Acushnet could appoint retired officers for police details

Acushnet’s Board of Selectmen may appoint retired officers as special police officers. The appointments would be for retired police officers serving in Acushnet. The police chief must recommend an appointment and decide it is needed. An officer must have been a regular full-time officer who voluntarily retired based on superannuation. Before appointment, the officer must show personal health insurance and pass an exam by a town-chosen doctor; the officer pays for the exam. The officer may not serve after turning 70. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Appointed officers would have the same arrest and other police powers as regular Acushnet officers while performing their duties. These rules would apply to retired officers appointed as special police officers in Acushnet. Officers must maintain state certification and good standing, and meet required training rules. They must follow department rules, including rules for assignments, medical checks, training, firearms, uniforms, and equipment. The town cannot be charged for compliance costs. The bill says these officers would not be subject to several listed state laws, including rules for civil service and collective bargaining, but would remain subject to the state’s unemployment law. The powers apply when officers perform duties under the bill.

Acushnet would reappoint special police officers each year and could remove them with 14 days’ written notice. These rules would apply to retired officers appointed as special police officers in Acushnet. The police chief must provide written reasons for removal if the officer asks. Appointment would not guarantee detail work. Officers assigned to details would receive the regular full-time officer rate, but no other town benefits. Assignments would remain subject to any town police union agreement, and state limits on retired town workers’ hours and payments would still apply. Working details would not reduce the retirement allowance described in the bill. Reappointments would occur annually; the bill would take effect upon passage.