AN ACT RELATIVE TO SPECIAL POLICE OFFICERS IN THE CITY KNOWN AS THE TOWN OF WEYMOUTH.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:
SECTION 1. (a) The chief of police in the city known as the town of Weymouth, as the appointing authority, may appoint, as the chief of police deems necessary, special police officers to perform animal control officer duties or perform police duties that arise from said animal control officer duties or when called upon by the chief of police or the chief’s designee. A special police officer may be required to undergo a medical examination by a physician or other certified professional chosen by the town to determine that the special police officer is capable of performing the essential duties of a special police officer. Special police officers shall not be eligible to serve if they have reached the age of 70.
(b) Special police officers appointed pursuant to this act shall not be subject to chapter 31 of the General Laws or section 111F of chapter 41 of the General Laws.
(c) While performing duties pursuant to paragraph (a), special police officers shall have the same powers to make arrests and perform other functions as do regular police officers.
(d) Special police officers shall be appointed for an indefinite term, subject to removal by the chief of police at any time, with 14 days written notice. Upon request, the chief of police shall provide reasons for removal in writing.
(e) Special police officers shall be subject to the rules, regulations, policies, procedures and requirements of the police department and the chief of police, including requirements for: (i) training; (ii) firearms licensing and qualification; and (iii) uniforms and equipment.
(f) Special police officers shall be sworn in before the town clerk of the city known as the town of Weymouth, who shall keep a record of all such appointments.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, December 15, 2016