The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission has permanently revoked the law enforcement certification of New Bedford Police Officer Imari Soares, effectively barring her from serving as a police officer in the state.
The decision, announced on Friday, December 20, 2025, stems from Soares’ alleged involvement in aiding her then-boyfriend, Shay Gibbons, after he committed a serious domestic violence incident in June 2024. You can read or download the official announcement HERE.
According to reports and court documents, Gibbons broke into his ex-girlfriend’s New Bedford apartment late one evening, threatened her with a firearm, and fled with a shotgun. He then met up with Soares, who was on duty at the time, about a mile from the scene. Soares reportedly took possession of Gibbons’ loaded handgun—chambered and holstered—and placed it in her backpack without immediately disclosing this to her superiors…