SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Embattled Springfield Police Gregg Bigda will soon learn whether he’ll be allowed to continue his law enforcement career in Massachusetts.
Bigda testified before the POST Commission Thursday. Under the state’s police reform law, all police officers must be certified in the state. Bigda is not certified due to a number of incidents over the years.
Bigda was previously accused of assaulting and threatening two juvenile suspects in 2016 after the teens allegedly stole an unmarked police cruiser and led them on a chase from Springfield to Palmer.
Bidga was acquitted on federal charges tied to the case but the Post Commission believes its relevant to Bidga’s future as a police officer.
Bidga has been on paid leave for the past five years. In June, Bidga sued the City of Springfield saying they took unfair steps to force him to resign. Springfield has countersued. Earlier this month, Bidga was arrested for an OUI.
Several current and retired Springfield Police officers testified to Bigda’s character, saying they believe he is still fit to be an officer.
Friday, Springfield Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood testified for several hours, saying despite the support of the fellow officers, Bidga lost the trust of the community. “I can tell you that I’ve talked to community activists and leaders about it, I have seen protests about it, and I have heard from officers at our community meetings, that we hear that he shouldn’t be employed here, he doesn’t represent us.”
Bigda also testified for several hours Friday afternoon. Jail cell video of him interrogating a juvenile suspect in Palmer in 2016 was also played. No decision was made Friday. Bigda remains on paid leave.
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