Bill > S1723

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Correctional Officer Accountability, Standards and Training (COAST) Commission, a new oversight body designed to professionalize and regulate correctional officers in the state. The commission will be composed of 9 diverse members, including retired correctional officers, social workers, a formerly incarcerated person, and legal professionals, who will be responsible for setting and enforcing standards for correctional officers. Key provisions include creating a comprehensive certification process for correctional officers that involves background checks, training requirements, and ongoing professional standards, as well as establishing a system for investigating misconduct, handling complaints, and potentially suspending or revoking an officer's certification. The bill mandates that correctional officers use de-escalation tactics before using physical force, prohibits certain uses of force like chokeholds, and requires officers to intervene if they witness excessive force by another officer. The COAST Commission will maintain a public database of officer certifications, suspensions, and decertifications, and will be required to provide annual reports to the state government detailing officer-involved injuries, deaths, decertifications, and other key metrics. The overall goal is to improve accountability, professionalism, and public safety within Massachusetts' correctional system by creating a robust, independent oversight mechanism.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1723