Bill > H2964

This bill establishes a special commission to study and make recommendations regarding police jurisdiction on properties owned by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) in Boston's South Boston Waterfront. The commission will examine the feasibility of allowing both the state police and local municipal police departments to have authority, or "concurrent jurisdiction," over these Massport properties, with the exception of areas solely used for aviation and port operations. It will investigate the current system, emergency response services, and propose procedures for various law enforcement activities, including officer assignments, handling 911 calls and dispatch, responding to emergencies, conducting criminal investigations, making arrests, and managing traffic. The commission, composed of nine members representing key state and city public safety officials, Massport, and local elected representatives, is required to report its findings and any potential agreements, known as memoranda of understanding, to the legislative committees on ways and means by June 1, 2016.