State Police Advisory Commission

All allegations of misconduct by State Police officers are given to the State Police Advisory Commission (SPAC) for review. By statute, SPAC is made up of independent Vermont citizens who have no direct connection to the Vermont State Police. The State Police Advisory Commission provides advice and counsel to the Commissioner of Public Safety in carrying out his or her responsibilities for the management, supervision and control of the Vermont State Police. The Commission also advises the Commissioner regarding rules concerning promotions, grievances, transfers, internal investigations and discipline.

The next scheduled meeting:

To learn more download the State Police Advisory Commission brochure.

SPAC and the Commissioner of Public Safety have released summaries of the commission's work regarding misconduct allegations that involve state troopers. An initial summary was prepared in 2019, followed by more detailed releases of information beginning in 2021 and occurring twice a year since. The summaries are available at the following links:

• October 2024
• March 2024
• July 2023
• January 2023
• July 2022
• January 2022
• November 2021
• January 2021
• 2019

20 V.S.A. § 1922. Creation of commission; members; duties

(a) There is hereby created the state police advisory commission, which shall provide advice and counsel to the commissioner in carrying out his responsibilities for the management, supervision and control of the Vermont state police.

(b) The commission shall consist of seven members, at least one of whom shall be an attorney and one of whom shall be a retired state police officer, to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

(c) Members of the commission shall serve for terms of four years, at the pleasure of the governor. Of the initial appointments, one shall be appointed for a term of one year, two for terms of two years, two for terms of three years, and two for terms of four years. Appointments to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired portion of the term vacated. The chairman shall be appointed by the governor.

(d) The creation and existence of the commission shall not relieve the commissioner of his duties under the law to manage, supervise and control the state police.

(e) To ensure that state police officers are subject to fair and known practices, the commission shall advise the commissioner with respect to and review rules concerning promotion, grievances, transfers, internal investigations and discipline.

(f) Members of the commission shall be paid per diem compensation and reimbursement for expenses in accordance with section 1010 of Title 32.

This page was updated most recently on Oct. 3, 2024.