Police Accountability

The ACLU of Massachusetts seeks to create police departments that work collaboratively with all of the communities they serve through increased transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Collage with a police car and some police officers

For law enforcement to be trusted partners in community safety, they must be held accountable for their actions. After all, we give police extraordinary authority — including the power to use deadly force and to decide who gets stopped, searched, arrested, and funneled into the criminal legal system.

The ACLU has a long history of shining light on police wrongdoing, from racist stop-and-frisk practices to intrusive use of surveillance technology to excessive force. Nobody is above the law!

The Latest

Press Release
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Final settlement reached in lawsuit against Hampden County Sheriff for the death of Madelyn Linsenmeir

The ACLU, together with Prisoners' Legal Services of Massachusetts and Goulston & Storrs, finalized a settlement with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department in a civil rights lawsuit filed on behalf of the estate of Madelyn Linsenmeir. 
Issue Areas: Police Accountability
Court Cases: Linsenmeir v. City of Springfield and Estate of Madelyn E. Linsenmeir v. City of Springfield
Press Release
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ACLU of Massachusetts statement on US Department of Justice report in Worcester investigation

These alarming findings confirm once again that Massachusetts is not — and never has been — immune to police misconduct.
Issue Areas: Police Accountability
Know Your Rights
Police officer leaning against police car

When do I have to give my name or address to law enforcement in Massachusetts?

Know Your Rights
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Know Your Rights: If You Are Questioned by the FBI or Police

Campaign
Aug 2026

Surveillance Discovery Project

Model motions to help criminal defense attorneys identify and preserve information on police use of surveillance technology
Initiative
May 2026

Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS)

The Community Control Over Police Surveillance (CCOPS) ordinance aims to protect privacy, civil liberties, and the democratic process by requiring police departments to get community buy-in before acquiring new surveillance technologies.
Initiative
Aug 2026

Get The FLOCK Out: Community Advocacy Toolkit

With Flock Safety's license plate reader (LPR) technology, law enforcement agencies across the country can track Massachusetts drivers in real-time — without a warrant, probable cause, or even reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing. Flock's nationwide data sharing model puts our civil rights and civil liberties at risk. Use our toolkit and conversation guide to advocate for change in your community, and check out ACLU's national resource guide for additional information.