Massachusetts State Police Oversight Board again urges investigation into controversial agency

State troopers stand next to supporters of Karen Read before a mistrial was declared on Monday. (Chris Christo/Boston Herald)

A day after the shocking mistrial in the Karen Read murder case, a leading state law enforcement watchdog is calling for an “indispensable” investigation of the state police to hopefully restore trust in the embattled agency.

The Massachusetts State Police’s “thorough” investigation comes after the agency’s “integrity” was shaken by vulgar remarks made by an investigating officer about Read – comments that fueled the case.

“A primary concern in this criminal trial concerns 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, as well as other recent cases of misconduct throughout the department, have raised doubts and skepticism among many citizens of the Commonwealth about this agency’s ability to perform its vital duties,” MAPLE added.

The agency, whose members include retired state police leaders, is calling on Governor Maura Healey to fix the broken MSP.

MAPLE “strongly” urges government leaders to “follow these recommendations and once again calls for an independent public audit of this agency from start to finish as an essential step to restoring public trust.”

It is clear that MAPLE is calling on the state legislature to act if Healey does not act, the statement said. The MSP took swift action against a rogue police officer last night.

The Herald reported that Trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in Read’s murder, was relieved of duty effective immediately. He will continue to receive a salary. He earned $184,397 last year, according to state auditor’s records.

Proctor will be transferred from the district attorney’s criminal division starting Sunday. According to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk, Proctor will have to undergo a status hearing and will remain employed by the department until the hearing is completed.

“Although Trooper Proctor is still employed by the department, the decision to relieve him of duty means he will no longer be able to work on cases or serve as a trooper during this time,” McGuirk said.

Proctor will be transferred from the district attorney’s criminal division starting Sunday. According to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk, Proctor will have to undergo a status hearing and will remain employed by the department until the hearing is completed.

“Although Trooper Proctor is still employed by the department, the decision to relieve him of duty means he will no longer be able to work on cases or serve as a trooper during this time,” McGuirk said.

Proctor will be transferred from the district attorney’s criminal division starting Sunday. According to agency spokesman Tim McGuirk, Proctor will have to undergo a status hearing and will remain employed by the department until the hearing is completed.

“Although Trooper Proctor is still employed by the department, the decision to relieve him of duty means he will no longer be able to work on cases or serve as a trooper during this time,” McGuirk said.

Full statement from MAPLE

The verdict in the Karen Read trial marked the end of a long ordeal for the state of Massachusetts. The trial was widely covered in both traditional and social media, and was witnessed by a large portion of the state’s population, from Boston to the Berkshires.

A primary concern in this criminal case is the 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 performance of some of the officers assigned to this investigation, as well as other recent instances of misconduct throughout the department, have raised doubts and skepticism among many citizens of the Commonwealth about this agency’s ability to perform its vital duties.

The Massachusetts State Police is the state’s primary law enforcement agency and is tasked with providing essential law enforcement services, including investigating serious crimes and organized crime, combating illegal drugs and terrorist activities, and maintaining the safety of our streets and ports. Any doubt about this agency’s integrity, ability, or commitment to properly and effectively perform its duties is a cause for great public concern.

The foundation of effective policing is the public’s respect and trust in the police officers they are tasked with protecting. Without this, the police cannot do their job. The public’s trust in the Massachusetts State Police has been shaken. It is imperative to the safety of this state that this problem be corrected as soon as possible. The department must have strong, principled leadership from the colonel down to the lowest ranks. Individuals selected to serve in the agency and entrusted to fill its important roles must be of the highest moral and intellectual quality. Complete transparency regarding the department’s hiring, training, assignment and promotion processes is essential.

The Massachusetts Association for Professional Law Enforcement urges state leaders to follow these recommendations and reiterates its call for an independent, thorough public audit of this agency as an essential step toward restoring public trust.