Gov. Charlie Baker tapped Lt. Col. Christopher Mason today to replace retiring Col. Kerry Gilpin as the next superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.
“At a pivotal time for Massachusetts State Police, Chris Mason has the experience and vision to lead the Department forward with reforms and innovation that will shape its future,” Baker said.
“Our administration is grateful for the changes put in motion under Colonel Kerry Gilpin, and supports Colonel Mason as he completes critical reforms to finish Troop E internal affairs investigations and fully implement AVL technology and the body camera procurement. Drawing on his years of experience, we are confident Colonel Mason will lay out a vision for the Department’s future that will bring meaningful reform and restored public trust to the Commonwealth,” Baker added.
Mason, who will take the reins on Friday, Nov. 15, indicated a commitment to restoring public faith in the department during a press conference at the State House Wednesday. He laid out a plan to improve accountability and conduct through ethics training, which will focus on the overtime abuse scandal within the now disbanded Troop E, and increasing diversity within the agency.
“I am grateful for the remarkable trust that Governor Baker and his Administration have placed in me,” Mason said. “I promise to earn that trust every day with the men and women of the Massachusetts State Police who reflect our values of honesty, integrity, and service. These values are foremost in my mind as we move the Department and our public safety mission forward.”
Gilpin announced her retirement from the $200,000-per-year position in a letter to the department last week. She has led the agency for the past two years amid the overtime-abuse scandal that has embroiled 46 troopers.
