Michael Proctor, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, is facing significant consequences following the investigation into his conduct during the Karen Read case. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission announced the suspension of Proctor’s law enforcement certification on December 18, citing the need to protect public health, safety, and welfare. This decision effectively bars him from serving in law enforcement within the state.
As part of this suspension, Proctor is required to surrender all agency-issued items, including his uniform, badge, firearms, and other law enforcement equipment such as tasers. The action came just months after he withdrew his appeal against his termination from the State Police, which occurred on March 19, primarily due to his inappropriate behavior during the Read investigation. Proctor’s conduct included sending multiple unprofessional and derogatory messages about Karen Read, one of which expressed a disturbing wish regarding her well-being.
Proctor had already been relieved of duty on July 1, 2024, coinciding with the conclusion of Read’s first trial, which ended in a mistrial. A week later, he was suspended without pay. In his last two years on the force, Proctor earned over $102,000 each year. Despite his attempt to challenge his termination via an appeal to the Civil Service Commission, the State Police’s decision to fire him took effect before the commencement of Read’s second trial, in which she was ultimately acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges related to the death of John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer she had been dating.
This unfolding situation underscores the accountability mechanisms in law enforcement and highlights the serious ramifications of unprofessional conduct by officers. Proctor’s case serves as a potent reminder of the standards expected within the law enforcement community and the importance of maintaining the integrity of police investigations.