Boston Police Oversight Agency Flexes Subpoena Power

Will officers comply with subpoenas to testify before civilian review board?

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Boston's Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) has issued subpoenas to nine police officers, marking the first time the agency has used its subpoena power since being created. The move comes amid growing tension between OPAT and the Boston Police Department, with the civilian oversight agency seeking more cooperation from officers in its investigations. It's unclear if the subpoenaed officers will comply, as police unions have asserted officers are not required to participate in OPAT proceedings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of civilian oversight of police departments, as OPAT tries to assert its authority and access to information, while the police department and unions push back. The outcome could set an important precedent for the power and effectiveness of Boston's police accountability system.

The details

OPAT Executive Director Evandro Carvalho said issuing subpoenas marks a 'significant step forward' for the agency. Nine officers have been served with subpoenas to appear at a public meeting of OPAT's Civilian Review Board, where their testimony would likely be heard in executive session. If the officers do not comply, OPAT could take them to court to enforce the subpoenas, though the process is complicated since both OPAT and the police department are part of city government.

  • OPAT was first created in 2023 and given subpoena power.
  • Last month, OPAT's commission unanimously voted to issue subpoenas to a list of officers.
  • The subpoenaed officers are scheduled to appear at a Civilian Review Board meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT)

Boston's civilian police oversight agency, created in 2023 with the power to compel officer cooperation through subpoenas.

Evandro Carvalho

Executive Director of OPAT.

Boston Police Department (BPD)

The city's police force, which has faced growing tensions with OPAT over the civilian agency's efforts to increase transparency and accountability.

Larry Calderone

President of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, the union representing police officers.

Boston Police Superior Officers Federation

The union representing police supervisors, which has asserted officers are not required to participate in OPAT investigations.

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What they’re saying

“This is a significant … step forward in the execution of the duties of our agency.”

— Evandro Carvalho, Executive Director, OPAT (Boston Globe)

“If they choose to take part in the process, that is completely up to the individual officer.”

— Larry Calderone, President, Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (Boston Globe)

“Sworn officers are not expected or required to participate in OPAT investigations, and will not suffer any harm or adverse inference for failing to do so.”

— Boston Police Superior Officers Federation (Boston Globe)

What’s next

If the subpoenaed officers do not comply, OPAT could take them to Superior Court to seek a judge's order enforcing the subpoenas.

The takeaway

This standoff between Boston's police oversight agency and the police department highlights the ongoing challenges of civilian oversight and the need to find the right balance between transparency, accountability, and the rights of officers. The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for the future of police-community relations in the city.