New era of policing: a state of elevated risk

Unfortunately, they also move forward in a state of elevated risk – with no allowable provisions for protecting themselves or others in certain life-and-death situations. Because this legislation was passed with an emergency preamble, many sections of the law became effective on January 1^st, 2021 and were immediately enacted and contradict current police training.

Under the Commonwealth’s Police Reform Legislation, the new training standards and programs needed to address this gap are still months away from being established. This dangerous condition continues to exist at the same time officers must adjust for the abridgement of their due process and qualified immunity rights.

A New Era of Policing in MA Warrants a New Level of Advocacy

Rest assured that in this new era of policing in MA, MassCOP will continue to advocate strongly for the personal safety, workplace rights and other interests of its members and their families. We will continue to be active participants in the study of certain technologies and structure of law enforcement as established under this legislation through MassCOP’s representation on

• The Enforcement Body Cam Taskforce,
• The Special legislative Commission on Emergency Hospitalization, and
• The Commission to Study a Statewide Law Enforcement Officer Cadet Program.

The process through which this legislation was created was deeply flawed and a disappointment to law enforcement professionals across Massachusetts. Nonetheless, our oath as police officers and our commitment to the people of this Commonwealth remain our top priorities.

Sincerely,