Massachusetts House Bill H2677

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 5/22/23
• Engrossed: 7/6/23
• Engrossed: 11/30/23
• Refer: 12/1/23
• Enrolled: 1/8/24
• Chaptered: 1/16/24
• Passed: 1/16/24

Caption

Authorizing the city of Haverhill to appoint retired police officers as detail police officers within said city for paid detail assignments

Impact

The impact of HB 2677 on state laws includes provisions that exempt these detail police officers from certain sections of the Massachusetts General Laws that normally govern police appointments and employment. This means that while they retain powers similar to regular officers during detail assignments, they are not subjected to the retirement and employment provisions typically applicable to active-duty police officers. As a result, it allows for greater flexibility in staffing while still maintaining a level of law enforcement authority at events requiring police presence.

Summary

House Bill 2677 proposes legislation that allows the city of Haverhill to appoint retired police officers to serve as detail police officers for paid assignments. The bill primarily aims to enhance public safety by allowing the city to utilize the expertise of experienced officers who are retired but still capable of meeting the physical demands of police detail work. Appointments are restricted to retired officers from Haverhill who have retired for 'superannuation' and have not been retired for more than five years.

Contention

There are notable points of contention among legislators and stakeholders regarding this bill. Supporters argue that utilizing retired officers will improve public safety and allow for a cost-effective way to manage police detail jobs, without increasing the number of active-duty officers. However, critics might express concern over the implications of hiring retired officers potentially circumventing regular hiring processes, which could affect job opportunities for current police academies or younger recruits. Additionally, there may be apprehensions about accountability and the oversight of retired officers in these roles, particularly concerning the training and fitness requirements outlined in the legislation.