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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4175 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2670
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_________________
PRESENTED BY:
Samantha Montaño
_________________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act establishing a peace officer oath.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Samantha Montaño15th Suffolk1/17/2025 1 of 3
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4175 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2670
By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2670) of
Samantha Montaño relative to establishing a peace officer oath. Public Safety and Homeland
Security.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act establishing a peace officer oath.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws, as appearing in the most recent edition,
2is hereby amended by inserting a new section 13, Section 13A the following:-
3 SECTION 1: Section 13A: Ethical Oath for Peace Officers
4 Section 13A. (a) In alignment with the mission of the Massachusetts Peace Officer
5Standards and Training Commission established in Section 2 of Chapter 6E. Public confidence
6and improved policing standards shall be enhanced by requiring an ethical oath for peace officers
7including the head of an agency, a special state police officer appointed pursuant to sections 58
8and 63 of Chapter 22C and special sheriff's deputy sheriffs appointed pursuant to sections 3 and
94 of chapter 37, constables executing an arrest for any reason, or any other special, reserve, or
10intermittent peace officer.
11 (b) Peace officers certified under this chapter shall swear or affirm an ethical oath
12inspired by principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, and accountability to the public they 2 of 3
13 serve. This oath shall be administered upon certification and recertification, reinforcing a
14commitment to public service, ethical conduct, and adherence to constitutional principles.
15 (c) The ethical oath shall include the following pledges:
16 (i) To prioritize the protection and well-being of all individuals in the community,
17upholding the principle of “first, do no harm”;
18 (ii) To employ de-escalation techniques and use force only when absolutely necessary,
19ensuring proportionality and respect for human life;
20 (iii) To uphold and protect civil liberties and constitutional rights without discrimination
21based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status;
22 (iv) To provide or call for emergency medical services for any person with whom they
23are in contact or have under their custody or control, who they have participated in the causation
24of or who is experiencing an emergent medical condition;
25 (iv) To serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability, acknowledging the public
26trust placed in peace officers;
27 (v) To maintain professional competence through ongoing education and training, with a
28focus on ethical decision-making and community engagement; and
29 (vi) To actively report and address misconduct within the profession, fostering a culture
30of accountability and trust. 3 of 3
31 (d) The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission is directed to
32develop the specific language of the oath and ensure its consistent administration. The
33Commission shall consult with community stakeholders, legal experts, and law enforcement
34 professionals to create a text that reflects the highest standards of ethical conduct and
35public service.
36 (e) The ethical oath shall be included as a mandatory component of officer training
37programs, professional evaluations, and certification processes. Noncompliance with the oath
38shall be grounds for review and potential disciplinary action by the Massachusetts Peace Officer
39Standards and Training Commission.
40 (f) The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission in connection
41with the Executive Office of Public Safety shall report annually to the Governor and the
42Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the ethical oath in promoting professional
43standards and public trust in law enforcement.
44 SECTION 2. This act shall take effect 90 days after its passage to allow for the
45development and adoption of the ethical oath by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and
46Training Commission.