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Select Board to respond to police union over IT post and legal‑defense funding options
Summary
The Select Board reviewed union concerns about an unfilled IT officer post and the future of officers’ legal‑defense coverage and endorsed staff pursuing alternatives with the union.
The Town of Hampden Select Board reviewed and endorsed a draft response to concerns raised by the head of the police union regarding two contract issues: an unfilled information‑technology (IT) officer position and options for officers’ legal‑defense coverage.
Board members explained the IT position called for in the collective‑bargaining agreement was left vacant pending the new chief’s assessment of departmental personnel needs. “When the new chief was committed, he would have the opportunity to fill that spot… once he gets to know the personnel,” a board member said.
On legal‑defense coverage, board members reported recent changes among regional provider organizations. The transcript notes that a prior provider (described as the New England Police benevolent/membership association) discontinued coverage amid reported misappropriation and referral to authorities; previously the town budgeted roughly $400 per officer for defense coverage, while another provider—the Massachusetts Police Association—offers coverage estimated near $300 per officer. The Police Benevolent Association’s proposal for $5,000 per officer would cost roughly $50,000 for 10 full‑time officers if adopted, a figure not currently budgeted and likely to require a special town meeting or departmental budget cuts.
The board said it would seek to meet with the local Police Benevolent Association chapter to explore alternatives and recommended amending the contract if the parties agree to shift the designated provider. Board members also questioned committing town funds to an organization until its financial management concerns are resolved.
Next steps: the board endorsed the draft letter and directed staff to pursue a meeting with the local PBA chapter and to return with options for funding or contract amendments as needed. No formal change to the collective‑bargaining agreement was adopted at the meeting.
