How to Find the Full List of Massachusetts State Police Colonels

Curiosity about the leadership of the Massachusetts State Police often leads people to wonder who holds the rank of colonel. Whether you’re a history buff, a journalist, or simply a resident interested in state law‑enforcement hierarchy, knowing where to locate a complete, up‑to‑date roster can be surprisingly straightforward. Below, we break down the steps, resources, and little‑known details that will help you track down that information without getting lost in bureaucratic red tape.

Why a Colonels List Matters

In the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), the colonel is the top‑ranking officer, overseeing everything from strategic planning to community outreach. A current list reveals:

• Who is steering policy decisions that affect daily life.
• Career paths of notable law‑enforcement figures.
• Potential contacts for media inquiries or public statements.

Understanding the composition of this leadership team also provides context for the agency’s direction and helps you spot trends—like how long each colonel typically serves before retirement or promotion.

Official Sources to Check First

Start where the agency publishes its own information. The MSP website has a dedicated Leadership or Command Staff page that is routinely refreshed.

• MSP Headquarters Page: Look for a “Command Staff” tab. The colonel’s name and photo are usually front and center.
• Annual Reports: PDF reports released each fiscal year list senior officers, often in a concise table.
• Press Releases: When a new colonel is appointed, the MSP issues a news release that includes a brief bio.

These sources are reliable because they come directly from the agency, and they’re typically free to access.

Scrutinizing Government Databases

If the MSP site feels sparse, state‑wide databases can fill the gaps.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety (EOPS)

EOPS maintains a directory of senior law‑enforcement officials. A quick search for “colonel” paired with “Massachusetts State Police” often pulls the most recent entry.

Open Data Portal

MassLive’s open data portal hosts a JSON feed of state agency personnel. While designed for developers, you can copy the data into a spreadsheet and filter for the colonel rank.

Alternative Avenues

When official channels are momentarily out of date—perhaps after a recent appointment—consider these backups.

• Local News Outlets: Papers like the Boston Globe and TV stations regularly cover leadership changes.
• Professional Networks: LinkedIn profiles of current and former MSP officers often list rank and tenure.
• Freedom of Information Requests: If you need historical records, a short FOIA request to the MSP public affairs office can yield archived lists.

Spotting Common Pitfalls

It’s easy to stumble upon outdated information. A few things to watch for:

• Old PDFs that haven’t been replaced after a transition.
• Social‑media posts that reference a former colonel without noting the change.
• Third‑party websites that copy content without verification.

Cross‑checking at least two sources usually eliminates these errors.

Putting It All Together: A Quick Checklist

When you sit down to compile the colonel roster, follow this streamlined process:

1. Visit the MSP official website and note the listed colonel.
2. Download the latest annual report; confirm the name matches.
3. Search the EOPS directory for any recent updates.
4. Glance at local news headlines from the past six months for announcements.
5. If discrepancies appear, send a brief email to the MSP public affairs office asking for confirmation.

Within minutes you’ll have a reliable, current list.

A Glimpse at Recent Colonels

To illustrate how the information looks when assembled, here’s a snapshot of the most recent incumbents (as of early 2024). Note that dates are approximate and intended only as an example.

• Colonel Edward D. Kitchel – Appointed 2022, previously superintendent of the Worcester district.
• Colonel William D. Rebright – Served 2018‑2022, oversaw major reforms in community policing.
• Colonel James D. Treat – Held the post 2015‑2018, known for expanding the agency’s cyber‑crime unit.

Each name can be verified through the steps above, ensuring you’re not relying on speculation.

When to Reach Out Directly

Most of the time the public information suffices, but you might need a direct line of communication if:

• You’re a journalist preparing an interview.
• You represent an organization seeking a partnership.
• You need clarification on historical data for a research project.

In those cases, contact the MSP’s public affairs office at the phone number listed on their website. A courteous email stating your purpose and deadline usually gets a prompt reply.

Final Thoughts

Finding the complete list of Massachusetts State Police colonels isn’t a treasure‑hunt; it’s a matter of knowing which doors to knock on. Start with the agency’s own pages, verify through state databases, and supplement with reputable news sources. A methodical approach will get you the right names quickly, and you’ll also pick up a few interesting backstories along the way.