Boston Police Officer Tyraun Barboza is off the street for now after the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission voted Thursday to suspend his law enforcement certification. State records show multiple sustained misconduct findings tied to both his on- and off-duty behavior, and the suspension order directs that his agency credentials and equipment be collected while the case moves toward a final decision. The state action follows Boston Police discipline earlier this year that included a Last Chance Agreement and a multi-day suspension.
Background
Barboza graduated from the Boston Police Academy in 2017 and has worked as a patrol officer in the city since his swearing-in. As reported by WBUR, he stood holding his infant daughter during the academy ceremony when he officially entered the force. The discipline records now available show internal affairs activity beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024.
Findings in disciplinary files
State disciplinary files list several sustained allegations against Barboza, including viewing and sharing graphic adult websites and recordings of unsuspecting women, accessing the criminal justice information system (CJIS) without any legitimate law enforcement purpose, and failing to cite an unlicensed motor vehicle operator, according to POST Commission disciplinary records. Those records state that Boston Police imposed a Last Chance Agreement and a 30-day working suspension, with 10 workdays to be served without pay and 20 workdays held in abeyance for one year.
What the order says
In its suspension order, the commission wrote that it had "voted to suspend the Respondent's certification upon determining that it is in the best interest of the health, safety, or welfare of the public" and instructed Barboza to immediately surrender all agency-issued permits and gear. That list includes his uniform, firearm, assigned cruiser, flashing blue lights, and use-of-force instruments. The order also explains how Barboza can seek a Single Commissioner stay or request a hearing before the full commission and notes that the suspension remains in place until the commission issues a final decision; see the POST Commission suspension order for full details.
Where this fits
The Barboza case lands amid a flurry of recent actions by the statewide oversight board created under Massachusetts' 2020 police reform law to review and, in some instances, suspend officers' certifications. Earlier this month, another Boston officer, Mark Loewen, had his certification suspended after separate allegations and charges; for more on that case, see coverage of the assault charges and certification loss.
The POST order in Barboza's case will stay in effect while the commission completes its process. The paperwork lays out timelines and procedures for requesting a stay, seeking a hearing, and appealing to Superior Court. This story will be updated as the commission or the Boston Police Department release additional statements or records.
