MA State Police Pausing Training Academy Troop Slated For June

BRAINTREE, MA — A Massachusetts State Police training troop scheduled to start in June has been postponed while recommended changes are made.

The changes were recommended following an assessment by state police Col. Geoffrey Noble at the direction of Gov. Maura Healey.

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Healey called for the assessment after Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a training exercise in September 2024.

"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 media release issued by the state police.

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"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," the release said. "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."

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A 10-member "working group" created by Noble "identified 31 priority recommendations for action before the next Recruit Training Troop," according to the release, 22 of which "must be implemented" and nine that "must be underway before training begins."

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The June training troop has been delayed while this is completed, according to the release.

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