Massachusetts

Head of Mass. State Police, Col. Kerry Gilpin, Announces Retirement From Embattled Agency

Gilpin took the role two years ago after her predecessor was embroiled in scandal, but other issues continued to rock the agency

Col. Kerry Gilpin, head of the Massachusetts State Police, is stepping down as leader of the embattled agency. 

The agency said in a statement Wednesday that Gilpin's retirement would take effect on Nov. 15 — which would entitle her to the maximum pension of more than $180,000.

"Over the course of a distinguished 25-year career, Kerry Gilpin has committed herself to the most fundamental work of law enforcement: protecting the public, serving the community, and advancing the interests of justice inside and outside the Department of State Police," said Thomas Turco, secretary of public safety and security. 

"As colonel, she has implemented meaningful, lasting changes at every level of the Department, and I am grateful for her service and wish her the very best in her retirement."

Gilpin took the role in November 2017 after her predecessor, then-Col. Richard McKeon, stepped down amid accusations that he and other top commanders ordered troopers to scrub information from an arrest report about a judge's daughter.   

Scandals continued to rock the agency, including an ongoing investigation into overtime abuse. Several troopers have been criminally charged. 

"The last two years have presented tremendous challenges for the Department," Gilpin wrote in the letter. "However, I believe that with great adversity comes great opportunity. We have accomplished so much during this difficult time, and I am confident that you will continue to build upon this foundation."

Because Gilpin has 25 years of service with the department, she is eligible to collect pension at the maximum rate of 75%. Her retirement date of Nov. 15 is exactly a year from her last raise — pension is based on the final 12 months of salary.

With her current salary being $242,000, she could potentially receive $181,500 a year.

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