Charges against Kennedy dismissed, but final status still in limbo

The charges against Lincoln Police Chief Sean Kennedy, who was suspended with pay in May 2025 after being arrested on domestic violence charges, have been dropped — but his professional fate is still undetermined, as a state commission has asked for more time to decide whether to fully restore his law enforcement certification.

Kennedy was arrested on May 10, 2025 and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a wall) and assault and battery on a household member after an off-duty incident at his Westwood residence. The town of Lincoln immediately put him on paid administrative leave, and Jon Wentworth has been Acting Police Chief since then. Court records show that he pleaded not guilty and was released on $1,500 cash bail on May 12, 2025.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST) suspended Kennedy’s police certification on May 13, 2025 and had him turn in his uniform, badge, firearm and other equipment. The case was set for a bench trial on Aug. 8, 2025, at which point all charges were dismissed.

Kennedy later requested a suspension hearing, which was held on April 16, 2026. That same day, POST issued an order lifting the suspension. However, his status is still listed as “Further Certification Review.”

POST issues certifications for all peace officers in Massachusetts, setting statutory standards regarding age, education, background checks, and fitness for duty.

“Kennedy’s law enforcement certification expires on July 1, 2026, and the Commission received his recertification application earlier this month,” POST Director of Communications and Community Engagement told the Lincoln Squirrel on June 30. “After reviewing the application, the Commission determined that it requires additional time to make a decision. As a result, his status is listed as ‘Further Certification Review. While under this status, his underlying certification status will remain as ‘Certified,’ meaning he can serve as a law enforcement officer.”

Town Administrator Tim Higgins said on June 26 that while POST has not provided a specific timetable for completing its review, “we are hopeful the process will conclude within the next few months. Because POST’s determination is an important factor in the town’s decision-making, no final decision regarding the chief’s employment status or the long-term leadership of the Police Department will be made until that process is complete.

“We recognize that this matter has generated understandable public interest,” Higgins continued. “Once POST issues its final determination and the town has completed its review, the Select Board will publicly announce the outcome and any resulting decisions regarding Police Department leadership, consistent with applicable law governing personnel matters and public meetings.”