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Bill

H 2828

An Act relative to expanding the hiring radius for police departments

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Flanagan

Expands the geographic recruitment radius for Massachusetts police departments to hire officers from wider areas, addressing staffing challenges but potentially reducing local hiring emphasis.

Accompanied a study order, see H5312 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2828

Legislative bill overview

H 2828 expands the geographical area from which Massachusetts police departments can recruit and hire new officers. Currently, departments operate under hiring radius restrictions that limit where they can recruit candidates. This bill would broaden those permitted recruitment zones, allowing departments to cast wider nets in their hiring processes.

Why is this important

Police recruitment has become increasingly competitive as departments nationwide struggle to fill vacancies and maintain adequate staffing levels. Expanding hiring radius could help address recruitment challenges, though it also raises questions about whether local hiring preferences and community connections should be priorities in law enforcement recruitment and retention.

Potential points of contention

  • Local hiring preference vs. competitive recruitment: Whether prioritizing local candidates strengthens community ties or whether expanding the radius is necessary to meet staffing needs
  • Cost and relocation implications: Whether departments should bear costs for recruiting from further distances, and whether out-of-area hires create retention challenges
  • Community representation: Concerns that expanded hiring may dilute efforts to recruit officers who understand and reflect the communities they serve

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

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