How much mass. State Police spent on security – NBC Boston

The Karen Read case created a circus-like atmosphere in Massachusetts as daily demonstrations erupted, eventually leading to police having to maintain a buffer zone around the Dedham courthouse where the trial was taking place.

Keeping the peace cost the state nearly $210,000 in overtime, according to the Massachusetts State Police, which provided data on the cost of the process upon request Thursday.

According to police, security at Norfolk Superior Court totaled $258,278.94, of which $208,112.71 was officers’ overtime pay for approximately 2,264 hours beyond the 806 regular hours of work. They do not contribute to the cost of providing security for a typical process.

But Read’s closely watched and controversial case became one cause celebration for some. While she was accused of killing her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe, with her SUV during a snowstorm in Canton in January 2022, she denied it, and a large group of supporters took up her argument that she was framed became.

Before the trial began, Judge Beverly Cannone ordered protesters to stay 200 feet from the courthouse. There were regular demonstrations during the months-long trial.

The trial ended with a hung jury, although that trial was also contentious – the Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on whether to overrule Cannone’s rejection of Read’s request to drop two of the three charges brought by the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office should be set.