NEPBA Demands Answers Over Potential Secret Surveillance Inside Lawrence City Hall
Apr 2, 2026
The New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA), on behalf of the Lawrence Superior Officers Association, is deeply concerned by reports of potential audio and video surveillance conducted within City of Lawrence City Hall, particularly under circumstances that may have captured individuals without their knowledge or consent.
If these allegations are accurate, they raise serious and troubling questions about the City’s respect for lawful process, employee rights, and the integrity of protected communications. Under Massachusetts law, secret audio recording is governed by the Massachusetts Wiretap Act, M.G.L. c. 272, § 99, which strictly prohibits the intentional interception of oral communications without the knowledge and consent of all parties. Massachusetts is a two-party consent state, meaning that recording a conversation without the consent of all participants is not merely improper, it may constitute a criminal offense.
The reported conduct, if substantiated, may meet the statutory definition of an unlawful “interception,” particularly if conversations were recorded secretly in hallways, offices, or other areas where individuals reasonably believed their communications were private. Any such conduct is especially alarming if it captured discussions involving union representatives and members engaged in collective bargaining, grievance handling, or other protected labor activity.
The possibility that confidential and legally protected communications were recorded without consent raises not only criminal concerns under state law, but also serious violations of labor protections under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 150E. Surveillance of union activity, whether direct or incidental, has a chilling effect on the rights of employees to organize, communicate, and advocate freely.
In response, NEPBA has formally issued a demand for information pursuant to Chapter 150E, seeking full transparency regarding the existence, scope, and use of any surveillance systems within City Hall.
We are aware of reports that Chief of Staff William Castro has resigned effective today. That action is insufficient and does not address the seriousness of these allegations or the leadership failures at the highest level. Given the potential violation of criminal law, NEPBA is calling for the immediate resignation of Mayor Brian A. DePeña. Leadership demands accountability, and any authorization, awareness, or failure to stop unlawful recording practices inside City Hall represents a clear breakdown in governance.
We are further calling on the City of Lawrence to immediately preserve all recordings, metadata, and related materials, and to fully comply with our request for information. Any failure to do so will result in appropriate legal action, including the filing of a prohibited practice charge and the pursuit of all available remedies.
Public trust is built on transparency and accountability. The people of Lawrence and the law enforcement professionals who serve this community deserve nothing less.
NEPBA will continue to aggressively defend the rights of its members and will not tolerate any actions that undermine lawful labor activity, violate state law, or erode fundamental protections.
