Boston, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Michael Proctor, a former Massachusetts State Police trooper, is appealing his termination from the department due to unsatisfactory performance during a murder investigation. Proctor’s dismissal was linked to inappropriate text messages and alcohol consumption while on duty. The ongoing Civil Service Commission hearing will determine the outcome of his appeal, which is significant given the high-profile nature of the associated murder case involving the death of Officer John O’Keefe.
Boston — A former Massachusetts State Police trooper is appealing his termination at a Civil Service Commission hearing after being dismissed in March 2024 for unsatisfactory performance tied to his role in a high-profile murder investigation.
Most critical developments
The Civil Service Commission is reviewing an appeal by Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the murder case involving Karen Read and the death of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe. Proctor was terminated in March 2024 for conduct described by state police as including sending inappropriate text messages about the defendant and consuming alcohol while on duty. The commission’s decision will determine whether Proctor’s termination is upheld or whether he will be reinstated. The appeal hearing is ongoing, with additional sessions scheduled into October.
Details of the allegations
State police administrative records and testimony presented at the commission hearing identify two principal areas of concern cited as grounds for termination: text messages sent by Proctor that contained derogatory and lewd remarks about the defendant in the case, and documented alcohol consumption while on duty. The text messages reportedly included references labeling the defendant in demeaning terms and making lewd comments about searching for nude photographs on a personal cellphone.
Timing and internal review
Internal affairs investigators were notified about the text messages months before Proctor’s termination, according to testimony at the hearing. Despite that earlier report, Proctor was dismissed only after the first trial of the defendant ended in a hung jury. The sequence of events—notification to state police months earlier and termination after the hung jury—was described during testimony as part of the internal affairs timeline.
Hearing proceedings and testimony
The Civil Service Commission hearing opened with testimony from Detective Lt. Kevin Dwyer, who led the internal affairs investigation into Proctor’s conduct. Dwyer testified about the findings of that investigation and expressed the view that an officer’s personal conduct can be relevant to professional responsibilities, including public perceptions of integrity and the ability to perform investigatory duties.
Dwyer was the only witness called by the state police during the first day of the hearing. Commissioners questioned the relevance of the conduct to job performance and how personal behavior might reflect on official duties.
Arguments from both sides
Proctor’s legal team has argued that there is no evidence demonstrating the text messages compromised the integrity of the criminal investigation or affected case outcomes. The defense portrayed Proctor’s conduct as private communications on a personal phone and contended he did not commit a crime warranting termination. Proctor’s attorneys also argued that he has been made a scapegoat amid public scrutiny of the high-profile case.
State police representatives characterized Proctor’s actions as unprofessional and demeaning, arguing that such conduct is inconsistent with the standards expected of a law enforcement officer and is therefore a legitimate basis for dismissal.
What the commission will decide
The Civil Service Commission is tasked with determining whether the state’s disciplinary action was justified under civil service law and the department’s policies. Possible outcomes include upholding the termination, ordering reinstatement (with or without back pay), or remanding the matter for additional proceedings. The commission’s decision will hinge on whether it finds that Proctor’s conduct adversely affected his ability to carry out duties or undermined public trust in the investigative process.
Background context
The case at the center of this administrative appeal involved a murder investigation in which the defendant was accused of killing a Boston police officer. Proctor was the lead investigator assigned to that case. Public attention to the investigation and subsequent trials has been high, and departmental responses to public scrutiny have been referenced during the appeal as part of the broader context for the disciplinary action.
The hearings resumed for additional days with continued questioning of internal affairs personnel and further legal argument from both parties. Commissioners will review testimony, documentary evidence, and applicable policies before issuing a determination.
FAQ
What is Michael Proctor appealing?
Proctor is appealing his March 2024 termination from the Massachusetts State Police for unsatisfactory performance tied to alleged inappropriate text messages about a defendant and alcohol consumption on duty.
Where is the appeal being heard?
The appeal is being heard before the Civil Service Commission.
Who testified at the hearing?
Detective Lt. Kevin Dwyer, who led the internal affairs investigation into Proctor, provided testimony. He was the sole state police witness on the first day referenced in the proceeding summaries.
What are the main disputes between the parties?
The state police argue the conduct was unprofessional and relevant to Proctor’s fitness for duty. Proctor’s legal team contends there is no evidence the texts compromised the investigation and says the messages were personal communications on a private phone.
What outcomes are possible?
The Civil Service Commission can uphold the termination, order reinstatement, or take other remedial actions depending on its findings.
When will a decision be made?
No decision date has been announced. Additional hearings are scheduled into October before the commission renders a final determination.
Quick reference table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Appeal by former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor |
| Role | Lead investigator in the Karen Read murder case |
| Reason for termination | Unsatisfactory performance: inappropriate text messages about the defendant and alcohol consumption while on duty |
| Termination date | March 2024 |
| Primary internal investigator | Detective Lt. Kevin Dwyer |
| Hearing venue | Civil Service Commission |
| Current status | Appeal hearing ongoing; additional sessions scheduled into October |
| Possible outcomes | Termination upheld, reinstatement ordered, or other remedial action by the commission |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Trooper Appeals Termination at Civil Service Hearing
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Michael Proctor Hearing Live Stream Updates
- Boston.com: Livestream Michael Proctor Firing Appeal
- Boston Globe: Proctor-Karen Read Hearing
- Wikipedia: Massachusetts State Police
- Boston Herald: Michael Proctor Pleads for Job Back
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
