UPDATE: Former Groton Police Officer Omar Connor has been officially decertified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) following serious allegations of sexual harassment against students and staff. This urgent decision, made on November 20, 2023, underscores a disturbing pattern of misconduct during his tenure as a school resource officer.
In a critical ruling, the POST Commission declared Connor “not fit for duty as an officer” and a danger to the public. The findings reveal that Connor engaged in “a pattern of unprofessional conduct that may escalate,” prompting immediate action from state regulators.
The Groton Police Department responded swiftly, acknowledging Connor’s breach of trust as a school resource officer at Groton-Dunstable Regional High School. In a statement, they expressed gratitude to the young women who reported his behavior, emphasizing the importance of accountability: “He violated that trust by using his position to take advantage of those who he had influence over.”
Connor’s dismissal in 2023 followed extensive internal investigations that confirmed he used lewd language with students and made inappropriate advances, including toward a high school girl inside the school premises. Despite being offered a chance to contest the allegations, he failed to appear at a scheduled hearing in September 2025, effectively defaulting on his defense. His attorney withdrew from the case, leaving Connor without representation.
During a preliminary conference in June, Connor indicated he wouldn’t contest the decertification, acknowledging the futility of fighting the claims against him: “I know I’m not going to be getting my certification back,” he stated. However, he maintained his innocence, asserting, “I did nothing wrong.”
Although no criminal charges have been filed against him, the POST Commission’s ruling prohibits Connor from serving as a police officer in Massachusetts. His name will also be added to the National Decertification Index, a critical resource for law enforcement agencies to review an officer’s disciplinary history before hiring.
Connor has 30 days to appeal the POST Commission’s decision in Superior Court. His downfall marks a stark contrast to his previous reputation, where he was once celebrated as a role model for students in Groton. Prior to these allegations, the Groton Police Department had publicly praised him as a dedicated officer shaping the next generation of law enforcement.
As the community processes these shocking developments, the impact on students and their families remains profound. The Groton Police Department’s commitment to safeguarding students and restoring trust in law enforcement continues to be paramount.
For updates on this unfolding story, follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
