Massachusetts State PoliceGovernment

The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) is the principal statewide law enforcement agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, operating under the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Its statutory mandate is to preserve public safety, patrol state and interstate highways, investigate major crimes (including homicides outside of Boston, Springfield, and Worcester), and provide specialized tactical, forensic, and aviation support to municipal police departments. Founded on May 16, 1865, as the Massachusetts State Constabulary by Governor John A. Andrew to suppress post-Civil War lawlessness and enforce liquor laws, it is historically recognized as the oldest statewide police agency in the United States.