Massachusetts House Bill H3930

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/23
• Refer: 6/20/23
• Engrossed: 10/23/23

Caption

Authorizing the appointment of special police officers in the town of Maynard

Impact

The enactment of H3930 would empower the police chief of Maynard with the discretion to appoint retired police officers as special officers, helping to bolster the police force's responsiveness, particularly for detail assignments. It also allows these appointed officers to have the power and responsibilities similar to regular police officers during their detail work, which could improve overall enforcement and emergency response times in the community. The bill reflects a commitment to ensuring that qualified individuals can fill crucial roles even after retirement, thus supporting continuity in law enforcement services.

Summary

House Bill 3930 authorizes the appointment of special police officers in the town of Maynard, Massachusetts. This bill allows the police chief to appoint retired or resigned police officers who have served at least 20 years in good standing. These special police officers will perform duties during police details and can respond to emergencies when regular officers are unavailable. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by utilizing experienced officers while addressing staffing challenges within the police department.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding H3930 pertains to the age and eligibility requirements for appointment as a special police officer. The bill specifies that officers cannot be appointed if they are over 70 years old, and those appointed must pass a medical examination, potentially raising concerns about the retention of older officers who still wish to serve. Additionally, the bill's stipulation that special police officers will not be subject to certain provisions of Massachusetts General Laws could be perceived as reducing job protections traditionally afforded to public safety workers, sparking debates about maintaining police standards and public accountability.