Bill > S1309

This bill amends Chapter 147 of the General Laws by adding a new section that addresses the use of police officers for paid detail work, which refers to off-duty police officers hired for security or traffic control at private events or construction sites. The bill establishes that private flaggers, who are individuals not employed as police officers, can only be used on highway or construction projects if the Commonwealth saves at least 20% of the cost compared to hiring police officers for the same detail. Before private flaggers can be used, the head of the state agency funding the work must certify these savings in writing to the local police chief at least 30 days in advance, unless it's an emergency. This certification process also requires the agency to give the police chief and their union or association the chance to review plans, suggest cost-saving measures, propose providing police officers for the detail, and document the estimated costs of using police officers.