Massachusetts State Police responsible in Karen Learn case

One verdict is already declared within the Karen Learn homicide case: The Massachusetts State Police are responsible within the first diploma of dereliction of obligation.

The closing arguments of the sensational retrial had been one of the vital embarrassing moments for the MSP in its historical past.

Since-fired Trooper Michael Proctor’s “vile” texts on Karen Learn’s determine and intestinal struggles haven’t any place in any office, not to mention a homicide investigation. However the dysfunction goes deeper.

Proctor’s boss, Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik testified that he gave a digital thumbs-up emoji to Proctor’s juvenile observations whereas busy working a element shift at Logan Worldwide Airport. The supervisor added that he was centered on his visitors duties and was solely acknowledging receipt of the texts.

So why did Bukhenik later price Proctor’s professionalism a 4 out of 5 in a quarterly assessment?

Higher but, why was Bukhenik working a element at Logan amid a homicide investigation? The sufferer was a Boston police officer, but Bukhenik was preoccupied? What does that say concerning the company?

BPD Officer John O’Keefe deserved higher, and so did Karen Learn. It’s as much as the jury now to resolve guilt or innocence, however the disgust of the State Police have to be a part of these deliberations.

However that’s not all.

The Herald investigated Bukhenik’s claims that he was arduous at work on a element, and in accordance with State Police data, he was certainly working at Logan on Aug. 17, 2022, when Proctor despatched over a few of his insulting observations. Actually, state Comptroller data present Bukhenik earned $66,433 in extra time and $13,593 in “different pay” for a complete of $ 188,288 in 2022.

To date this 12 months, Bukhenik has pulled down $27,537 in OT and $14,910 in different pay, already eclipsing $101,947 for 2025. He earned $211,961 in 2024, together with $48,584 in extra time.

The State Police have racked up $32.10 million in extra time pay up to now this 12 months.

We’d argue professionalism is the least we must always count on for that hefty sum.

As now we have reported, a State Police detective captain who pocketed an eye-popping $584,072 in pay final 12 months amassed file extra time utilizing 27 completely different causes.

This all exhibits that State Police have a nostril for bonus pay. What about crime? Does it override their pursuit of the reality? That’s clearly the concern.

Proctor didn’t go into the home on the homicide scene in Canton, the place one other Boston police officer lived. That reality looms giant on this case, and it’s arduous to defend.

Anybody would surprise if the State Police, judging by Proctor’s sins and Bukhenik’s give attention to his element duties, are distracted.

We requested an professional, Dennis Galvin, who stated: “The State Police have didn’t develop an efficient monitoring and auditing system that may contribute to an improved oversight and administration of the company.”

Galvin, president of the Massachusetts Affiliation of Skilled Regulation Enforcement (MAPLE), stated extra time, sick depart, coaching, arrests, subject interrogations, search warrants, use of pressure, case stories, conviction charges, officer self-discipline, cruiser accidents, citizen complaints, proof room, and budgeting should all be audited.

The State Police have a robust union, however that’s not going to assist this time. The company is a laughing inventory, and good troopers outnumber the unhealthy, so it’s time to wash home and put the perfect again on the streets.