Colonel Christopher Mason.  “Seeking and earning accreditation is a painstaking and thorough process that demonstrates a dedication to a high standard of public service. I applaud Colonel Jack Mawn and all sworn and civilian personnel for their continued commitment to these principles.”

The Office of the Inspector General’s Division of State Police Oversight (DSPO) is required by law to ensure that the MSP complies with the requirements necessary to maintain its accreditation. DSPO is also charged with monitoring resulting policy changes. Since the MSP attained full accreditation in December 2022, DSPO reviewed the changes to its use of force policy, which include:

• A requirement that members utilize verbal warnings before using force
• A prohibition on the use of chokeholds on detainees
• A prohibition on obstructing the airway or blood flow of detainees
• Limitations on the positioning of detainees in custody
• An obligation to provide medical assistance
• A requirement to terminate force when objectively reasonable
• Instruction and requirements on the use of de-escalation tactics
• A duty to intervene
• A duty to report (no retaliation)

DSPO will continue to review policy changes and MSP’s compliance with the standards needed to maintain its accreditation.

###