Bill > S1285

This bill, titled "Establishing the Correctional Officers' Procedural Bill of Rights," aims to create a set of protections for correctional officers in Massachusetts when they are under investigation for actions that could lead to disciplinary action, which is defined as any action that might result in dismissal, demotion, suspension, pay reduction, written reprimand, or a punitive transfer or reassignment. The bill outlines specific conditions for interrogations, requiring them to occur at reasonable times, in appropriate locations, and with the officer being informed of the investigation's nature, the names of investigators and complainants, and their constitutional rights if criminal charges are possible. Correctional officers will have the right to have a representative present during interrogations, to have the entire interrogation recorded, and to receive a copy of the recording or transcript. Furthermore, evidence obtained in violation of these rights cannot be used in disciplinary hearings, and officers must be notified of impending disciplinary actions and afforded their rights before they are taken. The bill also allows correctional officers to sue for damages if their civil rights are violated during their official duties and prohibits retaliation for exercising these rights, while clarifying that these protections do not prevent the Department of Correction or county sheriffs from pursuing disciplinary or criminal charges.