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Retirements / Pensions

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Posted by: sgt128-13

As I go on through life and my career, I'm starting to count the number of years I have left as opposed to the years I've been here. Looking for the light at the end of the tunnel... life beyond law enforcement and hopefully retire while I have some good years left. The problem is, retirement age for campus police officers as opposed to our municipal counterparts.

I know UMass Amherst was up against the wall, trying to get legislation approved so that their retirement could emulate municipal PD's. I don't know what ever came of that... but I have a good friend that works for Sen. Rosenberg's office (who was pushing for that legislation) so I will endeavor to find out. The problem is, I think that every college PD is facing the same problem. I thgought that state colleges/universities would have better pension/retirement packages as far as length of service and age of retirement, as opposed to their private college colleagues.

Working for a college, where they lump you in with all the 9 to 5 pencil-pushers, is probably the worst-case scenario for retirement for a cop... if you actually get there. The money at retirement time is adequate, but by the time I retire according to the TIAA/CREF plan, I'll have over 40 years on the job... about 23 years from now. I'll also be 60 years old. That may be fine if your a Chief/Director or some administrative brass, but personally, being a patrol supervisor, I really don't want to be dealing with drunk 18-24 year-olds when I'm 3X their age. Then again, how many campus police will ever reach that retirement age? I imagine that most, as in my department, will move on to another line of work long before they reach the age that they can retire with full benefits.

I figure that about 25-30 years of service to a college is enough... that would make me between 45-50 years old at the end of my service... and have enough good years left in me to enjoy life beyond this career. Colleges, unfortunately, don't look at us as unique amonst the other employees in the institution. Considering that we have to constantly train, work all hours of the night, in all weather conditions, we should be entitled to certain considerations when it comes to retirement. God knows how many holidays, birthdays and anniversaries I've missed in my 17 years here... who knows how many more I'll miss in the next 20+ years. It ought to be worth something more to us than the man/woman who works in the library.

I know I'm preaching to the chior with this, but I'd like to know what other college/university PD's have for retirement benefits as I'm not familiar with what state campus agencies receive... as far as pension/retirement, what percentage if any, term of service or retirement age, and stage vs private institution. If you feel like chiming in, please do so.


Posted by: KSB

You didn't think of this when choosing the career path?


Posted by: sgt128-13

Quote:
Originally Posted by KSB
You didn't think of this when choosing the career path?
At 20 years old, would you? Never thought I'd be there that long.


Posted by: KSB

Manage your TIAA-CREF portfolio, and hope for the best. I've seen some guys retire very well on their TIAA-CREF investments.


Posted by: firefighter39

Quote:
Originally Posted by sgt128-13
.

I know UMass Amherst was up against the wall, trying to get legislation approved so that their retirement could emulate municipal PD's.

. I thgought that state colleges/universities would have better pension/retirement packages as far as length of service and age of retirement, as opposed to their private college colleagues.

Working for a college, where they lump you in with all the 9 to 5 pencil-pushers, is probably the worst-case scenario for retirement for a cop... if you actually get there. The money at retirement time is adequate, but by the time I retire according to the TIAA/CREF plan, I'll have over 40 years on the job... about 23 years from now. I'll also be 60 years old. That may be fine if your a Chief/Director or some administrative brass, but personally, being a patrol supervisor, I really don't want to be dealing with drunk 18-24 year-olds when I'm 3X their age. Then again, how many campus police will ever reach that retirement age? I imagine that most, as in my department, will move on to another line of work long before they reach the age that they can retire with full benefits.

I.

Here is an idea, if the state college campus guys get to come to Group 4 (municple pensions for police and fire) then can I send my kids for free and get tuition free for myself at a state college???


Posted by: Mitpo62

Management is the key. I will know some millionaires once they retire from MIT. It CAN be done!


Posted by: Zuke

Quote:
Originally Posted by sgt128-13
At 20 years old, would you? Never thought I'd be there that long.
At 20 It was one of the reasons I looked into public service. I have met a few very smart officers that got on a city/county department and are looking at retiring at 41-42 yoa!!

Most college PDs in Mass pay well and have easier work loads (if yours doesn't then move on) compared to town/city pds. Its a trade off. Plus with all that summer down time you could work on your investment portfolio.


Posted by: daveh

Quote:
Originally Posted by firefighter39
Here is an idea, if the state college campus guys get to come to Group 4 (municple pensions for police and fire) then can I send my kids for free and get tuition free for myself at a state college???
State is great! Do 8 and skate! or skate while doing 8 - Retire at 55!

Almost a poem.


Posted by: dave2886

Question: I'm looking at trying to get on with UMass Amherst. Can anyone tell me what the retirement package is, or where I could find that info?

Disregard--I found it. Thanks anyway.




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