What must happen for a duty status hearing to take place?

For a duty status hearing to take place, the approval from the Colonel or Superintendent is essential. This requirement ensures that the decision to conduct a hearing aligns with the higher command structure and adheres to established protocols within the Massachusetts State Police. Approval at this level indicates that the issue at hand is serious enough to warrant formal review and that proper procedures are being followed, which is crucial in maintaining accountability and integrity within the department.

While consensus from the Duty Status Board, notification to the member involved, and consultation with legal counsel are all important steps in the process of managing duty statuses or conducting hearings, they do not each directly trigger the commencement of a hearing. The initial authority and approval from leadership set the foundation for the entire process, allowing for administrative efficiency and clarity in how duty statuses are handled.