Following a court verdict that has resonated throughout Massachusetts, Colonel Christopher Mason of the Massachusetts State Police issued a somber statement after a mistrial was declared in the case of Commonwealth v. Karen Read, conveying deep sympathies to the family of the late Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe. "We cannot imagine the way in which this result has heightened the O’Keefe family’s immeasurable grief, heartache, and sense of loss," said Mason in a statement on the MSP News website.
Simultaneously with the announcement of the mistrial, the Massachusetts State Police took action against one of their own. Trooper Michael Proctor has been relieved of his duties and reassigned away from the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office State Police Detective’s Unit. This decision springs from evidence of serious misconduct that surfaced during the trial. As Colonel Mawn's statement explains, an internal affairs investigation into Proctor's actions is currently ongoing.
The intricacies of bureaucracy are often hidden from public view, but in this instance, the Department has provided clarity on the timeline of Trooper Proctor's reassignment. According to the MSP News release, the collective bargaining agreement necessitates a 5-day notice for any assignment change. Thus, Proctor's transfer is set for Sunday, July 7, 2024, the earliest possible compliance with this policy unless an alternate arrangement is reached.
Looking forward, the department underscores a commitment to maintaining the integrity of their service. "Our focus remains on delivering the highest level of police services with professionalism and integrity," assured Mawn, as reported by MSP News. Meanwhile, Trooper Proctor, now on the fringes of his former post, awaits the outcome of the duty status hearing which will determine his future within the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police, be it in full duty, restricted duty, or suspension with or without pay.
