Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Westborough Police Department Chief Todd Minardi, recipient of the 2026 MCOPA Community Policing Award!

Chief Minardi was recognized today for his commitment to making community engagement part of the culture and core mission of the Westborough Police Department.

From supporting the department's Community Engagement Team and building relationships with schools, seniors, businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities, to spearheading the creation of the Westborough Police Foundation, Chief Minardi has created opportunities for officers and community members to become true partners.

MCOPA President Chief Shane Woodson was proud to present Chief Minardi with this well-deserved award.
Congratulations, Chief Minardi, and thank you for your commitment to community policing and the people of Westborough!

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Oak Bluffs Police Departmentoak Chief Jonathan Searle, recipient of the 2026 MCOPA Health & Wellness Leadership Award!

Chief Searle was recognized today for his commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of law enforcement officers and for helping change the way our profession addresses trauma, critical incidents, and officer wellness.

Through peer support, critical-incident response practices, and his work to provide officers with confidential access to a dedicated licensed clinician, Chief Searle has demonstrated that taking care of the people who serve our communities must remain a priority for police leadership.

MCOPA President Chief Shane Woodson was honored to present Chief Searle with this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations, Chief Searle, and thank you for your leadership and commitment to the health and wellness of our officers!

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Foxborough Police DepartmentF Police Chief Michael Grace, recipient of the 2026 MCOPA Innovative Leader Award!

Chief Grace was recognized today during the MCOPA Annual Training Conference for his exceptional leadership, innovation, and strategic approach to public safety.

His leadership in preparing Foxborough for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stands as an extraordinary example of the complex responsibilities facing today’s police leaders. Chief Grace led extensive planning and coordination among local, state, federal, and international partners to safely host seven World Cup matches at Gillette Stadium, while continuing to meet the day-to-day public safety needs of his community.

MCOPA President Chief Shane Woodson was proud to present Chief Grace with this well-deserved award.
Congratulations, Chief Grace, and thank you for your leadership and service to the profession!

09/15/2026

Day 1 of the 2026 MCOPA Annual Training Conference is off to a strong start with a packed house!

It is great to see police chiefs, command staff, public safety leaders, and our partners from across Massachusetts coming together for three days of professional development, collaboration, and valuable conversations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today. We are looking forward to a great conference!

09/14/2026

We’re busy getting everything ready for tomorrow’s MCOPA Annual Leadership Conference. From setting up the room to putting the finishing touches on final details.

We can’t wait to welcome leaders and colleagues from across the Commonwealth for a great week of learning, collaboration, networking, and sharing ideas.

See you tomorrow! We’re looking forward to an incredible conference!

09/11/2026

08/26/2026

Technology and accountability can and must go hand in hand.

The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association supports the responsible use of Automated License Plate Reader technology as an important tool for locating missing or endangered individuals, recovering stolen vehicles, identifying suspects, and investigating serious crimes.

Strong policies, limited data-retention periods, robust auditing, appropriate oversight, and transparency are essential to preventing misuse and maintaining public confidence.

As technology advances, our policies, training, and oversight must evolve with it.

Read our full statement below.

08/24/2026

Strong public safety technology and strong accountability are not competing priorities. They can, and should, go hand in hand.

Thank you to the Rochester Police Department for highlighting the value of ALPR technology and the important role it can play in modern policing. With clear policies, appropriate retention periods, searches tied to legitimate law enforcement purposes, and regular auditing, ALPRs can provide officers with critical information while maintaining the safeguards necessary to build and maintain public trust.

We can embrace effective technology while demanding responsible use and accountability.

08/07/2026

Another powerful example of why ALPR technology is such an important tool for law enforcement.

In this missing person investigation, ALPR technology helped Rochester Police quickly locate a vehicle, develop critical leads, and narrow the search area. Combined with outstanding police work and tremendous collaboration among local, regional, state, and federal partners, those efforts helped bring a missing person home safely.

Technology like ALPRs, when used responsibly with appropriate policies, oversight, and privacy safeguards, can make a real difference when every minute matters.

This is technology supporting good police work, strengthening investigations, and helping save lives.