Massachusetts State Police Relieve Trooper Michael Proctor of Duty Following Karen Read Trial

In the aftermath of the Karen Read murder trial, Massachusetts State Police Col. John Mawn emphasized the need for his department to rebuild public trust. This call for introspection follows Trooper Michael Proctor being relieved of duty due to his handling of the case, which involved the revelation of derogatory text messages he sent about Read during his trial testimony. The messages surfaced as part of a federal investigation into the case, leading to Proctor's removal shortly after a mistrial was declared due to a hung jury. Col. Mawn addressed the situation, stressing the importance of professionalism, continuous evaluation, and engagement with the public to understand and address concerns. He highlighted the department's commitment to maintaining, building, and in some cases, regaining trust, stating that any misconduct within the Massachusetts State Police will not be tolerated. The ongoing internal affairs investigation will monitor the process closely to ensure accountability and transparency. Attorney General Maura Healey expressed her disgust over Proctor's text messages and emphasized the need to follow due process in determining his standing within the State Police. Proctor was transferred out of the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office State Police Detective's Unit following his removal from duty. Col. Mawn reiterated the department's dedication to self-improvement and public engagement, acknowledging the necessity of addressing issues head-on to uphold the integrity and trustworthiness of the Massachusetts State Police.