Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox won't face a disciplinary review over his comments about the Karen Read case, according to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. The decision was made in response to a scathing letter from Read's attorney Alan Jackson, who had accused Cox of being "caught in a lie" regarding his remarks on the explosive testimony of former officer Kelly Dever.
Cox denied pressuring Dever into changing her testimony and claimed he didn't even know she was associated with Read's high-profile case. However, Dever herself confirmed speaking with Cox prior to taking the stand, which cast doubt on Cox's claim that they had no prior connection.
The POST Commission, which oversees law enforcement in Massachusetts, stated that Cox is a civilian executive and not a sworn law enforcement officer. As such, he does not require the same level of training or certification as sworn officers, and the commission has not deemed him subject to the same statutory and regulatory provisions.
However, the commission acknowledged Jackson's concerns and noted that they have been influential in the commission's ongoing refinement of its policies concerning civilian authorities involved in overseeing law enforcement agencies. The commission is currently re-examining its policies regarding civilians who work with police departments.
Cox has expressed his desire to move on from the controversy surrounding Dever's testimony, stating that he doesn't want to be asked about it again and that it has no bearing on the police department's business.
Cox denied pressuring Dever into changing her testimony and claimed he didn't even know she was associated with Read's high-profile case. However, Dever herself confirmed speaking with Cox prior to taking the stand, which cast doubt on Cox's claim that they had no prior connection.
The POST Commission, which oversees law enforcement in Massachusetts, stated that Cox is a civilian executive and not a sworn law enforcement officer. As such, he does not require the same level of training or certification as sworn officers, and the commission has not deemed him subject to the same statutory and regulatory provisions.
However, the commission acknowledged Jackson's concerns and noted that they have been influential in the commission's ongoing refinement of its policies concerning civilian authorities involved in overseeing law enforcement agencies. The commission is currently re-examining its policies regarding civilians who work with police departments.
Cox has expressed his desire to move on from the controversy surrounding Dever's testimony, stating that he doesn't want to be asked about it again and that it has no bearing on the police department's business.
I think it's a bit dodgy that the POST Commission is letting Cox off the hook this easily 
. I mean, come on, Dever herself said she spoke with Cox before her testimony, so that's like, a pretty big deal! 
If he was saying he didn't know her at first and then later claimed they talked, that's just not adding up. 
And what really gets my goat is that the commission is basically saying it's okay for civilians to play with fire when it comes to law enforcement oversight because they don't have to follow the same rules as sworn officers 
. I hope someone actually takes a closer look at this and doesn't just let it slide 
I mean come on, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox thinks he got off scot-free just 'cause he's a civilian? 
Newsflash: when you're trying to spin a potentially dodgy story, it doesn't fly no matter how many titles or badges you've got! And what's up with this whole "I didn't even know she was associated with Read's case" thing? 
It's like he thinks we all believe him. The question is, who actually gets held accountable when there are conflicting accounts and witnesses? Just sayin' 
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](https://i.giphy.com/giphyday/3xkpW8y6wTmSgJvL/480/480) civilians in charge... 
like, what even is going on here? he denies pressuring Kelly Dever into changing her testimony but she herself says they talked beforehand... it's like, come on! 
but at least they're acknowledging the concerns of Read's attorney Alan Jackson and maybe this will lead to some changes in how civilians interact with police departments? 
fingers crossed! 
... like, I get why Cox didn't need a disciplinary review since he's not a sworn officer, but it still seems shady how Dever confirmed talking to him before she testified 
. Like, if she knew for sure that Cox was pressuring her, why didn't she just say something? And now this commission thingy just kinda lets him slide without even giving him a slap on the wrist 
. So, in a weird way, I guess it's all good 
? But still, it feels kinda sketchy that Cox got away with this without any consequences 
.
I don't think Cox should've avoided a review, you know? He made some pretty shaky claims about his interactions with Dever... but at the same time, I get why the POST Commission didn't take action - he's not an actual cop, so he's got more wiggle room. 