Medford, Massachusetts, August 20, 2025
News Summary
An internal affairs investigation has revealed that Medford Police Sergeant Barbara Decristofaro misused her mother’s disability parking placard to occupy accessible spaces while on duty. The investigation found a pattern of misconduct, leading to a mayoral disciplinary review. The sergeant’s actions included providing misleading information during the investigation. Advocates have raised concerns about the department’s failure to detect the misconduct sooner, especially regarding the impact on individuals with disabilities. The investigation recommendations include adopting a clearer code of conduct to prevent future incidents.
Medford, Massachusetts — An internal affairs investigation has concluded that a Medford Police sergeant repeatedly misused a family member’s disability parking placard to occupy accessible spaces while on duty, prompting disciplinary review and a pending administrative decision by the mayor.
Key findings and immediate actions
The internal affairs report found that Police Sergeant Barbara Decristofaro used her 88-year-old mother’s disability placard to park in designated accessible spaces in front of the Medford Police Department on multiple occasions during March and April. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed the placard being displayed in a handicap space several times and being moved among different vehicles used by the sergeant.
Investigators characterized the conduct as a pattern of misconduct rather than an isolated lapse. The report also determined that the sergeant provided misleading information in a written statement and subsequently revised her account during an in-person interview, which the internal review concluded was not truthful. Internal affairs documented an earlier exchange in February when a former chief questioned the sergeant about the placard, with the interaction captured by department surveillance cameras.
The internal affairs report was accepted by the current police chief and forwarded to the mayor for consideration of discipline. While awaiting the mayor’s decision, the sergeant filed for retirement after more than 30 years of service with the department.
Supporting details
Investigators noted that the sergeant initially claimed the placard was displayed only accidentally or incidentally and misrepresented its ownership, at one point indicating it belonged to a family member who served as a dispatcher. Internal findings emphasized that the sergeant’s false statements damaged her credibility, eroded trust within the department, and could expose the department to legal liability.
The department’s new leadership moved the completed internal affairs report to the mayor’s office following its acceptance. Civil service records included in the review also highlighted a potential conflict of interest involving a department promotion in which the chief’s son was a candidate; the records raised questions about timing and administrative transparency related to the investigation and personnel actions.
Disability advocates raised concerns about how the conduct went undetected for an extended period without being addressed internally, noting the impact that misuse of accessible parking has on people with disabilities who rely on those spaces.
Legal and administrative consequences
Under Massachusetts law, unauthorized use of another person’s disability placard can lead to significant penalties, including a fine and automatic suspension of the operator’s license. The internal report recommended that the department develop or strengthen a code of conduct emphasizing ethical leadership, accountability, and the obligation of officers to address misconduct among colleagues.
The sergeant’s personnel record includes a prior administrative matter from 2018 involving paid details that resulted in a reimbursement of $460 to the department. That history was noted in the internal review as part of her disciplinary record.
Next steps and administrative process
The mayor’s office will review the internal affairs report and determine appropriate disciplinary action or administrative closure. The police chief and the mayor declined to provide details of the report beyond confirming its primary findings of untruthfulness and conduct unbecoming an officer.
The department is expected to evaluate recommendations from the internal review, including the proposed code of conduct, and consider any procedural changes to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. Community members and advocacy groups are likely to watch the mayor’s decision closely to assess accountability and departmental reform efforts.
FAQ
What was the nature of the misconduct found in the investigation?
The investigation concluded that a sergeant repeatedly displayed an 88-year-old family member’s disability placard to park in accessible spaces while on duty, moved the placard among different vehicles, and provided misleading statements to investigators.
What evidence supported the internal affairs findings?
Surveillance video captured the sergeant parking in a handicap space multiple times and showed the placard being transferred between vehicles. Written statements and an in-person interview were reviewed and found to be inconsistent.
What disciplinary or legal consequences could follow?
Possible consequences include administrative discipline by the mayor’s office, potential civil liability for the department, and statutory penalties under state law for misuse of a disability placard, which can include fines and automatic license suspension.
Was the sergeant still employed by the department?
The sergeant filed for retirement after more than 30 years of service while the mayor reviews the internal affairs report and determines any formal discipline.
What changes did the report recommend?
The report recommended adopting a clearer code of conduct that underscores ethical leadership, accountability, and the duty of officers to address and report misconduct among colleagues.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Medford Police Sergeant under internal affairs investigation for misuse of disability placard |
| Primary findings | Repeated use of an 88-year-old relative’s placard in accessible spaces; misleading statements to investigators |
| Evidence | Surveillance video showing multiple incidents in March and April; inconsistent written and oral statements |
| Administrative status | Internal affairs report forwarded to the mayor; sergeant filed for retirement pending decision |
| Potential penalties | Departmental discipline recommended by mayor, state penalties for placard misuse include fines and license suspension |
| Recommended reforms | Adopt a formal code of conduct emphasizing ethical leadership and accountability |
| Related history | 2018 paid details matter resulting in reimbursement of $460 |
| What to do if you witness placard misuse | Document details (location, time, vehicle), report to local authorities or municipal offices for review |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Internal Investigation of Medford Police Sergeant
- NBC Boston: Medford Police Misuse of Disability Placard
- Patch: Medford Police Sergeant Investigation
- NBC Boston: Mayor Reacts to Police Officer Misconduct
- Wikipedia: Disability Parking
- Google Search: Medford Police Sergeant Disability Placard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disability Rights
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