Board of Directors Meeting:
BOARD BALKS OVER RELEASE OF SPRING RECOMMENDATIONS
Ban On Political Endorsements Affirmed: New Member Approved
The MAPLE Board of Directors met on Wednesday evening September 2nd via zoom and took a pass on the question of whether to release MAPLE recommendations formulated at the spring general membership meeting. The issue of concern was the recomendation, supporting police commissions, as local option for cities seeking more civilian oversight. The membership rejected Civilian Review Boards in the same set of recommendations. Through discussion, there appeared to be a concern over how the recommendation would be received. After extended debate the President asked for a motion to approve the release and no such motion was made. Under Robert’s Rules the matter dropped without a decision. It can be brought up again.
The Board also expressed its aversion to endorsing political candidates. The President reported that a political campaign had reached out to MAPLE seeking an endorsement. This question was put before the board and there was a clear consensus that political endorsements would negatively impact MAPLE’s overall policy of professional advocacy.
Another lengthy discussion was conducted over a legislative proposal to increase the age of criminal responsibility to age 21. It was reported that this initiative is part of an incremental effort underway on Beacon Hill to press this issue until until age 25 is adopted as the new standard for criminal culpability. The board rejected this legislative proposal supporting instead age 18 as the dividing line between criminal and juvenile conduct.
Eric Piza, the Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Northeastern University submitted an application for MAPLE membership, which the board reviewed and unanimously approved. Prior to coming to Northeastern University Eric served for many years as the crime analysist for the city of Newark NJ. MAPLE is very happy to have NU back in the fold as it is the Alma Mater of many of our members. Eric has pledged the assistance of the School of Criminal Justice in support of MAPLE’s efforts, whenever possible.
In other business, the Board approved a $200.00 appropriation to renew MAPLE’s zoom account in order to support the Maple Guidebook review process. 20 of 30 drafts on various police topics have been prepared and are available for review on the MAPLE website (www.MAPLE-online. com) under the “Maple Guidebook Tab”. The password to enter this site is Storm2026 (first letter is capitalized). The date and location for the Fall General meeting were also discussed. The board approved a return to Stonehill if it is available. If it is not the Stoneforge restaurant in Easton MA was selected as the alternative site. Two dates are under consideration, December 9th or 16th depending on availability of the locations.
Legislative Update
MAPLE WILL RENEW PUSH FOR POLICE EDUCATION
Strong Ally To Join Effort In 2027
MAPLE’s proposed bill to require 60 credits hours of higher education to qualify as a candidate for police hiring in Massachusetts will die on Beacon Hill. Senator John Cronin’s office, who filed the bill on our behalf, informed the President a week ago, that the legislative session is coming to an end and it is highly unlikely that our proposal will see action.
However, the effort has yielded fruit. President Lane Glenn of Northern Essex Community College has thrown his full support into the effort to pursue this legislation in the next session in January of 2027. Glenn has committed his legislative coordinator Phil DeCologerro to assist us in the effort.
President Galvin and Vice President Champagne recently participated in a zoomconference with Essex DA Paul Tucker, set up by DeCologerro. Tucker had served in the legislature prior to his election as Essex DA. He expressed his enthusiastic support for our proposed bill, and he informed us that in 2017, a legislative group had recommended almost the exact bill which MAPLE filed this year. It called for 60 credit hours of higher education, but the only difference was that course eligibility would be designated by the hiring agency. In the MAPL’s bill that designation is reserved to the POST commission, which did not exist at the time of the 2017 draft. NECC has also joined with MAPLE in an effort to find a legislator, who would be willing to sponsor and guide the process for us in the next session.
MAPLE 