Crime
Massachusetts State Police suspending Academy to address 103 recommendations made in new report
FRAMINGHAM – As part of its ongoing effort to strengthen recruit training and continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism, the Massachusetts State Police today released an independent review of the State Police Academy and announced immediate steps to modernize Academy operations. The assessment, conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, outlines 103 recommendations to support immediate improvements and guide longer-term changes to Academy instructional practices, operational systems, and oversight.
Following the tragic death of Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a training exercise in September 2024, Governor Maura Healey directed Superintendent Colonel Geoffrey Noble to conduct an independent assessment of the State Police Academy. The Department commissioned the IACP to complete that review as part of a broader effort already underway to strengthen training, enhance safety, and ensure the Academy reflects national best practices in law enforcement instruction and education.
“We continue to mourn the loss of Trooper Delgado-Garcia and honor his memory through meaningful action,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “The IACP assessment provides a strong foundation and a clear roadmap to strengthen Academy operations and ensure that our training environment reflects the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and accountability. We are committed to implementing these recommendations thoughtfully and with urgency as we continue building a stronger Academy for the next generation of troopers.”
The assessment found that while the Academy meets required statutory training standards and benefits from dedicated staff, strong institutional pride, robust on-site medical support, and a comprehensive curriculum, important improvements are needed in several areas. The assessment identified challenges related to leadership continuity, attrition, instructional consistency, trainee wellness supports, and aging operational systems that affect learning, morale, and long-term effectiveness.
According to a Massachusetts State Police spokesperson, in response, the Department has already begun implementing immediate improvements to strengthen the Academy’s training environment and address several of the assessment’s key findings before the next Recruit Training Troop begins. These actions include permanently ending boxing and head-strike activities, establishing a civilian Academy Director of Training position, developing a balanced stress training curriculum, enhancing instructor preparation for current and new training staff, updating trainee wellness and discipline policies, establishing baseline physical and psychological screening protocols, reinforcing a safety-first culture throughout training, and building stronger systems for injury tracking and recruit readiness.
To guide implementation of the assessment’s recommendations, Colonel Noble established a 10-member working group of sworn and professional staff representing the Department’s operational, training, and subject matter expertise. The working group has identified 31 priority recommendations for action before the next Recruit Training Troop, including 22 that must be implemented and 9 that must be underway before training begins.
The Department will delay the start of the 93rd Recruit Training Troop, which was originally scheduled to enter the Academy in June. The additional time will allow the Department to complete priority actions, train staff on the updated instructional approach, support hiring for key Academy positions, and ensure incoming trainees receive clear guidance ahead of the next class.
The Department believes the assessment’s 103 recommendations are best understood through five broad calls to action that will guide both immediate improvements and longer-term implementation:
· Build a strong Academy leadership team
· Enhance the Academy’s curriculum to reflect current policing best practices
· Provide a new framework for instructional approach, roles, and responsibilities
· Advocate for additional resources to strengthen the facility and application process
· Develop data collection capabilities to monitor change
“We are fully committed to implementing these recommendations and to maintaining the focus needed to strengthen the Academy over the long term,” added Colonel Noble. “I am grateful to the IACP for the thoroughness of its assessment and to the Department members who contribute their time, expertise and candor throughout the process. Their collaborative work has helped provide a clear path forward to strengthen the Academy for the future.”
The assessment also recommends that MSP utilize an independent advisory team to help support the accountability, implementation, and progress of the 5-year plan. In response, the Department will work with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to identify that advisory team to review implementation progress over the multi-year improvement process.
