Massachusetts Law Enforcement Network

Massachusetts Police News, Information and Discussions on MassCops

Posted by: SOT

I was just at a conference this morning with some folks from the AG's office and other MA officials. It seems that they are changing the language of the MGL as it refers to "police powers" and "police officer(s)". To reflect that they will be "law enforcement" and "law enforcement" (officers).

This will substantially broaden the powers of a "law enforcement" officer (read: deputy, constable) etc and so on.

Specifically asked of the person presenting the seminar:

"Will this allow Sheriff deputy's to enforce orders from the various departments in a town."

"Yes."
(discussion was about isolation and quarantine and C&D's)

Also they were talking about empowering local town counsels (retained not full time employees of the town as "special assistant district attorneys" or some such thing when it comes to enforcement of orders at they pertain to isolation and quarantine for bio-hazard and communicable diseases.

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Posted by: LenS

They can do what they want with the CMRs, as there is no real review of those before they get implemented.

However, to make such changes in MGLs, will create a shit-storm of opposition from every police union, sheriffs department, etc. and is not likely to happen any time soon.

We do live in interesting times!

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Posted by: MSP75

I am under the impression the wording and definitions of words in Mass General Laws can only be amended by the General Court (both houses). The AG can only implement enforcement action based on MGL. The AG can try for change by judicial review at the conclusion of a court case. But the judge cannot change a black & white MGL.

http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/41-98.htm

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Posted by: LenS

Our current AG has managed to twist the MGLs to do what he wants in a number of areas. I wouldn't put it past him to do the same here if it suits his needs, most especially if it will make him look good in his run for Gov.

And the legislature has already proven that they don't have the guts to stand up to him, when some proposals were made that would have allowed for legislative review of his CMRs.

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Posted by: PBC FL Cop

That language change will eliminate alot of confusion among the "Law Enforcement" community.

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Posted by: masstoazcop

if and when the AG changes the wording in MGL's, will the change affect campus law enforcement????

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Posted by: mpd61

1. the A.G. ain't fixing MGL's (not in his scope or purview)
2. The only time Campus cops are mentioned is in F*cked up case laws
which arise out of deputy sheriff stops
and most importantly..........................

3. the context of this seminar relates to "bio hazards" and other narrow focus quarantine issues. It probably won't be broad all-encompassing sweeping changes to what defines a "law enforcment officer" After all, this is Massachusetts. Concise and succcint isn't in the legal terminology.

In other words,

It won't really amount to spit!

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