Definitions

(1) 555 CMR 12.00 incorporates all definitions and rules of construction set forth in 555 CMR 2.02: Definitions and 2.03: Construction, except those definitions of terms that are defined in 555 CMR 12.02(2). (2) For the purposes of 555 CMR 12.00, the following terms have the following meanings, unless the context requires otherwise: (Mass. Register #1536, 12/6/2024) Appointing Authority. In the case of an officer who is an appointed head of a law enforcement agency, the person or entity with the authority to appoint the individual as the law enforcement agency head; and, in the case of any other unelected officer, the law enforcement agency that employs the officer. Audit. An audit of law enforcement agency records conducted by or on behalf of the Commission pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3(a) and/or 8(d), or otherwise. Body or Person of Authority. An officer's appointing authority; any supervisor of the officer therein; the Civil Service Commission; any arbitrator or other third-party neutral with decision-making power; any court; and any prosecutor's office. Certification. The certification of an individual as an officer pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3(a) and 4, or pursuant to St. 2020, c. 253, § 102, either as an initial certification or a recertification, and regardless of whether it is subject to any condition, limitation, restriction, or suspension. Commission. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission established pursuant to M.G.L c. 6E, § 2, including its Commissioners and its staff. Complaint. A "complaint" as defined in 555 CMR 1.01(1): Transmittal of Complaint by Agency to Commission. Constable. An individual who is elected or appointed as a constable pursuant to M.G.L. c. 41, §§ 1, 91, or 91A. Compulsory Legal Process. A summons, subpoena, judicial order, administrative agency order, or civil investigative demand. Executive Director. The Executive Director of the Commission appointed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, § 2(g), or that person's designee for relevant purposes. Include (or Including). Include (or including) without limitation. Law Enforcement Agency. A "law enforcement agency" as defined in M.G.L. c. 6E, § 1. Maintain. With respect to a record, to preserve all parts of the record, including those that are not easily visible, and to store it in a manner that will enable it to be easily retrieved. Member. An officer, employee, or independent contractor. MPTC. The Municipal Police Training Committee within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security established pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6, § 116. Officer. A "law enforcement officer" as defined in M.G.L. c. 6E, § 1, or an individual who possesses an officer certification. Officer Certification. A certification of an individual as an officer pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3(a) and 4, or pursuant to St. 2020, c. 253, § 102, regardless of whether it is subject to any condition, limitation, restriction, or suspension. Official. Authorized or approved by a proper authority. Policy. Any policy, rule, regulation, protocol, standard, guideline, operating procedure, other procedure, decree, directive, mandate, manual, handbook, guide, advisory, form of guidance, plan, mission statement or comparable statement, organizational chart, or memorandum of understanding that is duly approved by appropriate personnel and issued in writing. Recertification. A type of certification involving a renewal of a previously granted certification. Record. Any form of record, book, paper, document, written material, data, or information, regardless of whether it is a type of record referenced in M.G.L. c. 6E, § 8(d), and regardless of whether it is a "public record" under M.G.L. c. 4, § 7, cl. 26. SRO. A "school resource officer" as defined in 555 CMR 10.03(2). SRO Certification. An initial specialized certification of an individual as a school resource officer pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3(a) and 3(b), regardless of whether it is subject to any condition, limitation, restriction, or suspension. SRO MOU. An "MOU" as defined in 555 CMR 10.03(2). SRO Operating Procedures. "Operating procedures" as defined in 555 CMR 10.03(2). Suspension. When referring to an officer certification or an SRO certification, a suspension of the certification, including an administrative suspension, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 6E, §§ 3, 9, and/or 10.