Report exposes culture of hazing and humiliation at Cape Cod police academy

"Recruits training at the new East Falmouth Police Academy earlier this year were mentally and physically tormented, denied bathroom breaks, and forced into grueling outdoor exercises - often without proper gear for the below-freezing temperatures, according to a new state report."

""Student officers were made to engage in activities that had no training purpose or nexus to the job of a police officer," the report states. "Student officers were denied adequate bathroom breaks. Injuries to student officers were not reported to the MPTC. And student officers were subjected to bullying and unprofessional behavior that created a harmful training environment.""

"The MPTC investigation ultimately implicated five instructors and the academy's director and coordinator, all of whom have been terminated or had their instructor certifications revoked. Four other instructors were not present for or did not participate in the most serious misconduct, and their certifications were reinstated."

Recruits at the East Falmouth Police Academy experienced mental and physical torment, denial of bathroom breaks, and forced outdoor exercises without proper cold-weather gear. Complaints included damaged equipment, physical injuries, and bullying by academy staff. A six-month investigation by the Municipal Police Training Committee and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security followed concerns raised by multiple police departments. The investigation implicated five instructors, the academy director, and the coordinator, resulting in terminations or revocation of instructor certifications. Four other instructors were cleared of the most serious misconduct and had certifications reinstated. Academy leadership had been suspended and staff removed earlier in the year.

Read at Boston.com