Matters ▸ Attachment
HRP-Special Police Officers Appointment 4-23-2026 — File 26-0725
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative in General Court assembled, and by
the authority of same, as follows:
SECTION 1. The mayor of the city of Somerville may appoint special police officers for
the city as the mayor deems necessary for the safety and protection of the citizens.
SECTION 2. Special police officers appointed under this act shall have the same power
to make arrests and to perform other police functions as reserve and intermittent police
officers in or upon lands or structures owned, used or occupied by Somerville Housing
Authority residents and staff and to perform any police duties arising therefrom. Special
police officers appointed under this act shall be subject to the applicable training
requirements of such officers established by the municipal police training committee and
the city.
SECTION 3. Special police officers shall be appointed for a term to be determined by
the mayor, subject to removal by the mayor with the recommendation of the chief of
police. Special police officers shall be confirmed by the city council and sworn before the
city clerk who shall keep a record of all such appointments and the term of appointment.
SECTION 4. The Somerville police chief may, in the Chief’s sole discretion, adopt rules
and regulations, policies, procedures, and requirements that shall be applicable to all or
REFILE OF PREVIOUS MATTER: BILL #: OF YEAR:
AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL
POLICE OFFICERS IN THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE
certain special police officers including, but not to be limited to, requirements regarding
medical examinations to determine continuing capability to perform the duties of a
special police officer, requirements for training, requirements for firearms licensing and
qualifications, manner of performance of duties, and requirements regarding uniforms
and equipment.
SECTION 5. Special police officers appointed pursuant to this act shall not be subject to
chapter 31 of the General Laws, section 99A of chapter 41 of the General Laws, or
chapter 150E of the General Laws.
SECTION 6. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
AN ACT
AUTHORIZING THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL POLICE
OFFICERS IN THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE
PETITION ___________
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in General Court Assembled.
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the passage of
the accompanying bill or resolve.
PETITIONERS: LEGISLATOR/CITIZEN
DISTRICT/FULL MAILING ADDRESS
Use "TABLE > INSERT > ROWS BELOW" to add more lines for petitioners'
signatures.
CHIEF SPONSOR: