New Braintree, Massachusetts, September 19, 2025
News Summary
The Massachusetts State Police Academy is undergoing an independent review following the death of recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a boxing training exercise. The International Association of Chiefs of Police has been contracted to assess training practices, safety protocols, and the overall academy culture. This review aims to address concerns regarding the necessity of boxing training amid legal anxieties and public scrutiny after the tragic incident. Reforms have already begun at the academy, including the suspension of boxing training.
New Braintree — The Massachusetts State Police Academy is under independent review after the death of a recruit during a boxing training exercise, with an outside agency contracted to examine training practices, safety protocols and academy culture.
Key facts and immediate developments
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, died from blunt force injuries sustained during a boxing training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree on September 12, 2024. An autopsy report confirmed that the cause of death was blunt force injuries to his head. The agency head ordered an independent assessment of the academy following the fatality.
The agency selected for the review is the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), chosen from three applicants. The IACP contract was valued at $599,100 and was finalized in April 2025. The IACP began its review in May 2025 and its report assessing the Academy’s training methods is expected to be finalized in September 2025, although there has been no official update on its completion date.
In addition to the IACP review, the investigation into Delgado-Garcia’s death includes an independent inquiry led by Attorney David Meier, appointed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. The Massachusetts State Police has cooperated fully with the ongoing review and has indicated a commitment to reforming training practices.
What the IACP review will cover
The IACP review will evaluate the academy’s organization culture, injury prevention, fitness standards, training programs, attrition and injury rates, and the paramilitary training model. The agency was chosen in part because of its diverse team and experience with high-level training standards, according to academy leadership.
Recommendations from previous assessments by the IACP included reviewing the academy’s culture and ensuring a supportive learning environment. The current review will re-examine those areas alongside physical-safety practices and program design.
Changes already made and internal responses
Changes already implemented at the academy include the suspension of boxing training, reducing cohort sizes, and introducing new leadership. The current class at the academy is scheduled to graduate on October 9, 2025.
The autopsy further revealed that Delgado-Garcia had a pre-existing heart condition that did not contribute to his death; blunt force trauma was determined to be the sole cause. Delgado-Garcia was sworn in as a trooper on the day following his injury.
Criticism and legal concerns
Members of the public and legal representatives have raised concerns about the nature and necessity of the boxing exercise. The family’s attorney, Mike Wilcox, indicated that Delgado-Garcia was knocked down multiple times during the boxing match and questioned whether the boxing program was necessary. The attorney noted that other academies have prohibited intentional head strikes and minimized boxing instruction due to safety concerns.
Former law enforcement leadership, including Sue Rahr, former sheriff of King County, Washington, has criticized the paramilitary training model. The criticism centers on the model’s potential to create a power division between officers and civilians and the importance of training that inspires voluntary compliance rather than relying on a military-style approach.
Next steps and anticipated outcomes
The IACP review is expected to produce recommendations that could affect training methods, safety standards and the structure of academy programs. The Massachusetts State Police has stated it will implement reforms based on findings. The Attorney General’s independent investigation will run alongside the IACP review and is intended to address legal and procedural questions raised by the fatal incident.
Background
The Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree provides a range of physical and classroom training for recruits. Past IACP assessments had already recommended closer examination of academy culture and learning environments. The recent fatality prompted a more comprehensive review that expands the scope to injury prevention and the paramilitary model.
The questions at the center of the reviews include whether the boxing exercise was a necessary training element or amounted to entertainment disguised as training, and whether existing safeguards and fitness and medical screening practices were adequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Enrique Delgado-Garcia?
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, died from blunt force injuries sustained during a boxing training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree on September 12, 2024.
What did the autopsy find?
The autopsy report confirmed that his cause of death was blunt force injuries to his head.
Who is conducting the independent assessment of the academy?
The agency chosen for this review is the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), selected from three applicants.
How much is the IACP contract worth and when was it finalized?
The IACP contract was valued at $599,100 and was finalized in April 2025.
When did the IACP review begin and what will it evaluate?
The IACP’s review began in May 2025 and will evaluate organization culture, injury prevention, fitness standards, training programs, attrition and injury rates, and the paramilitary training model.
Are there other investigations?
The investigation into Delgado-Garcia’s death also includes an independent inquiry led by Attorney David Meier, appointed by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
Have any changes been made at the academy?
Changes have already been implemented at the academy, including the suspension of boxing training, reducing cohort sizes, and introducing new leadership.
When is the current class scheduled to graduate?
The current class at the academy is scheduled to graduate on October 9, 2025.
What did the autopsy say about Delgado-Garcia’s heart?
The autopsy revealed that Delgado-Garcia had a pre-existing heart condition that did not contribute to his death; blunt force trauma was determined to be the sole cause.
Was Delgado-Garcia sworn in as a trooper?
Delgado-Garcia was sworn in as a trooper on the day following his injury.
When is the IACP report expected?
A report from the IACP assessing the Academy’s training methods is expected to be finalized in September 2025, although there has been no official update on its completion date.
What concerns exist about the boxing exercise?
Concerns over the boxing exercise included whether it constituted a necessary training exercise or amounted to entertainment disguised as training.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Massachusetts State Police Academy, New Braintree |
| Individual | Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25 |
| Date of incident | September 12, 2024 |
| Cause of death | Blunt force injuries to his head |
| IACP contract value | $599,100 |
| IACP contract finalized | April 2025 |
| IACP review began | May 2025 |
| IACP report expected | September 2025 |
| Independent inquiry | Led by Attorney David Meier, appointed by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell |
| Changes implemented | Suspension of boxing training, reducing cohort sizes, new leadership |
| Current class graduation | October 9, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Recommendations Made at Mass State Police Academy Ordered After Trooper’s Death
- Wikipedia: How to Contact a Lawyer
- Officer.com: Investigation Continues Year After Massachusetts State Police Recruit’s Training Death
- Google Search: Massachusetts State Police Academy
- MassLive: On Anniversary of Mass State Police Recruit’s Death, AG Promises Impartial Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- NBC Boston: Enrique Delgado-Garcia One Year Death Anniversary Investigation Massachusetts AG Statement
- Google News: Enrique Delgado-Garcia
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