SENATE DOCKET, NO. 725        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Lydia Edwards

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a peace officer oath.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 725        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing a peace officer oath.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws, as appearing in the most recent edition, is hereby amended by inserting a new section 13, Section 13A the following:-

SECTION 1:  Section 13A: Ethical Oath for Peace Officers

Section 13A. (a) In alignment with the mission of the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission established in Section 2 of Chapter 6E. Public confidence and improved policing standards shall be enhanced by requiring an ethical oath for peace officers including the head of an agency, a special state police officer appointed pursuant to sections 58 and 63 of Chapter 22C and special sheriff's deputy sheriffs appointed pursuant to sections 3 and 4 of chapter 37, constables executing an arrest for any reason, or any other special, reserve, or intermittent peace officer.

(b) Peace officers certified under this chapter shall swear or affirm an ethical oath inspired by principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and accountability to the public they serve. This oath shall be administered upon certification and recertification, reinforcing a commitment to public service, ethical conduct, and adherence to constitutional principles.

(c) The ethical oath shall include the following pledges:

(i) To prioritize the protection and well-being of all individuals in the community, upholding the principle of “first, do no harm”;

(ii) To employ de-escalation techniques and use force only when absolutely necessary, ensuring proportionality and respect for human life;

(iii) To uphold and protect civil liberties and constitutional rights without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status;

(iv) To provide or call for emergency medical services for any person with whom they are in contact or have under their custody or control, who they have participated in the causation of or  who is experiencing an emergent medical condition;

(iv) To serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability, acknowledging the public trust placed in peace officers;

(v) To maintain professional competence through ongoing education and training, with a focus on ethical decision-making and community engagement; and

(vi) To actively report and address misconduct within the profession, fostering a culture of accountability and trust.

(d) The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission is directed to develop the specific language of the oath and ensure its consistent administration. The Commission shall consult with community stakeholders, legal experts, and law enforcement professionals to create a text that reflects the highest standards of ethical conduct and public service.

(e) The ethical oath shall be included as a mandatory component of officer training programs, professional evaluations, and certification processes. Noncompliance with the oath shall be grounds for review and potential disciplinary action by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

(f) The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission in connection with the Executive Office of Public Safety shall report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the ethical oath in promoting professional standards and public trust in law enforcement.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect 90 days after its passage to allow for the development and adoption of the ethical oath by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.