Press Release  MSA Applauds the Dismissal of a Lawsuit Against the Barnstable and Dukes County Sheriffs

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) is pleased to announce on September 18, 2024, Barnstable County Superior Court Judge Michael K. Callan dismissed a complaint brought against the Sheriffs of Dukes and Barnstable Counties by District Attorney Robert J. Galibois.

The case involved the Cape and Islands District Attorney seeking to force the Sheriffs to turn over confidential employee personnel records for the last twenty (20) years.

In dismissing DA Galibois’ complaint, the Court agreed with the Sheriffs’ interpretation of the Brady doctrine, which limits disclosure of personnel information to those employees directly involved in the criminal case at issue. The DA was attempting to obtain confidential employee personnel records for all staff, regardless of whether an individual had any relation to an ongoing case.

The MSA applauds the decision and reiterates that adherence by law enforcement agencies to the obligations under the Brady doctrine are of paramount importance. 

“As an association dedicated to upholding the law and playing an integral part in the criminal justice system, we are gratified with the ruling upholding the discretion of the Sheriffs,” said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, President of the MSA. “Our belief from the onset was that the DA’s request was overreaching and unwarranted.”

The Massachusetts Sheriffs value our crucial and longstanding collaborative relationship with the Commonwealth District Attorneys while at the same time, we applaud the court for recognizing the autonomy of the elected Office of Sheriff.

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