Massachusetts POST Commission Decertified Two Officers
The state oversight board permanently banned two former police officers from working in law enforcement.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Massachusetts POST Commission has permanently decertified two former police officers, Ruben Perry Collins and Brian Norton, following criminal charges. This action enforces a lifetime ban on their ability to serve as law enforcement officers within the state.
Why it matters
The decision underscores the state's efforts to maintain police accountability through a formal investigation process. By adding these names to the National Decertification Index, the commission ensures other states are aware of their conduct history.
The commission has decertified a total of 94 officers to date. The two former officers now have 30 days to appeal the decertification decision to the Superior Court.
The players
Massachusetts POST Commission
This is the state agency responsible for the certification, oversight, and decertification of police officers in Massachusetts.
Ruben Perry Collins
He is a former officer who served with the Newbury and Rowley Police departments and was recently decertified after pleading guilty to assault.
Brian Norton
He is a former officer with the Weymouth Police department who was decertified following charges involving domestic assault and battery.
The details
Ruben Perry Collins, formerly of the Newbury and Rowley Police departments, pleaded guilty to indecent assault and battery in April 2026. Brian Norton, who served with the Weymouth Police department, faced charges for domestic assault and battery in 2024 and an assault on a Boston Police officer in 2022.
Timeline
Ruben Perry Collins committed an act of sexual assault in 2018.
Brian Norton was charged with assaulting a Boston police officer in 2022.
Ruben Perry Collins was indicted on a rape charge in 2023.
Ruben Perry Collins pleaded guilty to assault charges in April 2026.
The commission permanently decertified the two former officers in September 2026.
Legal Context
The commission reports decertified officers to the National Decertification Index, a database designed to track and prevent officers with histories of misconduct from securing law enforcement roles in other states. This action aligns with broader state efforts to ensure that disciplinary records follow officers who leave the profession.
The decertification process ensures that individuals who have committed serious misconduct or crimes are permanently barred from holding a badge in the state. This initiative is part of a wider effort to increase transparency and public trust in the approximately 400 police departments across Massachusetts.
The takeaway
These decertifications reflect the state's commitment to permanently removing officers who fail to meet the legal and ethical standards required for public safety. The lifetime ban serves as a definitive mechanism to ensure that criminal conduct within the police force carries long-term professional consequences.
What happens next
The two decertified officers have 30 days from the September 2026 ruling to file an appeal of the decision with the Superior Court.
Further reading
Learn more about oversight standards in the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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