Citizens' Guide to State Services:
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS)
1 Ashburton Place, Room 2133
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-7775
TTY: 617-727-6618
Fax: 617-727-4764
E-mail: eopsinfo@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-public-safety-and-security
More commonly referred to as the Executive Office of Public Safety, the secretariat is responsible for the development and oversight of agencies, programs, and several boards, which fight crime and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors in the Commonwealth. The major departments are the:
- Architectural Access Board
- Board of Building Regulation and Standards
- Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
- Department of Correction
- Department of Fire Services
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
- Department of State Police
- Massachusetts National Guard
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- Massachusetts Parole Board
- Sex Offender Registry Board
- and the State 911 Department In addition, it is administratively responsible for, the Highway Safety Division, Commonwealth Public Safety Broadband Office, Office of Grants and Research, State Police Crimes Laboratory/Forensic Services Group and the Harbormaster Training Council. Fingerprint services information is available from their website.
State Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS)
1000 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
TTY: 617-727-4266
Fax: 617-248-0813
www.mass.gov/ocabr/government/oca-agencies/dpl-lp/opsi/
The Board of Building Regulations and Standards has the sole responsibility for maintaining the State Building Code. The State Building Code contains provisions for structural safety by specifying loading criteria for dead, live, wind, snow and seismic loads; has provisions for foundation and structural design; contains life safety provisions to provide for safe egress from buildings in the event of an emergency; contains provisions for fire safety through the installation of automatic sprinkler and fire detection and alarm systems and; standards for energy conservation in buildings. The board has the following major objectives: promulgating uniform standards throughout the Commonwealth for construction and construction materials compatible with accepted standards of engineering and fire prevention practices, energy conservation, and public safety; and promoting the use of modern technical methods, devices, and improvements. Its responsibilities also include: (1) approval of new building products, materials, and construction methods not addressed in the State Building Code; (2) licensing of concrete technicians as well as laboratories testing concrete; (3) licensing of construction supervisors, and registration of home improvement contractors and sub-contractors; (4) certification of producers of manufactured buildings (including modular homes) and third-party inspection agencies (i.e. agencies certified by the board to act on its behalf); and (5) registration of persons or firms milling lumber within the state. The State Building Code Appeals Board hears appeals between the regular community and local building officials on building code matters as well as reviews decisions by local building code appeals boards. The BBRS develops requirements for the certification of municipal building officials (referred to as Building Code Enforcement Officials which include inspectors of buildings, local inspectors as well as building commissioners) and develops and approves courses of continuing education for maintenance of such certification.
Department of Correction (DOC)
Executive Office of Public Safety
50 Maple Street, Suite 3
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: 508-422-3300
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-department-of-correction
The Department of Correction is responsible for the care and custody of adults sentenced by court to the state correctional system. There are 18 facilities, ranging from maximum to pre-release security levels. All facilities provide vocational, educational, recreational, psychiatric, and counseling services to their inmates and some offer programs in farming and industry. The mission of DOC is to protect the public. It does this by balancing the need to isolate offenders from society against the need to provide opportunities and programs for reformation in anticipation of the offenders' eventual reintegration into society. The DOC facilities are listed as follows:
- Boston Pre-Release Center
- Bridgewater State Hospital
- Lemuel
- Shattuck Correctional Unit
- Massachusetts Treatment Center
- MCI Cedar Junction
- MCI Concord
- MCI Framingham
- MCI Norfolk
- MCI Plymouth
- MCI Shirley
- North Central Correctional Institution at Gardner
- Northeastern Correctional Center
- Old Colony Correctional Center
- Pondville Correctional Center
- South Middlesex Correctional Center
- Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center
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Massachusetts Correctional Industries (MassCor)
Department of Corrections
1 Industrial Drive, Building A
P.O. Box 188
Norfolk, MA 02056
Toll Free: 1-800-222-2211
www.mass.gov/Massachusetts-correctional-industries-masscor
The mission of Correctional Industries (MassCor) is to instill a positive work ethic in inmates by providing training and skills through work opportunities and to ensure the highest level of customer service by providing a quality product at a competitive price. In an effort to develop strong work habits and employable skills, MassCor operates manufacturing plants at various facilities. MassCor employs more than 350 inmates in several institutions where emphasis is placed on developing strong work habits and employable skills that can be used by the offender when they are returned to the community. Among the products manufactured by MassCor are binders, Braille transcription, business cards, clothing, decals, embroidery, eyeglasses, flags, furniture, letterhead, license plates, metal products, pillows, printing, sheets, and pillow cases, signs, silk screening, towels, and face cloths, mattresses and box springs, and wastebaskets. These products are sold primarily to state and local government entities and are also available for sale to private entities.
Department of Youth Services (DYS)
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
600 Washington Street, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02211
Phone: 617-727-7575
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services
This juvenile corrections agency is responsible for providing a broad range of services to delinquent youths between the ages of seven and twenty-one. The department provides pre-trial detention for youths held in lieu of bail awaiting court action, as well as long-term treatment for youths who are adjudicated delinquent and committed to the agency by the courts. Its rehabilitation services are designed to change behavior by providing alternatives to violence through educational and psychological counseling (with emphasis on those who are substance abusers, sexual offenders, etc.) and vocational training. The agency operates a gradual reintegration model, geared to provide juvenile offenders with a smooth transition back into the community, which includes secure treatment, group and foster homes, outreach and tracking, and alternative community placement. There are several regional offices, call or visit their website for further information.
Massachusetts Parole Board
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
12 Mercer Road
Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 508-650-4500
Toll Free: 1-866-480-6272
Fax: 508-650-4599
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-parole-board
The Parole Board monitors statutorily-established parole eligible dates,
prepares case files for consideration, and supervises released offenders.
It also acts as the Advisory Board of Pardons. To apply
for a pardon, obtain forms by contacting the Parole Board or the:
State House, Room 184
Boston MA 02133
Phone: 617-725-4015, 617-725-4016.
Massachusetts Sentencing Commission
John Adams Courthouse
1 Pemberton Square
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-788-6867
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-sentencing-commission
The Truth In Sentencing Law, MGL Chapter 211E, was conceived as a way to ensure that punishments handed down in Massachusetts Courts fit the crime committed, while taking into consideration any special circumstances involved. To accomplish this, the legislation created a state sentencing commission to design guidelines for judges to refer to when sentencing a convicted criminal.
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-660-4600
TTY: 617-660-4606
Fax: 617-660-4613
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-criminal-justice-information-services-0
Formerly the Criminal History Systems Board, the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services operates the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), an extensive database containing detailed criminal record information on every convicted adult in the state, which is available to police departments through terminals connected to a central network. The board has access to criminal records from all over the country through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (NLETS) and interfaces with the Registry of Motor Vehicles computer network to keep track of license suspensions, driver histories, and the status of vehicle registrations. As a result of the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law enacted under MGL 6:172, the board has established mechanisms for facilitating access to records and has coordinated records from a variety of databases to become the central repository for criminal offender record information in the state. By providing a person's name, Social Security number, and last known address, plus a fee, potential creditors and individuals may check and receive information about a person's criminal history. Local school departments may also access the information when considering an applicant for a school position. The board has also implemented a new fingerprint identification system that facilitates police officers' ability to identify suspects. The Warrant Management System, a computerized network making arrest and default warrant information available to local police, law enforcement, court and Registry of Motor Vehicles officials statewide is in place. Also, applicants for employment and others needing documents stating the existence or non-existence of any criminal record may obtain such a document through this board. Call the office (no walk-in service) or contact any local police department for an application.
Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB)
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
P O Box 392
North Billerica, MA 01862
Phone: 978-740-6400
www.mass.gov/sorb
The Sex Offender Registry Board is the state agency responsible for keeping tract of convicted sex offenders and classifying each offender so the public may receive information about offenders who live and work in each community. The goal of the registry is to educated the public and o prevent further victimization.
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Office of the Commissioner of Probation
Trial Court of the Commonwealth
1 Ashburton Place, Room 405
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-5300
Fax: 617-727-8483
www.mass.gov/courts/probation
The Commissioner of Probation is responsible for the control and supervision of court probation services in the Commonwealth. Probation is a punishment (a sanction) whereby a convicted offender is allowed to remain in the community provided that certain conditions are met satisfactorily. This includes recruitment and training, educational development, and evaluation of work performance of probation officers. As required by law, the office has access to all probation records in the state's courts and has authority to seal the records of individuals having a record of criminal court appearances and dispositions in the state who meet certain criteria. The office is also required to keep and maintain, pursuant to Chapter 188 of the Acts of 1992, a computerized Statewide Domestic Violence Registry, recording the issuance of protective and restraining orders (including civil) and all related court activity. This data is made available to judges and to law enforcement agencies through the criminal justice information system.
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
400 Worcester Road, Route 9 East
Framingham, MA 01702-5399
Phone: 508-820-2000
Fax: 508-820-2030
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-emergency-management-agency
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, working closely with federal and local governments, is responsible for the planning and coordination of all nonmilitary emergency functions for the protection and preservation of life, property, and resources in the state. Its objectives are to prepare the Commonwealth to cope with man-made and natural disasters of every type including floods, blizzards, nuclear plant accidents, hurricanes and hazardous waste spills. It also provides technical advice and assistance to the public, communities, and state agencies. This agency oversees the Nuclear Safety Emergency Preparedness Program whose purpose it is to develop and evaluate emergency response plans for nuclear power plants in Massachusetts.
Regional Offices
Agawam
1002 Suffield Street
Agawam, MA 01001
Phone: 413-750-1400
Bridgewater
12 Administration Road
Bridgewater, MA 02324-0054
Phone: 508-697-3111
Tewksbury
365 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01876
Phone: 978-427-0400
Commonwealth Fusion Center
Executive Office of Public Safety
124 Acton Street, 2nd Floor
Maynard, MA 01754
Phone: 978-451-3700
Terrorism Tip Line: 1-888-872-5458
Fax: 978-451-3707
E-mail: fusion@pol.state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/eopss/home-sec-emerg-resp/fusion-center/
Formerly the Homeland Security Unit, the Commonwealth Fusion Center provides financial resources on the state, regional and local levels to implement the commonwealth's Homeland Security Strategy. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, this strategy emphasizes detection, prevention, and information driven response and consequence management planning. Unit funding will be utilized in a coordinated manner for planning activities; equipment and technology; training programs; planning and conduct training exercises; and any other purposes expressly authorized by the federal government.
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Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
State Road, P.O. Box 1025
Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 978-567-3100
Arson Hotline: 1-800-682-9229 (within Massachusetts only)
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services
The Department of Fire Services, headed by the State Fire Marshal, is the state agency responsible for the coordination of fire service policy and operations. Within the agency are three divisions responsible for all fire service related matters in the Commonwealth: Hazardous Materials Emergency Response which oversees the operation of the hazard materials regional response teams throughout the state; Massachusetts Firefighting Academy which provides free fire training to the firefighters of the cities, towns, and fire districts; and the Division of Fire Safety which provides code enforcement and technical assistance to fire departments, the public, and regulated trades and industries, and houses the Public Education and Fire Data Unit. The Executive Office also manages the Fire Standard Compliant Cigarette Program. Also, within the agency is an Administrative Services division to manage budgetary, personnel, facilities, and procurement issues for all the Department of Fire Services divisions. The Special Operations Unit provides specialized support services and equipment to local incident commanders. State Police are assigned to the agency in the Fire & Explosion Investigation Section, which includes the Fire Investigation Unit and the Bomb Squad.
Regional Office
100 Grochmal Avenue
P.O. Box 51025
Springfield, MA 01151-1055
Phone: 978-567-3100
Division of Fire Safety
Department of Fire Services
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
State Road, P.O. Box 1025
Stow, MA 01775
Code Compliance/Enforcement: 978-567-3375
Public Education Unit: 978-567-3380
Licensing and Permits: 978-567-3700
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services
The Division of Fire Safety is divided into three major functional units: Code Compliance and Enforcement, Fire Protection Engineering, and Fire Data and Public Education. All units work cooperatively to preserve life and property from fire and explosion through prevention, life safety education, investigation, regulation, law enforcement and technical assistance to fire departments, the public and regulated trades and industry. .
Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA)
Department of Fire Services
State Road, P.O. Box 1025
Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 978-567-3200
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) provides career long training to the fire service personnel of the cities, towns, and fire districts of the Commonwealth. In addition, unique training is provided to appropriate public and private sector entities outside the fire service. Training provided by the MFA to over 15,000 students per year enhances public safety thereby contributing to the stability and economic growth of the Commonwealth. Over 100 different courses are conducted multiples time each year at both the Stow and Springfield campuses as well as a variety of field locations including local fire departments.
Hazardous Material Division
Department of Fire Services
Executive Office of Public Safety
State Road, P.O. Box 1025
Stow, MA 01775
Phone: 978-567-3150
Fax: 978-567-3155
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services
The Hazardous Material Division serves as a resource to local fire departments upon request for release or potential release of hazardous chemicals from industry, transportation or terrorist acts. Hazardous Material Emergency Response Teams are strategically located to support local fire departments with technical information and specialized equipment to handle hazardous material incidents. In case of a hazardous material emergency, contact your local fire department.
Department of Fire Services Boards and Commissions
Department of Fire Services
Executive Office of Public Safety
State Road, P.O. Box 1025
Stow, MA 01775
www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-fire-services
Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, M.G.L. Chapter 22D, sec.4.
Phone: 978-567-3713
Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board, MGL Chapter 22D, sec. 5
Phone: 978-567-3713
The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations is the state regulatory board charged with promulgating the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Regulations
(Fire Safety Code). The 16-member board is appointed by the Governor for a six-year term. Members serve on the Fire Prevention Regulations
Appeals Board to accept appeals filed by those aggrieved by decisions, determinations and orders issued by “any state or local official charged
with the enforcement of the state fire code, relative to fire protection requirements for buildings and structures…”
Fire Safety Commission (Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board), M.G.L. Chapter 6, sec.200, 201
Phone: 978-567-3181
The Fire Safety Commission is statutorily charged with
promulgating all rules and regulations for the implementation of a statewide
plan for the installation of automatic sprinklers in all buildings and
structures of more than seventy feet in height. The Automatic Sprinkler Appeals
Board of the Commission conducts hearings in accordance with 530 CMR2.00 for
persons seeking relief from any order or requirement of the head of the fire
department. The commission is composed of nine members.
Massachusetts Fire Services Commission, M.G.L. Chapter 6 sec.165B
Phone: 978-567-3110
The Fire Service Commission is statutorily charged with the appointment of the State Fire Marshal;
promulgation of regulations and policies pertaining to the operation of the Division of Fire Safety and
administers the Fire Chief Credentialing program. The 8-member commission is composed of the
Secretary of Public Safety (ex-officio) and seven appointed members as follows: four fire chiefs,
one firefighter, and one member of the insurance industry.
Hazardous Material Mitigation Emergency Response Advisory Board, M.G.L. Chapter 21K
Phone: 978-567-3152
The Hazardous Material Mitigation Emergency Response Advisory Board oversees
procedure and policy. This board consists of the State Fire Marshal, two representatives
of the Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts, a representative of the Professional Fire
Fighters Association of Massachusetts and from the MA Department of Environmental
Protection, the presiding President of the Massachusetts Association of Hazardous Material Technicians.
Massachusetts Fire Training Council, M.G.L. Chapter 6,sec.164 and 165
Phone: 978-567-3224
The Massachusetts Fire Training Council is the sole certifying
agency for certification of all levels of fire service personnel in the
Commonwealth. The council has statutory authority to promulgate rules and
regulations for the operation of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and has
the authority to approve courses and curriculum taught by the academy. The Fire
Training Council is a Fifteen-member body appointed by the Governor.
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Office of Public Safety and Inspection
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-727-3200
TTY: 617-727-4266
24/7 Emergency Phone: 508-820-1444
Fax: 617-248-0813
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-public-safety-and-inspections
All amusement devices in Massachusetts must be licensed and are regulated and inspected by the Office of Public Safety and Inspection, Amusement Division. The inspectors of this division are also responsible for the safe operation of tramway rides such as any device used to transport riders uphill on skis, or in cars on tracks, or suspended in the air, by the use of steel cables, chains or belts or by ropes, and usually supported by trestles or towers with one or more spans. The term tramway includes chair lifts, J bars, T bars, platter pulls, rope tows, and moveable conveyor belts, horse and carriage vehicles, and includes inflatable devices such as “bounce houses”, and bungee jumping. Prior to owning or operating an amusement device, a license must be granted by the division. In addition, criminal background checks are required of certain amusement employees. Each amusement device must be registered with the Department annually and inspected according to the regulations.
The Board of Building Regulation and Standards is responsible for the inspection of all existing state-owned buildings, hospitals, clinics, and rest homes as well as for the plan review/inspection of all new state-owned buildings; it also issues construction supervisor licenses (CSL), construction permits and occupancy certificates and provides technical assistance to local building officials. In addition, it licenses motion picture operators. The Engineering division is responsible for the inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, and other equipment or devices for conformance to safety laws, standards, rules and regulations covering power plant engineers and firemen, oil burner technicians, solid fuel burning appliances, refrigeration technicians, heavy equipment and hoisting operators, sprinkler fitters, pipefitters, nuclear power plant operators. In the event of an accident, the inspectors make an investigation to determine the cause, and to prosecute violators of the law with regard to the areas.
The Board of Elevator Regulations regulates the construction, installation, alteration and operation of all elevators in Massachusetts. The term "elevator" includes moving stairways, dumbwaiters, moving walks, material lifts, vertical reciprocating conveyors, and dumbwaiters with automatic transfer devices, wheelchair lifts, automatic people movers and other associated devices that are commonly included within the elevator industry. All elevator constructors, maintenance men, repairmen, and operators must be licensed by the Board. This is a partial listing of inspection, licensing, permitting and areas of interest under the Office of Public Safety and Inspection. For a full account please visit their website.
Regional Offices
Milford
Milford 50 Maple Street
Milford, MA
Closed June 22, 2018
Springfield
1 Amory Street
Building 15, 2nd Floor
Springfield, MA 01103
Tewksbury
Tewksbury Hospital
365 East Street
Tewksbury, MA 01776
Phone: 978-851-7321, ext. 2183
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Executive Office of Public Safety
720 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-267-6767
Fax: 617-266-6763
www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-chief-medical-examiner
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 - 4:30
The Chief Medical Examiner (formerly known as the Coroner system) has the responsibility to determine cause and manner of death in all cases of suspected homicide, suicide, accidents, drug overdoses, and sudden and unexpected natural deaths. The office also oversees and reviews the work of all medical examiners in the Commonwealth, enforces the rules and regulations approved by the Commission on Medicolegal Investigations, and ensures that the records of medical investigations and autopsies are received and properly kept.
Regional Offices
Holyoke
1221 Main Street, Suite 115
Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone: 413-538-6213
Toll Free: 1-800-445-5889
Sandwich
1 Simpkins Road
Sandwich, MA 02563
Phone: 508-539-2200
Worcester
55 Lake Avenue, North
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: 508-856-3501
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Massachusetts National Guard Headquarters
2 Randolph Road
Hanscom AFB
Bedford MA 01732-3001
Phone: 339-202-3999
Recruiting: 339-337-1484
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-national-guard
The Military Division, consisting of the Massachusetts Army and Air National Guard, is the militia of the state organized for national and state defense and other emergencies. The Military Division also participates in such diverse activities as drug enforcement actions, provision of food to the needy, disaster assistance, parades and ceremonies, combat actions, and temporary bridge repairs. A Military Records Branch located in Milford maintains records of every Massachusetts resident who has served in an armed conflict. (War records up to and including the Revolution may be obtained from the Archives Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office.)
Military Records Branch
50 Maple Street
P. O. Box 309
Milford, MA 01757
Phone: 508-422-1993
National Guard Military Archives & Museum
91 Everett Street
Concord, MA 01742
Phone: 978-369-4807
Department of State Police
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
470 Worcester Road, Route 9 East
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: 508-820-2300
Ombudsman: 508-988-7025
Fax: 508-879-6941
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-state-police
This division provides 24-hour patrol coverage to the state highway system, state properties, and rural areas where these services cannot be provided at the local level. Services include the State Police Academy, Asset Forfeiture, Collision Analysis and Reconstruction for serious and or fatal accidents, Community Policing, Crime Lab, Crime Reporting Unit, Forensic Services, Hazardous Devices, Identification, Marine Section, Narcotics Section, Underwater Recovery, and the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section to name a few. The State Police, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, may direct/assist in natural or critical incidents.
Government Center State Police
1 Ashburton Place
Plaza Level, Room 9
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-2917
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-state-police
The State Police Force polices the state office buildings and streets surrounding the State House.
State Police Academy
Department of State Police
340 West Brookfield Road
New Braintree, MA 01531
Phone: 508-867-1000
https://www.mass.gov/state-police-academy
The State Police Academy is were the State Police train the recruits to become State Troopers. The Academy also offers many specialized courses that are open to all of the police officers in the state. More information and a catalog may be obtained by contacting the Academy.
Massachusetts State Police on the Massachusetts Turnpike
50 Massport Haul Road
Boston, MA 02210-2002
Phone: 617-946-3060
Charlton Phone: 508-248-4040
Westfield Phone: 413-572-3100
Weston Phone: 781-431-5050
Phone: 617-946-3009 for the Callahan, Sumner, Ted Williams and Tip O'Neal Tunnels, (and all Big Dig roads and ramps)
Cell Phone Users on the Mass. Pike Dial: 911
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-state-police
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Massachusetts Environmental Police
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114-2153
Phone: 617-626-1650
24/7 Emergergy Phone: 617-626-1665
24/7 Emergergy Phone: 1-800-632-8075 (within Mass. onnly)
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-environmental-police
The Office of Law Enforcement enforces all the rules and regulations promulgated by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, including those relating to pollution, hunting, littering, shellfishing, lobstering, and hazardous waste. The office has been organized into the Coastal, Inland, Environmental Crimes, and Marine Theft Bureaus, (see below).
Coastal Enforcement Bureau:
30 Shipyard Drive, Building 45
Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: 781-470-1163
Phone: 781-470-2442
Phone: 781-470-2577
Inland Enforcement Bureau:
183 Milk Street
Westborough, MA 01581
Phone: 508-366-6537
Phone: 508-366-6420
Environmental Crimes Bureau:
Attorney General's Office
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1811
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-727-2200
Marine Theft Bureau:
251 Causeway Street, Suite 101
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-626-1666
Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC)
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
6 Adams Street
Randolph, MA 02368
Phone: 781-437-0300
Fax: 781-963-0235
www.mass.gov/orgs/municipal-police-training-committee
The Municipal Police Training Committee membership, comprised of leading criminal justice officials, provides and approves training curricula for criminal justice agencies including officers at municipal police departments, correctional facilities, secure facilities for juveniles, and parole officers. The committee also approves and offers in-service training on various topics including rape investigation, domestic violence, suicide prevention, hate crimes, and the administration of breathalyzer tests. Additionally, the committee oversees regional police academies in the following communities: New Bedford; Plymouth; Randolph; Reading and Springfield
Complaints Involving Law Enforcement Officials
Local police complaints must be directed in writing to the local authorities first, and then to the District Attorney of the county where the complaint was lodged. Complaints against State Police members should be sent to the State Police Headquarters in writing to the attention of the Division of Standards and Training.
The Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Division of the Attorney General's Office investigates claims of discrimination in police misconduct cases.
Attorney General
1 Ashburton Place, 20th Floor
Boston, MA 02108-1698
Main number connecting all bureaus and divisions: 617-727-2200
TTY: 617-727-4765
www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-the-attorney-generals-public-protection-and-advocacy-bureau
The Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau uses investigation, litigation, and other advocacy to enforce laws protecting the Commonwealth. The Bureau works towards meaningful economic recovery for Massachusetts by tackling the economic and mortgage foreclosure crisis with a multifaceted and aggressive strategy. The Bureau works to protect consumers from unfair and deception activity, enforces state and federal civil rights laws, ensuring access and equal opportunity for all residents, advocates for protection of our environmental resources, pursues complex insurance and finance cases on behalf of residents or government entities, works towards affordable, high-quality health care for all, and enforces antitrust laws. The Bureau oversees the following divisions: Consumer Advocacy & Response; Consumer Protection; Civil Rights; Fair Labor and the Insurance & Financial Services Division.
Victim Services Unit
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-660-4600
TTY: 617-660-4606
Fax: 617-660-4613
www.mass.gov/orgs/municipal-police-training-committee
The DCJIS's Victim Services Unit (VSU) provides assistance to victims of crime. The unit certifies victims, witnesses, family members of homicide victims, parent's guardians of minor aged victims and incompetent victims, as well as "citizens in fear" to be notified in advance when an offender is going to be released from prison. The Victim Services Unit also certifies victim, witnesses, family members of homicide victims, parent's guardians of minor aged victims and incompetent victims, for access to CORI documents regarding the case that pertains to them. Resources, referrals, crisis intervention, and safety planning assistance are also provided as needed.
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Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)
Victim and Witness Assistance Board
1 Ashburton Place, Room 1101
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-586-1340
Toll Free: 1-844-878-6682
E-mail: mova@state.ma.us
www.mass.gov/orgs/Massachusetts-office-for-victim-assistance
MOVA assists crime victims through advocacy, referrals and supports services. It oversees the operation of the Victim Bill of Rights, pursuant to M.G.L. Ch. 258B, and works closely with criminal justice agencies to promote victims' rights and services. It administers grants under the federal Victims of Crime Act to community-based agencies providing direct services to crime victims and a program of civil court advocacy for victims of domestic violence.