At his swearing in ceremony Thursday, the new Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard McKeon said the biggest challenge currently facing the department is the climate in society toward police.
WORCESTER – At his swearing in ceremony Thursday, the new Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard McKeon said the biggest challenge currently facing the department is the climate in society toward police.
“We cannot do our job without the public’s trust,” McKeon noted. “If a member of the public wants to videotape us in a public setting, that’s fine with us. We have nothing to hide. By all means, hold us accountable. We only ask that the public not judge us by the latest video alleging police misconduct in locations all over the country.”
McKeon, a Worcester native who currently resides in Sturbridge, was officially sworn in during a ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on Thursday. He’s a 33-year veteran of the department.
Gov. Charlie Baker tapped McKeon to succeed Col. Timothy P. Alben, a Western Massachusetts native and 32-year veteran, who retired last month. McKeon took over on July 12 before his official swearing in.
McKeon said he’d begin trying to change public opinion toward police by doing some of what the department is already doing – “having integrity and treating people fairly.”
Beyond the challenge, McKeon said he’d be focusing on technology, bringing in a new class of recruits and updating some state police facilities.
Officials praised McKeon at the swearing in.
Baker praised McKeon’s “collaboration and communication.” He also agreed that the job can be a difficult one in today’s world.
“In a world that’s far more transparent for everyone in public life, the job, in some respects, has never been tougher,” Baker said.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. had hired McKeon nine years ago to lead the investigative unit.
“He is truly one of the most honorable, professional and humble people,” Early said.
“He’s not really about himself, he’s all about our state police,” said Daniel Bennett, Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Bennett recalled visiting crime scenes with McKeon when the two worked together in the Worcester County district attorney’s office.
“He dealt with individuals with sincerity and compassion, while at the same time fulfilling a police officer’s job. That’s quite a remarkable man,” Bennett said.
Source: MassLive Worcester http://masslive.com/news/worcester
