Massachusetts Senate Bill S2416

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/13/23
• Report Pass: 7/13/23
• Engrossed: 9/25/23
• Refer: 9/27/23
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Enrolled: 3/4/24
• Chaptered: 3/11/24
• Passed: 3/11/24

Caption

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

Impact

The significance of S2416 lies in its modification of existing laws regarding the appointment of law enforcement personnel. Notably, it exempts special police officers from the maximum age restrictions that generally apply to regular police officers, allowing them to serve up to the age of 70. This change could potentially increase the pool of available officers for detail assignments, tapping into the experience of retired officers while addressing local law enforcement needs.

Summary

Senate Bill S2416 aims to authorize the appointment of special police officers in the town of Charlton. This legislation empowers the chief of police to appoint former police officers who are retired in good standing to perform specific police duties, particularly during police details. The bill is structured to ensure that the appointed officers undergo a medical examination to confirm their capability to fulfill the essential duties required of them, thereby maintaining a standard for public safety and operational integrity.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding S2416 may arise from the considerations of age-related operational capabilities and the implications of having older officers in active roles. Critics may argue that while retaining experienced officers is valuable, there could be concerns regarding their physical abilities and the suitability of setting age parameters in law enforcement. Furthermore, discussions might focus on the balance between ensuring sufficient police presence and the necessity of maintaining high standards of law enforcement through rigorous medical and operational requirements.