A Massachusetts State Police trooper is under investigation for allegedly video and audio recording traffic stops and arrests without departmental approval.
A department spokesman tells The Telegram & Gazette that Trooper Nicholas Holden is currently on desk duty. He works out of the Brookfield barracks.
Authorities say Holden failed to turn most of the dash camera recordings to prosecutors during court proceedings. Experts say that could amount to obstruction of justice. The district attorney has sent letters to more than 100 defendants notifying them of potential evidence issues.
State police said recording of traffic stops is not expressly prohibited in its regulations, but neither is it allowed. An agency spokesman says installation of audio and video equipment not issued by the department is prohibited without authorization.
A statement from state police partially reads, "Generally, upon completion of the disciplinary process, the range of potential actions runs from counseling to termination, based on the severity and volume of sustained charges."
Holden declined comment.
