The real name of the defendant must remain confidential during the preliminary inquiry stage. Doe v. State Ethics Commn., 444 Mass. 269, 270 n. 1 (2005). 1. Summons issued by the commission.
"An investigation by the commission occurs in three distinct stages." Doe v. State Ethics Comm'n, 444 Mass. 269, 271, 827 N.E.2d 694 (2005). First, "[a]n initial staff review begins with the commission's receipt of allegations that violations of G. L. c. 268A or G. L. c. 268B have occurred."
Compliance with State ethical rules is now overseen by the commission. See Doe v. State Ethics Commn., 444 Mass. 269, 271, 827 N.E.2d 694 (2005) (referring to the commission as “the primary civil enforcement agency for violations of the conflict of interest law, G.L. c. 268A,” and noting that the commission is authorized “to identify and seek redress for ethics violations by public officials in the Commonwealth”). Thus, the commission regulates the conduct of municipal officials, provides guidance to them, and investigates whether they have violated their obligations under G.L. c. 268A.