Combined Sources
(Boston, MA) Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker returned a police accountability bill to state lawmakers Thursday, asking for changes before he can sign the legislation. A key element of the long-debated bill is the creation of a civilian-led commission to standardize the certification, training and decertification of police officers. In a letter to lawmakers Thursday, Baker praised the bill overall, but said there are elements that introduce barriers to public safety, including a proposed moratorium on facial recognition technology. Baker, who filed his own police accountability bill in January, said he won’t sign the bill unless lawmakers address his concerns.