Baker Files Police Reform Bill To Establish Certification

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday filed a bill that would establish a certification program for police officers and a decertification process for those who violate standards.

Massachusetts is one of the few states that do not have statewide certification for police officers. The bill would require certification renewal every three years, consistent with other professions in the state, Baker said.

The bill’s decertification process would have public involvement. Among the actions that would make for automatic decertification would be using chokeholds or excessive force and not intervening when a fellow officer does.

The bill also would incentivize advanced law enforcement training, including de-escalation, community building and bias.

Baker, joined by by members of the House Black and Latino caucus, said George Floyd’s death made it clear “now is the time to get this done.”

“This bill is not about choosing sides and digging in,” Baker said.
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Baker pressed state legislatures to pass the bill before the session ends July 31.

“It is now time for us to measure our police officers,” said Rep. Russell Holmes. “It is now time for us to hold them to the same account we hold every other profession in the Commonwealth.”

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