Braintree council affirms Robert J. Kilroy Jr. as police chief, conditioning appointment on third‑party background check

The Town of Braintree Council voted 5–4 on July 7 to affirm Mayor Joyce's appointment of Robert J. Kilroy Jr. as chief of police, with the appointment conditioned on the successful completion of an independent third‑party background check.

The confirmation capped a prolonged review. Chair of Ways and Means Councilor Bridal told the full council the committee had forwarded the nomination after a June 30 meeting with a split recommendation (2–2, one absent). Mayor Joyce said the administration had used an eight‑member screening committee and offered a non‑municipal third‑party background check as a condition, saying the check would be shared with the council and that a failure would void the appointment.

Kilroy, who currently serves as deputy chief of Walpole and described roughly 26 years in municipal policing, told the council he would focus his first 90 days on learning the department, rebuilding relationships and addressing gaps that led to Braintree’s loss of accreditation. “Accreditation is extremely important… it indicates that the department is committed to not only meeting, but exceeding the expectations,” Kilroy said, describing a plan to identify shortcomings and prepare for reaccreditation.

Opposition centered on concerns about process, vetting and the timing of additional checks. Councilor Reynolds said he would vote no because he viewed the selection process as managed in a way that lacked the standards the town expects. Councilor Sterling also announced a no vote citing unresolved process questions. Supporters, including Councilor Baraka and Councilor Maglio, praised Kilroy’s community‑engagement emphasis and professional record.

The motion before the council affirmed Mayor Aaron V. Joyce’s appointment “subject to the successful completion of a 3rd party non law enforcement background check.” After debate and roll‑call, the clerk recorded five yes votes and four no votes; the motion carried. Immediately after, councilors passed a separate unanimous motion expressing unity and goodwill toward the new chief.

Why it matters: the incoming chief will lead a department that the council and administration said needs to regain accreditation and maintain strong community relations. The appointment’s conditional language makes the confirmation contingent on an independent background review; the council and mayor’s office said the results will be shared with the council.

What’s next: the mayor’s office will arrange the independent background check and report results to the council as a condition of the appointment.