BOSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts has reached an agreement with the Massachusetts State Police to resolve allegations that the agency failed to comply with its communications obligations for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Every Massachusetts resident should be able to communicate clearly with law enforcement, whether they are crime victims, witnesses or perpetrators, or seeking assistance for potential civil remedies,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Our residents include people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This agreement now ensures that the Massachusetts State Police comply with federal law, protect civil rights, and more effectively advance public safety for everyone in our District.”
Following an investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office found that the Massachusetts State Police did not have an ADA-compliant policy or procedures for effective communication with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Massachusetts State Police was cooperative throughout the investigation and, under the terms of the agreement, will implement a policy on communicating with people who are deaf or hard of hearing, ensure appropriate auxiliary aids and services are available and display conspicuous notices of their availability. Additionally, all sworn members who interact with the public will participate in training on the ADA’s effective communication requirements and appropriate ways of serving people with disabilities.
U.S. Attorney Rollins made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of Rollins’ Civil Rights Unit handled the matter.
The Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office was established in 2015 with the mission of enhancing federal civil rights enforcement. For more information on the Office’s civil rights efforts, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-ma/civil-rights.