Press Release  Massachusetts State Police Launches ‘Excellence Initiative’ To Enhance Operational Effectiveness, Strengthen Community Trust and Promote Public Safety

Framingham — Today, the Massachusetts State Police announced a comprehensive strategy to enhance operational effectiveness, expand community engagement, and reinforce its core mission of public safety. Established under the direction of Colonel Geoffrey Noble, the “Excellence Initiative” underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to upholding its values of integrity and professionalism, ensuring operational excellence and accountability, fostering community engagement and public trust, and investing in innovative solutions that advance the highest standards of public service.

 “Massachusetts State Troopers dedicate themselves to protecting and serving communities across Massachusetts every day. We owe it to them and the communities they serve to ensure they have the resources, training, and leadership needed to succeed,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I applaud Colonel Noble and his team for developing this strategy to ensure integrity and professionalism across the department, which is essential for enhancing public trust and public safety.”

“This strategic plan reflects a strong commitment to public safety and public trust. I commend Colonel Noble and his command staff for advancing initiatives dedicated to enhancing operational excellence and providing a forward-looking framework to support its members, strengthen community bonds, and shape the future of the organization,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

“This ambitious plan marks a new era for the nation’s oldest statewide law enforcement agency, building on more than a century of service with a renewed focus on operational effectiveness, advanced training, community engagement and public trust,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This plan is driven by the tremendous courage and dedication of our Troopers. Their commitment, professionalism and bravery are what will make this plan possible.”

“I began my tenure with the MSP by conducting a comprehensive review of the Department and holding listening sessions statewide with Department members and our stakeholders. These conversations, combined with a thorough assessment of our operations, made clear where focused action was needed to advance our mission and deliver the highest standards of public safety,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “This work resulted in four key priority areas that are driving the strategies to strengthen the MSP, support our members, and enhance the safety and trust of the communities we serve.”

Colonel Noble has identified four priority areas: strengthening organizational health and operational excellence; enhancing accountability to build public trust; deepening community connections; and promoting safer communities through crime reduction and violence prevention. Each goal is supported by targeted initiatives designed to improve internal operations, foster public trust, strengthen community bonds, and reduce crime.

To strengthen the foundation and future of the MSP, Colonel Noble has prioritized Goal 1: Enhance Organizational Health and Operational Excellence. This goal reflects a strategic commitment to modernize operations, develop strong leadership, support personnel well-being, and align training and promotions with best practices to meet the evolving demands of public safety. Strategies to achieve this goal include:

• Appointed New Command Staff: Colonel Noble appointed a new Deputy Superintendent and Division Commanders to ensure experienced leadership across key areas.
• Commissioned an Independent Review of Recruit Training: MSP partnered with the IACP to evaluate academy practices and improve training outcomes and retention.
• Implemented a New Skills-Based Promotional Process: The Department introduced a more comprehensive assessment process that evaluates leadership, communication, and service history for promotions.
• Developing the MSP Leadership Institute: The Department is developing a new leadership training program to prepare troopers for success at every stage of their careers.
• Implementing Enhanced Health and Wellness Programming: New wellness initiatives, including cognitive behavioral training and a newly appointed sworn Family Liaison Coordinator, support trooper resilience, well-being and mental health.

To build and maintain the trust of the communities it serves, the Massachusetts State Police is advancing Goal 2: Strengthen Accountability to Enhance Public Trust. This goal focuses on reinforcing internal oversight, raising investigative standards, and increasing transparency to ensure the Department consistently operates with professionalism, fairness, and integrity. Strategies to achieve this goal include:

• Strengthening Oversight and Accountability Departmentwide: The Department restructured captain roles and launched a field supervisor pilot to improve leadership presence, supervision, and operational accountability.
• Enhancing Internal Performance and Leadership Development: Leadership personnel now operate under mission-aligned key performance indicators to drive accountability and foster consistent professional growth.
• Delivered Advanced Training for Investigators: Investigators in key divisions received updated onboarding and annual in-service training focused on case management, courtroom testimony, and investigative best practices.
• Establishing a Quality Assurance Unit: The Department is developing a dedicated function to monitor and elevate the quality of investigative and operational performance.
• Increasing Department Audits of Body-Worn Camera Footage: A formalized audit program will expand supervision, support early intervention, and help ensure trooper conduct aligns with departmental standards and public expectations.

To foster trust and build meaningful relationships across the Commonwealth, the MSP is advancing Goal 3: Deepen Community Connection and Expand Public Outreach. This goal underscores the Department’s commitment to engage communities through transparent communication, inclusive programming, and public safety partnerships that reflect the diversity and values of the people it serves. Strategies to achieve this goal include:

• Strengthen Community Partnerships and Increase Community Safety Programming: The Department established a Community Affairs Office led by a civilian Chief Community Affairs Officer and launched structured outreach programming to engage communities across Massachusetts.
• Create a State Police Citizen’s Academy: A new six-week Citizen’s Academy will provide key community stakeholders with firsthand insight into MSP operations and foster stronger partnerships.
• Develop and Implement a Statewide Recruitment Campaign: A high-profile, statewide campaign will promote diversity and attract qualified candidates who reflect the values of service, integrity, and community engagement.

To ensure the safety and security of all residents, the Massachusetts State Police is advancing Goal 4: Promote Safer Communities Through Crime Prevention and Violence Reduction. This goal reflects the Department’s strategic focus on proactive enforcement, data-informed policing, and strong partnerships to reduce violence, protect critical infrastructure, and support safer communities statewide. Strategies to achieve this goal include:

• Advanced Threat Response and Crisis Management: MSP is enhancing its capabilities to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging threats and critical incidents.
• Community Safety Programs: Troopers are delivering public safety education and prevention programs tailored to the needs of local communities.
• Infrastructure Protection: The Department continues to safeguard critical infrastructure across the state through targeted security operations and collaboration.
• Strategic Data and Intelligence Sharing: MSP leverages intelligence and interagency partnerships to disrupt criminal networks and support proactive policing efforts.
• Visible Public Service and Engagement: Increased trooper presence and community engagement efforts are designed to deter crime and strengthen public trust.
• Use of Data-Driven Strategies to Target State’s Most Violent Offenders: MSP uses analytics and crime data to identify and apprehend individuals driving violence in the Commonwealth.

“This comprehensive plan represents the Department’s forward-looking strategy and deep commitment to continued improvement and keeping Massachusetts communities safe. The strategies outlined will require sustained effort, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. The Department will routinely report on our progress to keep stakeholders informed as we work diligently toward our long-term goals,” said Colonel Noble.

###