Police Commissioner v. Cecil

The police commissioner of Boston (department or commissioner) appeals from a judgment of the Superior Court under G. L. c. 30A, § 14, affirming a decision of the Civil Service Commission (commission) that restored Joseph Cecil to the position of Boston police officer with back pay. The department claims that Cecil was a probationary officer whose employment was terminated and, therefore, the commission’s decision to grant him tenure was based on an error of law. We remand the matter to the Superior Court where the decision of the commission is to be set aside.

We summarize the facts found by…