The Massachusetts State Police have recently come under fire for violating the state’s wiretap laws. Last week, prosecutors dropped 25 criminal cases linked to these violations. An audit conducted last spring revealed that many MSP employees were using recording devices without proper training, leading to the discovery of almost 30 previously unidentified recordings. Public defenders were notified that MSP investigators had used covert surveillance technology without warrants in hundreds of cases. The focus has been on the Callyo cellphone app, developed by Motorola, which was used as a replacement for traditional wiretaps by undercover investigators.
A judge ruled last month that eight individuals should be granted new trials due to MSP investigators’ violations of wiretap laws during a specific undercover drug investigation in 2022. The operation was deemed disorganized and featured various failures on the part of MSP troopers. Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office dropped these cases, sparking further scrutiny of the MSP’s practices.
The Massachusetts State Police have been urged to improve training and oversight of their recording technology to prevent further violations of wiretap laws. The dropped cases highlight the importance of adherence to legal procedures in criminal investigations. The MSP is expected to face continued scrutiny and pressure to address these issues in order to maintain public trust and credibility.
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