Bill > S1403

This bill proposes changes to Chapter 22C of the General Laws, specifically Section 13, concerning the appellate review process for uniformed members of the state police. Currently, if a uniformed state police officer with at least one year of service faces charges, they are tried by a board appointed by the colonel, or by the colonel themselves if requested. This bill would allow any officer aggrieved by the finding of such a trial board to petition either the Civil Service Commission or the American Arbitration Association within sixty days of being notified of the finding. The commission or an arbitrator, selected through established procedures, would then conduct a new review of the case, known as a "de novo" review, to determine if the original finding and punishment were justified. If the commission or arbitrator upholds the original decision, it will be affirmed; otherwise, it will be reversed, and the officer will be reinstated with full compensation and benefits, with the decision being final. However, the bill also clarifies that a uniformed officer dismissed from the force after a trial board hearing, or who resigns while charges are pending, cannot be reinstated by the colonel.