An Act relative to the alignment of the University of Massachusetts police

This bill moves the University of Massachusetts police officers into Group 4 for purposes of the retirement system. These officers are expected to perform at the same level as municipal police across the Commonwealth. They receive the same training and wield the same powers, rights, and responsibilities, yet are entitled to a fraction of the retirement benefits. This has lasting detrimental effects on the University’s police force, which experiences a high rate of turnover, with many citing the lack of benefits as a primary reason for departure.