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Committee hears petition to amend state law so retired officers can work special details; chief asks for medical-clearance language
Summary
The New Bedford City Council Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods reviewed a home‑rule petition to change Chapter 32 of the General Laws so retired police officers older than 65 could be appointed as special police officers for details. The committee removed the item from the table, heard Police Chief Thode's support with a recommendation a
The New Bedford City Council Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods on Aug. 19 considered a home‑rule petition that would change wording in Chapter 32 of the General Laws to allow retired New Bedford police officers older than 65 to be appointed as special police officers for details such as traffic assignments.
The petition, introduced by Councilor Gomes, would alter the provision so no retired officer would be eligible for a special police appointment only if the applicant had “attained the age 70” and would allow appointments and terminations tied to that age. The committee removed the petition from the table for discussion and then later voted to table it for 45 days to allow further review and consultation with union leadership and city staff.
Why it matters: the change would affect how…
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