Bill > H1630

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for evidence and property management in Massachusetts law enforcement departments, requiring agencies to conduct annual random-sampling audits and semi-annual inspections of their evidence rooms, with detailed reporting requirements. The legislation mandates that these audits must be performed by employees who are not directly responsible for evidence management, and all audit reports must be submitted to the secretary of public safety by January 30th each year. If a department fails to submit reports, they will receive a warning and potentially be subject to a full audit by an independent auditing entity at their own expense. The bill also introduces strict record-keeping protocols for seized money and evidence disposal, requiring detailed documentation of when, how, and why items are removed from evidence rooms. Additionally, departments must record and report the disposition of evidence, ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of potential legal materials. The bill defines various terms like "evidence," "property," and "evidence and property room" and applies to a wide range of law enforcement entities, including state police, municipal police departments, and transportation authority police forces. The legislation also includes a provision for a study on controlled substance disposal methods and requires all departments to complete a full audit within one year of the act's effective date.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1630