Pennsylvania House Bill HB658

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/25
• Refer: 2/20/25

Caption

In employees, providing for temporary police assistance in certain cities and townships.

Impact

By implementing this bill, municipalities can benefit from the experience and training of retired officers who can work for up to five years under defined conditions set forth in the bill. This provision can significantly contribute to enhancing local law enforcement capabilities without the costs associated with fully hiring new officers. The program mandates training standards to ensure retiring officers are adequately prepared to resume their duties, thus potentially contributing to improved community policing efforts.

Summary

House Bill 658 aims to amend Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing a framework for temporary police assistance in certain cities and townships. This legislation includes the creation of a program that allows retired police officers to return to work within their municipal police departments for a limited time, addressing staffing shortages in law enforcement agencies. The intention is to provide additional resources to municipalities that may be struggling to maintain adequate public safety measures due to reduced law enforcement personnel.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 658 appears to be supportive, as it proposes a solution to the challenges faced by local law enforcement amidst concerns of crime and safety. Advocates believe that reintroducing retired officers can aid in bridging the gap created by personnel shortages. However, potential opposition may arise concerning the implications of reactivating retired officers, particularly regarding their training and integration back into active duty.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 658 could revolve around the effectiveness of reintegrating retired officers and the criteria for their eligibility, particularly the standards of acceptable behavior and the impact on municipal retirement benefits. Questions may arise about the adequacy of the eight-week training program to equip retired officers effectively and whether their presence serves as a long-term solution for staffing issues or if it merely acts as a temporary fix to a larger systemic problem in law enforcement.