Local Breaking Police News
5 hours ago
State House spat: W.Mass lawmaker blocked from testifying on his own bills
So here’s your daily reminder that, just because Democrats control everything on Beacon Hill, it doesn’t mean that they’re always going to get along.State Sen. Jacob Oliveira, D-Hampden/Hampshire/Worcester, was reminded of that first-hand on Monday when he attempted to testify remotely before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.The Ludlow lawmaker has several bills before the committee. And on Monday, he was back in his district meeting with childcare providers, according to Senate President Karen Spilka’s office.When it was his turn to speak, the panel’s House chairperson, Rep. Tacky Chan, D-2nd Norfolk, cut him off, citing House rules requiring committee members to participate in hearings in person, Politico reported Tuesday. “Pursuant to the House rules, the chair is not recognizing committee members who are not here physically in person,” Chan said, according to State House News Service. “As a result ... the chair does not recognize Senator Oliveira.” A bit of context: The two chambers are still sparring over joint operating rules that govern the flow of legislation between both sides of the State House. While the House and Senate each have agreed to their own rules, they’ve yet to reach an accord on this key bit of interchamber relationships. Negotiators are set to meet again on Thursday, State House News Service reported.Sen. Pavel Payano, D-1st Essex, the committee’s Senate chairperson, protested, accusing his House colleagues of violating the “sacred principle that no voice in democracy could be silenced,” the wire service reported.Sidelining Oliveira was the same thing as sidelining his constituents in Belchertown, Palmer, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Warren, Hampden, Springfield, Granby, East Longmeadow and Ludlow, Payano continued.“I think that that is a travesty,” Payano said, according to State House News Service. “You’re telling the entire community your concerns are not welcome here. This is just not a matter of procedural fairness. To me, I find it discriminatory. You know, the folks out in western Mass., it’s not the same as people that are closer to Boston.”Payano then read the testimony that Oliveira had prepared to deliver. Chan, who said he understood “there are complications for some folks,” reiterated the House stance that legislators should testify in person. The committee pile-up netted a stern rebuke from Spilka, who called the House’s power play “deeply troubling.”“The joint rules the House and Senate mutually agreed to in January do not prohibit remote participation, and the notion that one branch’s rules can bind the operations of joint committees is without merit,” Spilka said.The Ashland Democrat said she could “personally attest to [Sen.] Oliveira’s hard work and dedication to his district, his constituents, and the Senate. I thank him for ably serving all three this morning.”That wasn’t the end of the day’s drama.On Monday, the House announced that it had reached an agreement on a short-term funding bill to keep the doors open at the agency that provides health insurance for state employees.The Senate gaveled out for the day without taking up the rather urgent legislation, saying it would do so on Thursday.
5 hours ago
New York Yankees player taken off in ambulance after scary injury
It’s not often you see an ambulance on the field in an MLB game. But that’s exactly what happened in the ninth inning of Monday night’s game between the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners.The ambulance was called after a scary injury to Yankees utility player Oswaldo Cabrera, who had just scored on a sacrifice fly. Cabrera appeared to injure his ankle while trying to avoid the tag at home plate.Cabrera rolled around in pain after the play, but did manage to ask teammate Aaron Judge a question.“Did I score?” he asked, per NJ.com.Judge confirmed that, yes, Cabrera was safe at home, adding to the lead to make it an 11-5 game in the top of the ninth.Cabrera was then loaded onto a gurney and put into the ambulance. He, along with head trainer Tim Lentych, were transported to a nearby hospital. The Yankees did not provide an update on Cabrera’s condition after the game.The Yankees clubhouse had sky-high praise for Cabrera, with multiple players telling NJ.com that he’s one of the best teammates they’ve ever had.“It’s definitely one of those unfortunate things that pops up that lends perspective to what we’re doing,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, via MLB.com. “We’re playing a game. You get so consumed with it all the time and the ups and downs of it, and something like that happens for someone you feel so good about. … It smacks you with that perspective that we try to talk about and have all the time. At the end of the day, it’s a game.”With the win, the Yankees improved to 24-17 on the season, putting them three games ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.=
5 hours ago
Sun Preseason Notebook: Players finding form as franchise eyes relocation
UNCASVILLE ― The driven, businesslike approach of the Sun’s practice at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday was underlined by positive buzz of energy -- presenting an illusion of stability within the WNBA’s Connecticut-based franchise. Having concluded their preseason slate on Friday with their 94-86 win over the New York Liberty, players and staff ran through Monday’s practice focused on making final preparations ahead of the long season, with their season-opener against the Mystic at home less than a week away on Sunday, May 18 at 1 p.m. ET. “We can’t be content,” Sun assistant coach Roneeka Hodges said after practice. “It was a preseason game. Obviously we want to win, it’s great for the morale, it’s a reward for the work that we’ve been putting in. “But we want to continue to work, we know there (are) areas that we need to get better at, it’s going to be an ongoing process throughout the season.”But less than three hours after the conclusion of practice, the reality of the franchise’s future in the state were revealed as Sportico reported that the owners of the Connecticut Sun had hired an investment bank, Allen & Company, to explore the possibility of selling the team. The Sun did not respond to requests for comment on Monday evening. The Mohegan Tribe purchased the WNBA franchise from the owner of Orlando Magic, Rich DeVos, in Jan. 2003 (known then as the ‘Orlando Miracle’). While the sale of the franchise would likely result in a relocation, a one potential avenue remains to keeping the Sun within New England. A Boston-based ownership group called Boston Women’s Basketball Partners led by Donnie Wahlberg and former NBA player Michael Carter-Williams were previously reported by the Boston Globe on developing a bid for a WNBA expansion team in Boston. But since then, the league has not received any official bids for an expansion franchise in Boston as of Apr. 28, according to the Hartford Courant. Connecticut Sun's Jacy Sheldon during Sun's training camp on Apr. 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the Connecticut Sun)Connecticut SunJacy Sheldon finding her feet, shines against LibertyFriday’s game against the Liberty saw Sun guard Jacy Sheldon produce in a big way, scoring 16 points on 5-6 shooting from the field and 3-4 from three-point range. The former No. 5 overall draft pick is quickly adapting to her role in the Sun’s offense since arriving from Dallas in the four-team trade that sent out DiJonai Carrington and Alyssa Thomas. “It’s about the offense you’re put in,” Sheldon said. “I think this offense is great, it pushes our paces (and) allows us to play freely, allows us to make reads and that’s something necessarily we didn’t have my first year.“It’s fun for everyone within this system and (we have) a lot of great players here who are fun to play with and chemistry is only going to grow the more we’re out there.”One of the noticeable features on the court during practice on Monday were the taped squares surrounding the three-point arc: one at the top, two above the break and two more in the corners on both sides of the court. While the corner squares were crammed close to the line, the other three squares were about two feet beyond the arc. Sheldon explained how a team‘s willingness and ability to shoot and make three-point shots from further out challenges opposing defenses. “It just makes you harder to guard,” Sheldon said. “You just have to worry about that shot and when players have to come up, it’s easier to get your pull up off, it’s easier to go to the basket, it’s easier to make passes so when you can shoot it (from far), it realy makes the game easier. “Once they start to fall, there’s a lot more the defense has to worry about... Marina (Mabrey is) a good example of that, she’s been (in the league) for a while and you see that with her, she makes it look easy sometimes because (defenders are) so worried about her shot. You see it with (Stephen) Curry too, they’re so worried about his shot that he’s able to score in so many ways so that’s the fun part.”Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (4) is guarded by Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) during the second half of a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)APMarina Mabrey embracing opportunity to ‘dominate’Mabrey did not participate in the Sun’s first preseason loss to the Seattle Storm, but she started on Friday and made the most of playing time, scoring 13 points in less than 19 minutes. She shot 4-9 from the field, hitting 3-7 from beyond the arc and dished out three assists. As the dust of the offseason exodus has long since settled, Mabrey is being tasked with being the team‘s primary initiator from the perimeter and utilizing the team‘s willingness to play multiple guards like Sheldon and Lindsay Allen, who dished out a game-high seven assists on Friday. While known primarily for her long-range capabilities, Mabrey‘s assist totals have steadily increased since being entering the W in 2019 but its a role that she feels quite comfortable in -- and a comfortable Mabrey is nothing short of lethal and dangerous.“I don’t think it really matters about positions - if you’re dominant, you’re dominant and I’m trying to be dominant (on) all spots on the floor” Mabrey said. “The more dominant that I am, the easier it is for my teammates.“So I’m (going to) go out there and make opportunities for myself and for everybody out there (by) attacking, being aggressive, getting to kill spots, getting into post-ups (and) forcing doubles teams, triple teams, forcing their defense to adjust to me. If I can do that, then my team is (going to) eat.”Mabrey highlighted the opportunity for players to take advantage of the scoring chances to be had on a team that lost over 75% of its average scoring total from last season. “We have a lot of players also on our team that maybe are a little underrated,” Mabrey said. “They haven’t gotten a chance to play, they haven’t gotten a chance to really perform at a starting level - especially (Olivia Nelson-Odada).“Look for (her) to be really aggressive this season, I’m going to be installing all kinds of confidence in her, I’m looking for her at all times.”Nelson-Odada scored 15 points on 4-6 shooting from the field in less than 18 minutes during Friday’s win. She and Mabrey are the only returning members from last year’s roster.
5 hours ago
The Brimfield Flea Market starts Tuesday. Here's the weather forecast
Rain or shine, the hunt for hidden treasures is on as the Brimfield Flea Market opens for the 2025 season, drawing collectors, buyers and curious browsers alike to vendors’ booths full of prized antique wares. But along with vintage finds, visitors may need to pack a rain jacket. The Brimfield Flea Market will run from May 13 to May 18. It opened at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, and will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Here’s what to expect for the weather each day.Tuesday, May 13Tuesday could turn out to be one of the driest days this week, according to National Weather Service forecasters. As shoppers arrived just after sunrise for the first day, they were met by some sunshine and clouds. Temperatures were in the mid-50s by 8 a.m.Forecasters expect sunshine to break through the clouds throughout the day on Tuesday as temperatures reach highs of 72 degrees. Winds will be light, but a few 22 mph gusts are possible. Wednesday, May 14Most of the daytime Wednesday should be similar to Tuesday, with dry and seasonable weather. Temperatures will reach highs of 69 degrees, though a thicker cloud coverage is expected. But if visitors are planning to stay after 4 p.m., it may be wise to bring a rain jacket. Rain chances will rise as the flea market wraps up for the day, with a 30% chance of showers in Brimfield. These showers are expected to increase overnight. Thursday, May 15Shoppers should prepare for the potential of a wet day at the flea market on Thursday. Overnight thunderstorms could leave fields damp for early-morning shoppers, and the rain may continue throughout the day. While it may just turn out to be cloudy in the daytime — with highs near 72 and light winds — there is a 40% chance for showers and thunderstorms in Brimfield on Thursday. Friday, May 16More wet fields may be possible to start the day Friday after another round of overnight rains — but it could be the warmest day of the market.Afternoon shoppers should plan to bring their rain jackets, though the majority of the day is expected to be mostly cloudy with temperatures reaching up to 79 degrees and light winds.But after 2 p.m., there will be a 40% chance of showers, forecasters said. Saturday, May 17Sunshine may finally start off the day after sunrise on Saturday, though the majority of the day is expected to be partly cloudy. Highs will reach 77 degrees and winds will be light. However, rain showers could develop in the afternoon. Chances for precipitation will increase to 40% after 1 p.m., according to forecasters.Sunday, May 18The final day of the flea market could begin again with wet fields from overnight showers — and may be one of the chilliest days this week.Those rain showers may last throughout the day with mostly cloudy skies, and temperatures could dip down to a low of 53 degrees, forecasters said.
6 hours ago
Got a memorable move? Your story could be worth $1,000
Have a hilarious or unique Boston moving story? You could get paid $1,000 to tell it. Xfinity is looking for customers in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Jersey City, Stamford, Conn. and Huntington, New York to share their moving stories for a commercial. “Ideal candidates will have great personalities and be able to speak about the importance of having good internet service,” the Backstage listing states. It can be for individual people or couples who have moved in the past five years. Couples could get $2,000 for their story. The commercial shoots mid June in New York City. Those interested can fill out a form. It asks for people to tell the company a bit about your experience moving into your new home. “Please share all fun, funny, and relatable stories you have from moving,” it states. For more, click here.
6 hours ago
Jayson Tatum injury almost made NBA pundit cancel his podcast
The Boston Celtics didn’t just lose a big playoff game, they lost their franchise cornerstone.In his podcast after the game, Bill Simmons of The Ringer summed it up nicely.“I really wanted to cancel this. Tonight was not a good night for Celtic fans. Holy (expletive),” Simmons said.Simmons, a longtime Celtics fans and NBA pundit, said that Jayson Tatum‘s scary-looking injury in Game 4 against the New York Knicks could have huge ramifications for Boston’s future – and got a little melodramatic in the process.“We’ll see what happens with Tatum, but this could go down as one of the darker Celtic days,” Simmons said.The Celtics have had some dark days over the years. There was the death of draft pick Len Bias, the No. 2 pick of the 1986 NBA Draft. There was the tragic death of Reggie Lewis, who suffered cardiac arrest at the age of 27.Even on the injury front, there was the year that Larry Bird injured his back while shoveling gravel for his mother’s driveway.If Tatum’s injury is indeed severe, it could mark a turning point for the franchise. Even with All-Stars dotting the roster, Boston is built around their star scorer. As Simmons noted, this injury could derail the rest of Tatum’s NBA tenure.“He’s at the peak of his career,” Simmons said. “He’s never had a major injury, Tatum. If this is like a major one, it doesn’t just take him out for this playoffs, but it takes them out for, I think, all of next year, too. You just wonder, is he gonna be able to get back to the point that he was at tonight? Co-host J. Kyle Mann summed it up pretty well.“That’s a huge (expletive) bummer, man,” he said.The Celtics lost Game 4 to the Knicks to fall down 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston now faces a tall task of trying to pull off a major comeback without their top star.The loss of Tatum could heavily impact Boston’s championship window. With the way the team is constructed, the roster could look different by the time he returns to the court.Simmons stressed that’s why it was so important for the Celtics to cash-in with a title when they did.“We’ll see what happens with Tatum. But this speaks to A, how hard how hard it is to win a title. B, how important injury luck is. C, how it is to just put together some really good years in a row,” Simmons said.
7 hours ago
Parole denied for Mass. man who killed his wife, then pretended to help find her
About 40 years ago, a married Massachusetts couple went to a Halloween party. It was the last time 18-year-old Anna Foster was seen. Her husband joined in on search efforts. Nearly three years later, he was convicted for her murder. Earlier this month, he was denied parole for the sixth time. Michael Foster was convicted of murder in the second degree for the death of his wife, Anna Foster, on Aug. 14, 1989 in Norfolk Superior Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Michael Foster was 22 when he strangled his wife, tied her body with a clothesline and put her body in a nearby pond in an attempt to conceal the crime, the parole board said. Foster then joined in efforts to try and find his wife.On Dec. 20, 1986, Anna Foster’s body was found in a pond in Wrentham. Michael Foster fled to Florida. While there, he was convicted of several other offenses, including battery on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and grand theft (stealing an automobile). He was returned to Massachusetts in 1989 to face the murder charge.He first went in front of the parole board in 2004. After his Jan. 30 parole board hearing, the parole board denied parole for the 60-year-old with a review in two years. Officials said he has a lengthy history of disciplinary reports, but has stayed out of trouble since 2017. He received his GED in 1991. Since his last hearing in 2023, he has completed 24 programs, including Alternative to Violence, Jericho Circle, Restorative Justice Retreat and the Family Violence Education Group. He remained sober for nearly 30 years. However, he has prior substance misuse. Four of Anna Foster’s family members spoke in opposition to parole. Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Laura McLaughlin also spoke in opposition to parole. The Board states that Michael Foster continues to minimize his pattern of domestic violence. It also stated that the programming he has been engaged in has mostly been recent and finds a lengthier period of reflection and rehabilitation is needed.
7 hours ago
$100,000 lottery prize claimed in Mass. from this new scratch ticket game
A Massachusetts lottery player claimed a $100,000 prize on Monday from a scratch ticket game that’s less than a month old.The winning ticket was sold in New Bedford at a convenience store called Costa’s Mini Mart. The $100,000 prize was from “$15,000,000 Colossal Millions,” a $30 scratch ticket game released on April 15. All three $15 million grand prizes and seven $1 million prizes remain to be claimed as of May 13.Overall, at least 791 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Monday, including 20 in Springfield, 20 in Worcester and 68 in Boston.The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning “Diamond Deluxe” scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a “300X” scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod.
8 hours ago
From vintage Pyrex to oddball treasures: Brimfield Flea Market starts 2025 season
Love searching for vintage clothing? Unique furniture? Or some oddities? The Brimfield Flea Market has it all. The flea market is opening Tuesday for the first time in 2025. More than 65 years after the first show, thousands of dealers and show-goers shop on 20 fields on more than a mile stretch in Brimfield, which help contribute millions of dollars in tourism to Massachusetts. The show starts May 13 and lasts until May 18.Some of the fields open Tuesday, while others wait until Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to open. 1/10Unusual flea market finds, Brimfield 2024 “Get ready to hunt, haggle, and explore! Whether you’re searching for that perfect vintage piece or just want to experience the magic of Brimfield, we can’t wait to see you there,” Brimfield Antique Flea Markets Guide wrote on Facebook.If you can’t come in May, the two other shows this year are July 8-13 and Sept. 2-7.
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May 13, 2025
Why Are You Still Calling the Cops?
By Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D The National Police Association (NPA) is pitching in with expert analysis of an important upcoming SCOTUS case: Kyle Smith, et al. v. Rochelle Scott, et al. The primary issue is whether the use of body weight to control a combative person is an acceptable use of force. For the sake of the language used in the case, and as used by the media and law enforcement alike, since a death occurred, the question is whether the officers in the case used deadly force in a way they shouldn’t have. For the civilian reader’s sake, we need to be reminded that the words “excessive force” and “deadly force” are not in the Constitution. What the Constitution does address is “reasonableness” in the Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. If a person claims that the seizure of their person, i.e. an arrest, is unreasonable, federal law (see 42 USC 1983) allows the person to sue the individual or entity responsible in federal court. We also might be reminded that applying these laws to non-federal government actors was made possible by the Fourteenth Amendment. However, it took about 100 years for that to apply to lawsuits against local law enforcement. There may be lawsuits in state courts for damages that are claimed to have arisen because of an unreasonable seizure (arrest), such as a physical injury, but the loss claimed in federal court is the loss of their right to be free from unreasonable government actions, not any physical injury. Federal courts have the liberty to include such claims for efficiency’s sake, however. So, what is “reasonable”? As courts must arbitrate claims of unreasonable force and have spent many years doing so with eager lawyers wanting to define their plaintiffs’ accusations to sustain monetary awards and government lawyers seeking to save tax-funded payouts and maintain the authority of the law to maintain order. Generally, SCOTUS has given the benefit of judgment to the police, with an understanding that rapidly unfolding and dangerous events require the freedom to use one’s best judgment in the moment, without relying on hindsight, and without blaming the cops for being there in the first place. (See Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386). Recent decisions of lower courts have eroded this principle with the idea that if the officer could have, speculatively, avoided a situation that turned ugly, or if the officer(s) made a tactical mistake or misjudgment, then the officer should be deemed at fault. Let me be a bit philosophical and hypothetical here. What if the defund, defang, and abolish the police ideologues were successful and *poof* no more police? Would law enforcement, as we know it, evolve again? There would still be laws, and there would still be lawbreakers, despite the notion that we can all self-regulate and create so much peace and equality that there would no longer be a human motive for anti-social behavior? We can dream, but we also know and have experienced rebellion and, yes, evil. With no collectively chosen agents of government, enforcing laws for the good of all would rely on private persons or groups to challenge lawbreakers. This system would elevate only physically or economically powerful people to the role now filled by police officers. We would appoint and pay government actors to keep peace, and we would find that arming them serves the pubic safety best. With all due respect to other peacekeepers in the land, such as religious leaders, benevolent and charitable groups, social workers, etc., we would find that offenders who are willing to use violence will not respond to all the counseling, grace, and support in the world. So, yes, police agencies would evolve very quickly, and the public would demand it. If, as I postulate here, we find that we must have armed government agents, we do so for one purpose: so that they may coerce behavior when individuals fail to conform to reasonable laws that protect the public at large. That coercion may be showing up, it may be a pointed finger, it may be a strong statement, and it may be physical force. None of those tools, used reasonably, should be taken away. No one has the right to harm an innocent person. No one has the right to resist a lawful arrest. The use of coercion by police officers is highly regulated, even though no tool, no policy, no court decision, no tactic can be used with certainty of the outcome because every situation is unique in hundreds of ways. If a technique is used and a death occurs, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it was unlawful deadly force. The coercive technique may be one factor in a death or injury, but, absent the use of a firearm, there are multiple factors, including drugs and disease, that are part of the puzzle. Especially in mental crisis cases, there is an inevitable behavioral component. To say a mental crisis that results in a call to police is just in the person’s mind is simply not biologically accurate. Many times, physical restraint is a medical rescue. If sitting on someone is an act intended to bring a person into compliance and safety, is it not reasonable? Are officers to be required to work the physics equation of weight vs. resistance over time, divided by pre-existing physical conditions? Not a physics professor, physician, or psychic could predict such an outcome, but a reasonable officer can surmise that failing to restrain a person can, indeed, be deadly. If you don’t want the police to do the things that only the police can do, don’t call them. Let’s hope SCOTUS listens to the NPA and others and makes a reasonable decision.
May 12, 2025
The National Police Association Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Protect Essential Police Procedures
In a forceful defense of law enforcement officers nationwide, coinciding with Police Week, the National Police Association (NPA), in association with the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC), filed a pivotal amicus curiae brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold qualified immunity in the critical case of Kyle Smith, et al. v. Rochelle Scott, et al. At stake is nothing less than the very ability of America’s police officers to maintain order and safety in a disorderly and dangerous society. “This tragic case,” declares the NPA in its brief, “threatens to make bad law,” warning that judicial overreach from the Ninth Circuit Court imperils essential and lawful policing tactics, specifically the restrained and necessary use of bodyweight compression during arrests involving violent or mentally unstable individuals. The brief meticulously dismantles misguided claims that such police tactics inherently constitute “deadly force,” showcasing extensive scientific research demonstrating that controlled bodyweight compression poses minimal risk when properly administered. In this critical incident involving a mentally distressed individual, Mr. Roy Anthony Scott, the officers acted swiftly and responsibly, employing minimal and non-lethal force to protect the community and Mr. Scott himself, whose tragic death was medically attributed primarily to “methamphetamine intoxication,” not police restraint. “The notion that police officers facing unpredictable and perilous encounters with mentally disturbed individuals can accomplish their mission without decisive, controlled physical intervention is both dangerous and naïve,” stated James L. Buchal, counsel for the NPA. “Police must be allowed to act with the necessary force to safeguard lives, including their own.” The filing argues compellingly that characterizing standard restraint techniques as “deadly force” solely due to rare and tragic outcomes undermines objective policing standards and places officers unjustly at risk of civil and criminal liabilities. Such legal interpretations embolden disorder and hamstring the essential functions of public safety and community protection. “At a time when crime is rampant, communities demand safe streets, and law enforcement is already stretched thin, stripping officers of necessary and established policing tools by judicial fiat is reckless,” Buchal emphasized. “A failure to overturn the Ninth Circuit’s decision in this case may irreparably damage the operational capabilities and morale of our nation’s police officers.” The NPA’s amicus brief calls upon the Supreme Court to affirm qualified immunity protections for police officers acting reasonably and responsibly under difficult and volatile conditions. “The Nation’s peace officers need clarity and confidence in their lawful authority to protect the innocent,” concludes the NPA. “We trust the Supreme Court to correct the Ninth Circuit’s dangerous error and affirm the essential tools our officers rely upon daily to keep America safe.” The National Police Association and the Police Officers’ Defense Coalition are represented by James L. Buchal, of Murphy & Buchal LLP, in Portland, OR. The full brief is available on the Supreme Court docket under case number 24-1099 and can be read here. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
May 9, 2025
The National Police Association Endorses the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act
Indianapolis – May 9, 2025. Retail crime syndicates are a threat to public safety, the economy, and to the quality of life for communities across the country. These sophisticated, multinational criminal networks employ individuals to steal large amounts of merchandise from retail stores, warehouses, and trucks en route, then resell these goods to both online and brick-and-mortar resellers. Retail syndicates perpetuate fraud and cause legitimate businesses to lose money, raise their prices, and close stores. They impact communities, especially those that depend on retail jobs and the essential items these stores provide. Innocent civilians are placed in danger as these crimes are being committed. Meanwhile, these syndicates use their ill-gotten profits to fund terrorism, as well as drug and human trafficking operations. They have grown in recent years, emboldened by local district attorneys who refuse to prosecute theft. Thankfully, members of Congress have introduced the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (S. 1404 / H.R. 2853), a federal bill that would better equip law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to fight these egregious crimes. It was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. David Joyce (OH-14) and in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA). This bipartisan bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), is currently being considered by the Judiciary Committee. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the House bill is here. This legislation would lead to the creation of the Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center, to be housed within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This new Center would allow federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as private sector partners, to coordinate enforcement activities via a central sharing system. “Organized retail crime is a serious threat to consumers, our economy, and to the safety of innocent civilians. These syndicates are growing, in large part, because district attorneys have failed to treat retail crimes with the seriousness they merit. Compounding this are retailers who believe it’s futile to call the police,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “Thankfully, Rep. Joyce had the good sense to introduce legislation that would allow law enforcement agencies at all levels to strategically fight these heinous crimes.” The NPA extends its gratitude to Sen. Grassley and Rep. Joyce for introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, a federal bill that would allow the private sector and law enforcement partners at all levels to work in tandem to fight these crime syndicates. The government’s priority is to provide for the safety and welfare of its citizens, and this bill goes a long way in accomplishing this. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
April 17, 2025
The National Police Association Requests Federal Civil Rights Investigation of New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez
Raúl Torrez via AP Indianapolis, April 17, 2025 — The National Police Association (NPA) today announced that it has formally requested the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) open a federal civil rights investigation into New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez over his politically charged prosecution of Las Cruces Police Officer Brad Lunsford. In a detailed letter submitted to U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the NPA outlines serious constitutional violations and potential civil rights abuses resulting from the indictment of Officer Lunsford for a lawful use of force that was in full compliance with department policy. On August 2, 2022, Officer Lunsford responded to a theft in progress. The suspect, Presley Eze, violently resisted arrest, knocked Officer Lunsford’s partner to the ground, and seized his department-issued Taser. Faced with the threat of serious harm or death to himself and others, Officer Lunsford discharged his firearm to neutralize the danger. Investigations concluded that Lunsford acted appropriately and within department guidelines. Despite these findings, AG Torrez chose to indict Lunsford for voluntary manslaughter. This prosecution was not rooted in evidence or law, but rather in a political campaign to vilify law enforcement and appease anti-police activists. “This is not justice—it is persecution,” said NPA spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) “Officer Lunsford followed his training, protected his partner, and survived a life-threatening encounter. Now, he faces prison not because he broke the law, but because he wore a badge.” The NPA’s letter to the DOJ details how the prosecution violates Lunsford’s constitutional rights under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, including substantive and procedural due process, and raises grave concerns about selective prosecution based on political bias against law enforcement officers. This prosecution exemplifies a growing national crisis: the erosion of the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of Fair Notice. George Soros backed prosecutors across the country, such as AG Torrez, are now criminally charging police officers for conduct that their own departments explicitly authorized. Officers are being blindsided—told they acted appropriately under policy and training, only to be prosecuted later for those very actions. This weaponization of prosecutorial discretion not only violates constitutional rights, but it also undermines the foundational trust that law enforcement must have in the rules they are trained to follow. “This case goes beyond one man,” Smith added. “It sends a chilling message to every officer in America: even if you follow department policy, even if you act to save a life, you may be sacrificed to score political points. If this continues unchecked, the thin blue line will crumble under fear and hesitation.” The NPA is calling on the Department of Justice to intervene to ensure that constitutional rights are not trampled in the name of ideological activism. The request urges the DOJ to investigate AG Torrez’s conduct for violations of federal civil rights laws and to reaffirm that justice must be blind to politics. “The United States is a nation of laws—not of mobs, not of headlines, not of political agendas,” Smith concluded. “If we abandon that principle for our police officers, we abandon it for everyone.” The NPA’s request for investigation can be read here. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
April 10, 2025
The National Police Association Endorses the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025
Indianapolis – April 10, 2025. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to occur at least two to four times more often in the law enforcement community than in the general population. As troubling as these numbers are, they may be even higher due to underreporting. PTSD is an insidious disease that can affect any officer, resulting in substance abuse issues, feelings of despair, and thoughts of suicide. These heroes, who place everything on the line to protect and serve, deserve ready access to the most effective treatments available in their time of need. Instead, they are too often treated as an afterthought. Recognizing this, Sen. Chuck Grassley (IA) has introduced the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 (S. 825), a bill mandating the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to propose a PTSD -and acute stress disorder- treatment program for police officers and other first responders. This bipartisan bill is currently in the Judiciary Committee. The text for the bill is here. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 calls on the DOJ to develop an evidence-based treatment program for first responders, comparable to what is currently available to members of the military. In developing this plan, the Attorney General would meet with law enforcement agencies across federal, state, and local jurisdictions, as well as with organizations actively working to provide wellness and supportive care to first responders and their families. The Attorney General would propose at least one program within 150 days of the bill’s enactment, incorporating features like trauma care, peer support, and counseling services. This proposal would also detail logistics that encompass how to fund the program, secure confidentiality, and effectively deliver the program to officers nationwide. “Police officers are exposed to unimaginable trauma that can leave them with internal wounds and feelings of hopelessness. It’s a national travesty that more hasn’t been done to ensure these heroes have access to evidence-based mental health support when they need it most,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director for the National Police Association. “The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 goes a long way in recognizing that police officers are at greater risk of developing this insidious disease and that they are deserving of reliable, consistent mental health treatment. This bill is past due,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA extends its gratitude to Sen. Grassley for introducing the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would ensure that the heroes who serve us every day of the year have access to dedicated, reliable mental wellness care. Given the seriousness of the mental health epidemic gripping the law enforcement community, we ask all members of Congress to support Sen. Grassley’s bill and to treat it with the urgency it demands. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org ###
April 2, 2025
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Goes to State Supreme Court in Lunsford Case and Argues on Behalf of Perjury
In response to allegations that a juror hid their anti-police bias in order to get on a jury, New Mexico’s anti-police biased Attorney General has gone to the New Mexico Supreme Court to argue in support of citizens using deception by omission to get on a jury. In the case of former Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford, convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Presley Eze, post-trial revelations have surfaced, alleging that Juror #8, who served as the jury foreperson, deliberately concealed a pronounced anti-police bias during voir dire—the jury selection process. This juror’s undisclosed history purportedly includes participation in anti-police protests, membership in activist groups advocating against law enforcement, and public statements condemning police. A potential juror concealing such relevant information during jury selection process in the trial of a police officer, if proven, constitutes a blatant act of perjury, undermining the officer’s right to fairness and tainting the verdict rendered. In response to defense motions highlighting potential misconduct, A.G. Torrez has submitted a filing to the New Mexico Supreme Court contending that scrutinizing a juror’s political beliefs equates to harassment and violates First Amendment protections. He asserts that a defense’s reliance on a juror’s deceptive omissions during jury selection precludes them from challenging the juror’s impartiality post-conviction. This argument not only dismisses legitimate concerns of juror deception but also sets a perilous precedent wherein dishonesty during voir dire is championed by the state. Defending juror misconduct under the guise of protecting political expression conflates the absolute right to hold beliefs with the absolutely impermissible concealment of those beliefs to corrupt judicial proceedings. By suggesting that potential jurors may withhold or misrepresent critical information without consequence, A.G. Torrez effectively endorses a “right to perjury,” a concept antithetical to the very essence of justice. Voir dire serves as the mechanism by which biases are identified and addressed, ensuring that both the prosecution and defense can exercise informed judgment in juror selection. Voir dire relies on honesty and full disclosure. To permit deception by omission in this process is to invite partiality into the jury box, thereby jeopardizing the fairness of trials and the legitimacy of their outcomes. No doubt A.G. Torrez wants to protect his wrongful conviction of a police officer who defended his life and the life of another against an armed assailant, but the price A.G. Torrez is willing to pay is too high. Juror integrity is the bedrock upon which fair trials are built. A.G. Torrez’s arguments, if left unchallenged, threaten to dismantle this bedrock, replacing it with a system in which deception is permissible and outcomes are suspect. This trajectory must be halted by the New Mexico courts to ensure that the rights of all—defendants, victims, and the broader community—are safeguarded against the perversion of justice.
April 2, 2025
The National Police Association Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Use Christopher Schurr Case to Curb Abusive Litigation Against Law Enforcement
The National Police Association (NPA) has filed an amicus brief in Schurr v. Lyoya with the U.S. Supreme Court, supporting a case that aims to break the judicial paralysis strangling American law enforcement. At issue: whether former Grand Rapids, MI, Police Officer Christopher Schurr—now facing legal fire for a deadly use-of-force encounter with an armed resisting suspect—will finally receive the protection in civil court that the Constitution and common sense demand. “For too long, America’s police have been dragged through the mud by activist attorneys, agenda-driven courts, and politicians who tremble at the sound of a protest chant,” said Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.), spokeswoman for the NPA. “We are seeking a return to constitutional clarity, where officers are not at risk of being sued for doing the dangerous job society depends on them to do.” The NPA criticizes the 2009 Pearson v. Callahan decision for undermining the development of vital constitutional precedent, rendering qualified immunity a legal minefield. Under Pearson, courts are allowed to skip over whether an officer’s actions violated the Constitution—as if it doesn’t matter—the result: a game of legal limbo where the rules are never written. And who pays the price? The patrol officer answering a 911 call. The Schurr case, involving a violent struggle with a suspect who attempted to flee, fought the officer and took the officer’s Taser, is the perfect vehicle to confront the issue. If the Court fails to act, the NPA warns, the message to police across the country is chilling: hesitate and die—or act, and be destroyed in civil court. With violent crime still plaguing America’s cities and police recruitment at historic lows, now would be a good time for the Supreme Court to put an end to the judicial second-guessing of split-second decisions made in life-or-death situations. America cannot survive without peacekeepers. Peacekeepers cannot survive under a legal regime that punishes courage and worships chaos. The National Police Association is represented by Robert S. Lafferrandre and Jeffrey C. Hendrickson of Pierce Couch Hendrickson Baysinger & Green, L.L.P., in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The full brief is available on the Supreme Court docket under case number 24-886 and can be read here. About the National Police Association: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and law. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 27, 2025
The National Police Association Supports the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Defending Those Who Defend Our Borders
Indianapolis – March 27, 2025. The crisis at our southern border has created a range of perilous situations for American citizens, law enforcement officers, and migrants. One scenario involves traffickers who pack vehicles with illegal immigrants, then engage in high-speed chases to avoid capture. These encounters too often end tragically, claiming innocent casualties. One of these was Border Patrol Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who sustained injuries and subsequently died as a result of pursuing illegal migrants. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act (S. 512 / H.R. 35) is a federal bill that would provide severe punishments to those who intentionally flee from law enforcement when near the U.S. border. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) on the Senate side and has been referred to the Judiciary Committee. The companion bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6), has already passed in the House of Representatives. The text for the Senate bill is here, and the text for the House bill is here. The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act creates a new federal offense for intentionally fleeing a federal, state, or local police officer by vehicle when located within 100 miles of the U.S. border. Penalties would increase depending on the level of injuries the victim sustains. Basic evasion would translate to a maximum of two years imprisonment and a possible fine. For evasions resulting in a serious injury to the victim, the penalty would increase to five to 20 years imprisonment. If it results in the victim’s death, the penalty would range from 10 years to life in prison. Additionally, non-citizens who commit this offense would qualify for deportation and be ineligible for admittance to the U.S., even if seeking future asylum. The U.S. Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security would also be required to submit a detailed annual report to congressional judiciary committees about these offenses. “Whether they work at the local or federal level, law enforcement officers place their lives at risk to prevent criminals who cross our border illegally from preying on innocent civilians. This level of sacrifice deserves support from the American people via legislative protections,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association. “This bill honors the sacrifice of Agent Raul Gonzalez, Jr., who lost his life while in pursuit. It also sends a clear message to traffickers, smugglers, and other criminals that lawlessness and attacks on the men and women of law enforcement -even if those attacks are indirect- will not be tolerated. The NPA thanks Sen. Cruz and Rep. Ciscomani for crafting the Raul Gonzales Officer Safety Act, a bill that demonstrates respect for law enforcement and better protects American lives. We ask other members of Congress to work to ensure the bill’s passage. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 22, 2025
The National Police Association Supports a West Virginia State Bill to Create Harsher Penalties for Harming a Police Dog
Indianapolis – March 22, 2025. Police dogs are essential to law enforcement’s mission of maintaining order and keeping our communities safe. These four-legged heroes help locate missing people, track criminal suspects, detect drugs and explosives, and protect their human partners. Because these dogs work on the frontlines, they are subject to being assaulted and killed, just as human officers are. Thankfully, a growing number of states are recognizing that police K-9s need stronger protections, especially in an environment where officers are being targeted in greater numbers. One such state is West Virginia, where a bill (H.B. 2628) was recently introduced to increase the penalties for harming a police dog. This bill, endorsed by the National Police Association (NPA), was introduced by Delegate Clay Riley (72), and is currently in the State’s Justice Committee. The bill’s text can be found here. Under current West Virginia law, injuring a police dog is classified either as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the viciousness of the attack. The maximum possible punishment for these crimes is a sentence of three years imprisonment and a possible maximum fine of $5,000 dollars. What H.B. 2628 does is amend current West Virginia law to define an actively working police dog as a law enforcement officer. This would ensure that these animals receive the same legal protections as their human counterparts. Maliciously or intentionally assaulting a law enforcement in West Virginia is a felony that carries a prison sentence of up to fifteen years, which is three times the current maximum sentence for injuring a police dog. “Police canines are public servants who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe. They’re loved by their communities, and develop strong bonds with their human partners, who are deeply impacted when one of these dogs is injured,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “Police K-9s are deserving of respect and more robust legal protections. This West Virginia state bill would go a long way in accomplishing this,” Fitzsimmons added. The NPA applauds Delegate Riley for introducing this important bill that would classify police dogs as law enforcement officers, thus ensuring more stringent penalties for injuring one. We ask all members of the West Virginia legislature to support this bill, and we encourage every state in the union to adopt similar legislation. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 21, 2025
The National Police Association #31 Toyota Spotlights Missing Person at the ARCA Pensacola 150
Indianapolis/ March 29, 2025/ — The National Police Association’s #31 Toyota, driven by full-time police officer and Rise Motorsports co-owner Rita Goulet, will feature a photograph of missing Pensacola teenager Caleb Nathaniel Cook during the ARCA Menards Pensacola 150 race at Five Flags Speedway. The event will be streamed live on FloRacing at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 22nd. In a collaborative effort to raise national awareness about Caleb’s disappearance, Goulet and the NPA will use the high-profile platform of motorsports to bring attention to the case. Caleb Nathaniel Cook, a 17-year-old from Pensacola, FL, has been missing since December 7, 2024. “The National Police Association is committed to supporting the search for missing children across the country,” said Rita Goulet. “By featuring Caleb’s image on our race car, we hope to reach a large audience and generate vital leads that could assist in finding him.” Goulet’s dual role as a police officer and race car driver allows her to uniquely connect public safety with the expansive reach of motorsports. In addition to raising awareness about Caleb’s case, Goulet and the NPA aim to promote their broader #SupportThePolice initiative during the race. Anyone with information regarding Caleb’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida) at 1-850-436-9620 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
March 19, 2025
The National Police Association Statement Responding to Swatting Surge
INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2025 / — There has been an alarming rise in “swatting” incidents primarily targeting conservative media figures and social media influencers. The National Police Association denounces this weaponization of law enforcement against its own citizens and urges the media, political leadership, the public and American law enforcement to be aware of and speak out against this disturbing trend. The false reporting of a violent act in progress is a crime and should be rigorously investigated and prosecuted. “Swatting” is an act of violence against both law enforcement and those being targeted. It is designed to not only physically harm people, but to drive a wedge between police officers and the citizens they are trying to protect. The NPA encourages potential targets of this crime to contact their local law enforcement agency and do the following: Explain why you are a potential victim Advise them of any “swatting” threats you receive Provide them with your cell phone number(s) Stay in touch If you see the police surrounding your property, call 911 and advise the dispatcher of the situation. Follow all directions by law enforcement until the incident has been declared over. It is essential that the public understands the extraordinarily dangerous nature of this trend. We are grateful that FBI Director Kash Patel is publicly addressing this issue and we encourage all law enforcement leadership in the United States to work together to stop and prevent these heinous acts. – Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret), NPA spokesperson The National Police Association is a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement through advocacy, education, and litigation. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org. ###
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