Bill > S1111

This bill amends existing law to clarify the roles and qualifications of auxiliary and reserve law enforcement officers. It removes outdated language regarding the insignia for auxiliary firemen and updates requirements for auxiliary police officers to bear a shoulder patch with "Auxiliary Police." Crucially, it establishes that individuals deputized or appointed as reserve, reserve auxiliary, or auxiliary sheriffs or city law enforcement officers, whether paid or unpaid, are considered law enforcement officers if they meet specific criteria. These criteria include completing required training from the Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) for different levels of reserve officers (Level I, II, and III), with Level III officers having limited support duties that do not involve general law enforcement powers or arrests. The bill also outlines minimum standards for all reserve law enforcement officers, such as being a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, having no felony convictions, and meeting educational and physical/mental health requirements. It further specifies disqualifications, including felony convictions, and ensures that reserve officers are covered by civil liability protections when acting within their duties.