Council votes to allow retired officers up to age 70 to serve as special/detail officers

The City Council approved an order asking the state legislature to permit retired Malden police officers to serve as sworn special (detail) officers until age 70, up from the current 65-year cap. Chief Cron explained the change would expand the pool of experienced officers available for compensated detail work and would not cost the city money because retired officers provide their own equipment and training is provided at no city expense.

Chief Cron said the city handles roughly $5 million per year in detail work, from which the city retains about 10 percent in administrative revenue. He said expanding the maximum age would increase available, experienced personnel and provide consistent police presence at private details; veterans who do details are required to qualify twice a year, maintain medical clearance and keep equipment up to date.

Councilors asked operational and liability questions. Chief Cron replied that retirees working details can make arrests and otherwise perform law-enforcement functions while on detail, and that injury and medical coverage responsibilities rest with the individuals or their insurers; the city does not take on direct financial liability for those retiree-officers. Councilor questions also covered whether the program allows 24-hour details, the use of personal vehicles and whether the change aligned with prior local civil-service adjustments; the chief and council noted the change would parallel recent action removing an upper age limit for new full-time hires.

The council moved the order by unanimous roll call; the mayor had a memorandum supporting the petition that the clerk will attach to the minutes.