Six months later, no answers on death of State Police recruit
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Besides undercutting public confidence in the process, the time that has elapsed since Delgado-Garcia's death also raises another concern: How many more recruits will cycle through the academy before this investigation reaches a conclusion and any needed reforms can be put in place?
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The dearth of information led three state senators who represent Delgado-Garcia's hometown of Worcester — Republican Peter Durant and Democrats Michael Moore and Robyn Kennedy — to write a letter to Campbell in February, seeking an update.
As they
In separate interviews, Moore and Kennedy said that the letter led to a conversation with a representative from Campbell's office — but no new information. (Durant's office did not respond to an emailed inquiry.)
Moore said the lawmakers sought to know if the investigation is focused strictly on the death of Delgado-Garcia or if it will also address 'the culture of the academy and possible discriminatory practices.' Regarding those questions, 'They told us they would get back to us,' he said.
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Added Kennedy, 'We want to give some peace to the family, that there's some end to this investigation. We did not get that answer.' Lawmakers, she said, will continue to press for answers and 'make sure every lever is pulled.'
Asked for comment about the letter from lawmakers, and for any updates about the investigation, a spokesperson for Campbell said via email, 'The status of the investigation is ongoing and because the matter is open we cannot comment.'
Sure, investigations take time. To maintain their integrity, the amount of information that can be shared with the public is also limited. That's understood. But there is also a need to reassure Delgado-Garcia's family and the public. To that end, why not issue a basic statement that goes a little beyond saying the investigation is ongoing — one that acknowledges that numerous investigative steps are underway, including relevant interviews; review of medical, forensic and physical evidence; and review of training procedures and protocols.
Separate from the Meier investigation,
But the independent review is not yet underway.
In response to Healey's directive, Noble led a series of conversations to develop a request for proposals to conduct an independent review, the spokesperson said. A team is now reviewing proposals that were submitted by the deadline of Feb. 25. A proposal will be chosen 'very soon,' and after that happens, the hope is that the review will be completed within six months.
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State Police did provide some information about the scope of the independent review. It will focus on training programs and methods; attrition and injury rates; injury prevention and fitness standards; organizational culture and leadership; and alignment with national standards.
In the meantime, the department is implementing a pilot program that will divide the recruit class into two smaller groups, one beginning in May and the other in October. The goal is to give instructors an opportunity to better address the individual needs of each recruit, strengthen mentorship, and foster overall readiness. An hour-by-hour stress assessment of a recruit's day at the academy was also recently completed.
'We remain committed to ensuring that all training curriculum, staff instruction, and physical space fosters professionalism, integrity, and excellence, while prioritizing the health and well-being of our recruits,' Noble said in a statement emailed to the editorial board.
Without concrete action, commitment is merely a promise.
Before he died, Delgado-Garcia was sworn in as a trooper. To honor his dream and his memory, Massachusetts owes him more than words.
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