Canton Police Detective Kevin Albert recently faced disciplinary action for consuming alcohol while on duty, a revelation that emerged during the Karen Read murder trial. An investigation revealed that Albert had consumed alcohol while working on a cold case in Cape Cod several years ago. This behavior was deemed inappropriate for an officer and a violation of the Canton Police Department’s regulations.
Police Chief Helena Rafferty stated that Albert agreed to serve three unpaid eight-hour shifts as part of his punishment. The incident came to light when Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor testified during the trial. Proctor recounted a night when he and Albert went out drinking, with Albert later realizing that he had left his badge in Proctor’s cruiser. Albert even inquired about his gun, which was also left in the vehicle.
The investigation determined that Albert had properly secured his gun in Proctor’s locked cruiser, and the removal of his badge did not breach department policy since it was secured inside the vehicle. Albert’s brother, Brian, owned the residence where Read’s boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, was discovered unresponsive in the snow in January 2022. Read is accused of striking O’Keefe with her SUV and abandoning him to perish in the cold. However, her defense team asserts her innocence and alleges a cover-up involving investigators.
The Canton police union issued a statement expressing that Detective Albert fully cooperated with the independent investigation. The Canton Select Board decided to impose disciplinary actions on Albert, which he accepted without objection. Read’s initial trial ended in a mistrial, and a retrial is slated to commence in January.
This incident underscores the importance of upholding professional standards and adhering to department regulations while on duty. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that can ensue when such protocols are violated. Maintaining integrity and accountability are crucial aspects of law enforcement that must be upheld at all times to ensure public trust and safety.