Acushnet selectmen could appoint retired officers for police work

The Board of Selectmen may appoint retired officers as special police officers on the police chief’s recommendation and when the chief deems it necessary. The appointments are for retired police officers serving the town of Acushnet. Appointees must have been regular full-time officers who voluntarily retired through superannuation. The appointment authority would begin upon passage. Appointments must be renewed each year.

Appointed officers may make arrests and perform other police functions with the same powers as Acushnet’s regular officers. These powers and requirements apply to retired officers appointed as Acushnet special police officers under the bill. Before appointment, each officer must show personal health insurance and pass a medical exam by a physician chosen by the town; the officer pays for that exam. Officers must maintain state certification and good standing, meet required training rules, and follow police department requirements, including rules for medical exams, firearms, uniforms, and equipment. Required compliance costs cannot be charged to the town. Proof of health insurance and the medical exam are required before appointment. Certification, training, and other department rules apply while serving.

Special police officers would receive the regular full-time detail rate, but no other town benefits, and appointment would not guarantee an assignment. These terms apply to retired officers serving as Acushnet special police officers. Assignments are subject to any police union agreement then in effect in Acushnet. The officers’ retirement allowance is calculated without regard to detail work after retirement, and no further chapter 32 pension deductions are made from their regular compensation for later service. Retired officers remain subject to state limits on their hours and payments as retired town employees. The pay and benefit terms apply while serving. State limits apply to hours worked and payments as provided by law.

The Board of Selectmen may remove an officer with 14 days’ written notice. This applies to special police officers appointed under the bill. If the officer asks, the police chief must provide the reasons for removal in writing. Appointments require annual reappointment. Removal requires 14 days’ written notice.