On December 31, 2020 Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed “An Act Relative to Justice, Equity and Accountability in Law Enforcement in the Commonwealth.” This legislation is commonly referred to in Massachusetts as “Police Reform.”
This law, 100+ pages in length, is very comprehensive and includes mandatory certification process for police officers, as well as increases accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Community members wanting more information about this important legislation can access the information here, within the General Court of the 192nd Session of the Massachusetts Legislature.
On October 6, 2021 Chief Gundersen and the South Hadley Police Access and Engagement Team (PACE) held a virtual forum to discuss how this important legislation is being implemented here in the Town of South Hadley. The forum was open to questions from the community. Rev. Lori Souder of the Center Church of South Hadley was kind enough to moderate the forum. To view the forum “South Hadley Police Implementation of Police Reform Legislation” on the South Hadley Community Television channel 15, go to This Link