The just-appointed superintendent of the State Police plans to conduct an investigation into a revised arrest report that was at the center of a recent shakeup in the agency’s senior ranks.
“Colonel Gilpin has determined that her office will conduct an investigation into the revisions made to Alli Bibaud’s arrest report and a review of applicable policies and regulations,” State Police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement released just after noon on Thursday. “This effort will inform the Colonel with regard to actions taken by state police officials.”
Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday swore in Kerry Gilpin as the new superintendent of the 2,100-member State Police force. Changes to the arrest report of Bibaud, the daughter of a judge, triggered the abrupt retirements of Colonel Richard McKeon and his top deputy over the past week.
Procopio said the review of policies and regulations “will identify whether additional clarification, training, and guidance is necessary in the writing and reviewing of report narratives. The results of this investigation and review will determine whether further action is required.”
Baker had previously demanded the State Police conduct a review of protocols and practices as they relate to editing arrest reports, but had not asked specifically for the Bibaud case to be investigated. The State Police Association, the union representing troopers, filed for a internal affairs investigation, and the two troopers involved have filed a lawsuit.
“The brave men and women of the Massachusetts State Police work tirelessly to keep our communities safe to promote transparency and ensure accountability. Governor Baker supports Colonel Gilpin’s decision to investigate the handling of the Alli Bibaud case as she takes her post as the new superintendent,” Baker spokeswoman Lizzy Guyton said in a statement.
McKeon resigned last Friday after admitting that he gave the order for details in Bibaud’s arrest report to be removed, including statements she made to her arresting officer that her father was a judge and that she would perform sexual acts for leniency.
Baker has said that editing of arrest reports is commonplace, but that he believes in this case McKeon made a mistake. Union President Dana Pullman has contradicted the governor’s claims that edits for substance occur often.
It remains unclear how much public information will be released in connection with the Bibaud case.
