The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing cutting edge training for Law Enforcement officers in Massachusetts. Using best of class subject matter experts and drawing upon a wealth of knowledge and best practices from organizations such as “IACP,” the International Association of Chiefs of Police, “ILEETA,” the International Association of Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association, and more. With a multitude of training venues located throughout the state, MPI is uniquely positioned to deliver contemporary and mandatory training programs that meet “POST,” Police Officer Standards and Training requirements, as well as those programs recommended and approved by “MPTC,” the Massachusetts Police Training Committee.
MPI enjoys a collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, affording us the authority to develop and present specialized mandatory training involving “Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Reduction.” as required by M.G.L. chapter 40, section 36 A, B, and C. as well as annual suicide prevention training programs designed to educate officers not only to recognize suicidal ideation amongst those we protect and serve, but also in the law enforcement community.
In addition, MPI regularly presents MA State Department of E911, annual in-service training programs for dispatchers and call-takers. These programs are offered online via our state-of-the-art learning management system.
Meet the Team
Chief Larry Barrett (Ret)
Executive Director
Larry has more than 35 years of experience in Law Enforcement in Massachusetts with 24 of those years in executive leadership, serving as Chief of Police. He is a recognized advocate of police training and holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. As part of his law enforcement career, Chief Barrett is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 212th Session.
As Executive Director of MPI, Chief Barrett is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of it’s mission and goals through the management of the staff and infrastructure and daily operations of the organization.
Having recently retired in 2022, Larry is past president of the Central Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and currently serves as their part-time Executive Director. Prior to joining the Municipal Police Institute, Chief Barrett served as an executive board member for the New England Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Central Ma Chiefs of Police Association, and the New England Narcotics Officers Association.
David O’Laughlin
Director of Training & Use of Force Consultant
David is a retired police officer with more than 40 years of experience as a law enforcement professional. As Director of Training, David oversees the development and implementation of all police training programs and other interests produced by MPI. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, and more than thirty additional federal, state and industry certifications in law enforcement training. David is a graduate of the Force Science Institute and has been awarded the title of Advanced Force Science Analyst. David is a certified expert in the Use of Force and is a recognized consultant in that discipline.
Stephen A. Taranto, J.D.
Assistant Director of Training
Stephen has been in law enforcement for over 40 years. He is retired from a large metro-Boston area police department. He has also worked for a major Federal Law Enforcement agency and a major university. Stephen is retired from the military after a three-branch combination of active and reserve duty and his final 12 years was spent as a reserve Special Agent for the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. He is an active and highly experienced instructor in academic, administrative, investigative, and tactical subjects. Stephen lectures and instructs nationally on law enforcement and security related subjects and is a graduate-level adjunct professor. Stephen has designed and collaborated on many training programs and academic curriculums. He has a LEEDA Trilogy Award and is a graduate of PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police (Class #82). Stephen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science and a JD from Massachusetts School of Law.
Chief Sam Albert (Ret)
Sales & Marketing Specialist
Chief Albert (Ret) has more than 35 years of experience in Law Enforcement in Massachusetts serving 16 of those years as Police Chief. He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice and is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 226th Session.
Sam is past president of the Central MA Chiefs of Police Association and currently serves on the Executive Board. Prior to joining MPI, he served as an executive board member for the New England Chiefs of Police Assoc, MA Chiefs of Police Assoc, Central MA Chiefs of Police Assoc, and past president of the New England Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association.
Chief Albert serves on many Boards in his community and is a member of the Criminal Justice advisory board at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Dawn Thompson Nanni
Administrative Director
With more than 20 years of experience at MPI, Dawn manages the multi-faceted administrative and financial operations of the Institute. As chief administrator, she is responsible for private contractor relations, publications, training manuals and more. Dawn coordinates, markets, and executes our specialized training seminars and in-person classroom presentations to keep you on the cutting edge of law enforcement training.
Erik Abasciano
Multimedia Specialist/LMS Administrator
Erik enjoys being hands-on with the various stages of media productions including field producing, digital cinematography, editing, sound design, and motion graphics. Erik offers a unique bridge from overall aesthetic design to technical development.
Alice Coulombe
Administrative Assistant
Alice is a welcomed member of our administrative team and works directly with the MPI Administrative Director. Alice oversees our Social Media presence and can be contacted for any social media connections.