Massachusetts state police watchdog pushes again for investigation into embattled agency

State police stand near Karen Read’s supporters before a mistrial was declared Monday. (Chris Christo/Boston Herald)

One day after a shocking mistrial in the Karen Read murder case, a top state law enforcement watchdog is calling for an “indispensable” investigation of the State Police to hopefully restore confidence in the embattled agency.

The “in-person” scrutiny of the Massachusetts State Police comes after the agency’s “integrity” was shaken by vulgar comments by an investigating officer about Read that sparked the case.

“One of the primary concerns raised by this criminal trial is the level of competence, integrity and professionalism of the Massachusetts State Police officers involved in the investigation into the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe,” the Massachusetts Association for Professional Law Enforcement (MAPLE) said in a statement today.

“The performance of some of the officers assigned to this investigation, coupled with other recent instances of misconduct by the department as a whole, have created doubt and skepticism in the minds of many citizens of the Commonwealth as to the ability of this agency to perform its vital functions,” MAPLE added.

The agency, which includes retired State Police officers, is calling on Gov. Maura Healey to fix the broken MSP.

MAPLE “strongly” urges “state leaders to act on these recommendations and once again calls for an independent and rigorous public review of this agency as an indispensable step to help restore public trust.”

It is clear that MAPLE is looking to the state Legislature to act if Healey does not, the statement said. MSP acted quickly last night against an unruly officer.

As the Herald reported, Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the Read murder case, has been relieved of duty effective immediately. He is still collecting his pay. He earned $184,397 last year, according to state auditor records.

Proctor will be transferred from the District Attorney’s detective unit effective Sunday. Proctor is subject to a hearing on his employment status and will remain employed by the department until that hearing is completed, according to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk.

“While Trooper Proctor is still employed by the Department, the decision to relieve him of his duties means he can no longer work cases or function as a police officer during this time,” McGuirk said.

Proctor will be transferred from the District Attorney’s detective unit effective Sunday. Proctor is subject to a hearing on his employment status and will remain employed by the department until that hearing is completed, according to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk.

“While Trooper Proctor is still employed by the Department, the decision to relieve him of his duties means he can no longer work cases or function as a police officer during this time,” McGuirk said.

Proctor will be transferred from the District Attorney’s detective unit effective Sunday. Proctor is subject to a hearing on his employment status and will remain employed by the department until that hearing is completed, according to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk.

“While Trooper Proctor is still employed by the Department, the decision to relieve him of his duties means he can no longer work cases or function as a police officer during this time,” McGuirk said.

Full statement from MAPLE

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has reached the end of a long ordeal with the verdict in the Karen Read trial. The proceedings have been widely reported in both traditional and social media. A broad segment of the state’s population, from Boston to the Berkshires, witnessed this trial.

One of the primary concerns raised by this criminal proceeding is the level of competence, integrity, and professionalism of the Massachusetts State Police officers involved in the investigation into the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. The conduct of some of the officers assigned to this investigation, along with other recent instances of misconduct by the department as a whole, have created doubt and skepticism in the minds of many citizens of the Commonwealth as to the ability of this agency to perform its vital functions.

The Massachusetts State Police is the state’s primary law enforcement agency charged with performing critical law enforcement services including: investigating serious and organized crime, interdicting illegal drugs and terrorist activity, and maintaining the security of our highways and ports. Any questions about the integrity, ability, or commitment of this agency to properly and effectively perform its duties are a matter of grave public concern.

The foundation of effective policing is that the public retains respect and confidence in the police officers who are charged with protecting them. Without this, the police cannot succeed in their mission. The public’s confidence in the Massachusetts State Police has been shaken. It is imperative to the safety of this Commonwealth that this problem be addressed as soon as possible. The department must have strong, principled leadership, extending from the colonel down to the lowest ranks. Individuals selected to serve in the agency and assigned to perform its critical functions must be of the highest moral and intellectual caliber. It is imperative that there be complete transparency regarding the Department’s hiring, training, assignment, and promotion process.

The Massachusetts Association for Professional Law Enforcement strongly urges state leaders to act on these recommendations and once again calls for a rigorous, independent public review of this agency as an indispensable step in helping to restore public trust.