The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), the body tasked with policing the police in Massachusetts, expressed disappointment following the Boston Police Department's demotion of Deputy Superintendent Eddy Chrispin after his appointment to their ranks. NBC10 Boston reported that the POST Commission found no valid reason for Chrispin's relegation in rank from a command position to Sergeant Detective due to his recently assumed role on the Commission.
Enrique Zuniga, the POST's Executive Director, stated, "We see no legitimate reason why Commissioner Chrispin’s appointment to the POST Commission should result in his demotion," as noted by NBC Boston. He pointed out that, like any other state agency, the POST has measures to manage potential conflicts of interest, allowing commissioners to disclose or recuse themselves as needed. Chrispin's demotion reportedly stems from concerns raised by the Boston Police Department about such conflicts due to his command staff position.
According to a statement obtained by Boston 25 News, the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement Officers (MAMLEO) has called for Chrispin's immediate reinstatement, emphasizing the urgent need to promote officers of color and halt what the organization labels as 'bewildering retaliation practices.'
POST's work is critical to the ongoing effort to reform and improve policing standards in the state, and Chrispin's position was meant to ensure active law enforcement perspectives were included. "We support Commissioner Chrispin and are confident that his 25-year career in law enforcement, perspective as an active officer and history working with diverse communities will contribute to the mission of POST," Zuniga told Boston 25 News. Boston Police have not publicly responded to requests for comment on the demotion. The implication sets a disconcerting precedent, packing implications for the nominating authorities and undermining the earnest endeavors of the POST Commission.
