Massachusetts State Police are launching the 93rd Recruit Training Troop on Oct. 26 with a revamped academy in New Braintree. The department has eliminated the “drill instructor” title, appointing Andrea Nardone as the first civilian director of training, and has already completed 22 of 31 priority recommendations from an independent review.
Key reforms and new leadership
Governor Maura Healey ordered an outside assessment after Trooper Enrique Delgado‑Garcia died during a training exercise in September 2024. The International Association of Chiefs of Police issued 103 recommendations, many of which have now been acted upon. Boxing and head‑strike activities have been permanently removed from the curriculum.
PFM Group Consulting, led by Seth Williams and former New Orleans police superintendent Ronal Serpas, will monitor the reforms for the next five years and publish annual public reports.
Enhanced training and safety measures
Recruits will receive dedicated instruction on use‑of‑force, de‑escalation, and electronic control weapons, and must score 100% on related written exams. A new stress‑management framework ties stress exposure to clear training objectives, with Dr. Jennifer Prohaska guiding staff and recruits during orientation.
Medical expertise has been bolstered: physician assistant and Assumption University professor Eric Otterson will train staff on concussion recognition, while experts from UMass Memorial Medical Group will analyze injuries and shape prevention strategies. The daily schedule now includes uninterrupted meals and scheduled family contact time.
Experienced staff leads the change
Capt. Michael Blanchette, a Marine Corps veteran and former detective lieutenant, serves as academy commandant. Dean Aresco, the new director of physical training, brings two decades of experience from the Connecticut State Police. The academy will be overseen by about 15 sworn members, supported by a larger team of instructors covering defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, firearms, patrol procedure, and criminal law.
Gina Kwon, Massachusetts secretary of public safety and security, praised the governor’s call for an independent assessment, noting it underscores the importance of continual improvement.
Looking ahead
Col. Geoffrey Noble, State Police superintendent, emphasized that implementing the recommendations requires a sustained commitment to raising standards and challenging longstanding practices. With the reforms in place, the academy aims to produce well‑trained troopers ready to serve communities across the Commonwealth.
Original reporting: This Week in Worcester — read the source article.
