WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 1891

An Act authorizing the appointment or retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Brookline

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cynthia Creem and 3 co-sponsors

Allows Brookline to appoint retired regular officers, under 70 and within 5 years of retirement, as special police officers to perform details with full police powers.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 1891

Summary of House Bill HD 1891: An Act authorizing the appointment of retired police officers as special police officers in the town of Brookline

Overview

HD 1891 would authorize the Brookline Chief of Police, with the town administrator’s approval, to appoint retired Brookline police officers as special police officers. These officers would be eligible to perform police details and other duties arising from those details, subject to specified age, health, and regulatory conditions. The bill sets limits on age and years since retirement, assigns powers similar to regular officers for the appointed period, and outlines training, costs, and removal procedures. The act takes effect upon passage.

What the bill would do

  • Allow the Brookline Chief of Police to appoint retired Brookline police officers as special police officers to perform police details and related duties.
  • Require that appointed officers were regular, Brookline police officers who retired via superannuation.
  • Prohibit appointment if the officer has been retired for more than 5 years or if the officer has reached age 70.
  • Require a pre-service medical examination (cost borne by the officer) to determine capability to perform duties.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Appointment authority and qualifications
    • Appointment is subject to the town administrator’s approval.
    • Special police officers may work on details or related duties, whether or not related to the detail.
  • Section 2: Legal status
    • Special police officers would not be subject to certain state personnel laws (e.g., specific chapters and provisions listed in the bill).
  • Section 3: Authority
    • They would have the same powers as regular Brookline police officers while performing duties.
  • Section 4: Term and removal
    • Appointment for an indefinite term, but removable by the chief with town administrator approval, with 14 days’ written notice prior to permanent removal.
  • Section 5: Procedures and costs
    • Must follow department rules on detail assignments, medical exams, training, firearms licensing/qualifications, medical insurance, uniforms, and equipment.
    • Costs for training, uniforms, and equipment are borne by the officer.
  • Sections 6–9: Administrative and benefit/community-law considerations
    • Officers must be sworn by the town clerk.
    • Certain General Laws provisions and benefits are not applicable to these appointments.
    • No entitlement to specific detail assignments; hours and payments governed by relevant retirement-law limits.
  • Section 10: Effective date
    • Takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

  • Retired Brookline police officers who meet eligibility (regular Brookline officer, retired by superannuation, retired within 5 years, under age 70).
  • Brookline Police Department (lead agency) and the town administration (approval/oversight).
  • The town clerk (swearing-in duties) and officers’ families and co-workers indirectly through potential detail availability and scheduling.

Potential impacts

  • Operational flexibility for Brookline during peak demand or specialized detail coverage.
  • Additional avenues for experienced retired officers to contribute while controlling eligibility and safeguarding health and safety.
  • Costs shifted to the officers for training, equipment, and licensing, with no automatic eligibility for certain town employee benefits.

Timeline and status

  • Filing/introductory details in the version text show activity in early 2025 (House Docket No. 1891, filed January 15, 2025; petitioners include Rep. Vitolo and others).
  • The user-provided date indicates introduction on November 29, 2025 for HD 1891, but the textual version specifies an earlier filing. Status in the prompt is not provided beyond these details. The bill’s text indicates an immediate effective date upon passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.