Suffolk County DA’s Office Victim Services Chief Charlene Luma Appointed to POST Commission
BOSTON, April 1, 2021— A member of District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ leadership team has been appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, a new, entirely independent state agency with significant authority and powers of oversight for law enforcement officers and agencies in the Commonwealth. Ms. Luma will serve as the only social worker on the nine-person board. Of the nine members, three are appointed by Governor Charlie Baker including a police chief, a retired justice of the superior court and a social worker, appointed from a list of five nominations submitted by the National Association of Social Workers, Inc.
“Charlene Luma brings a wealth of experience to this position, having worked extensively with victims and survivors, perpetrators of crime and with members of law enforcement. I’m deeply grateful for the trauma-informed, victim-centered work she has done on behalf of the people of Suffolk County, and I’m excited that she now has the opportunity to impact statewide policy,” District Attorney Rollins said. “Interactions with law enforcement often occur in times of crisis – during a mental health emergency, in the aftermath of a serious crime or in the darkest times of an individual’s life. Charlene brings a deep understanding of these dynamics and a clinical, trauma-informed lens to this work that will benefit everyone in Massachusetts.”
Ms. Luma joined SCDAO in 2019 to lead the office’s Victim Witness Assistance Program, which provides services to crime victims, homicide survivors and witnesses of crimes while ensuring they have a voice, are notified about seminal events, and fully understand the legal process involving their case as it moves through the criminal legal system. She is the first licensed independent clinical social worker to lead the department. Under Ms. Luma, the program has an enhanced focus on trauma-informed practices and introduced the first Masters of Social Work internship program at any Massachusetts prosecutor’s office. She previously worked as Program Director of the Justice Resource Institute’s Boston Trauma Response and SMART Team Boston.
Ms. Luma is currently participating in YW Boston’s LeadBoston program for mid- and senior-level professionals and received the Emerging Leader Award from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers in 2020.
“Charlene is a rock star. This appointment allows her to bring a trauma-informed perspective to conversations surrounding police interactions with members of public, but also to the issue of trauma experienced by members of law enforcement,” District Attorney Rollins said. “I can think of no one better suited to serve in this position on the POST Commission. I’m excited to see Charlene’s meaningful contributions to statewide policy and standards to improve public safety and the wellbeing of our communities. The Commonwealth is going to get the benefit of what we in Suffolk County have the privilege and benefit of seeing and working with every day. Congratulations, Charlene!”
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.