Gov. Patrick lifts age limits for new police
Boston Now, May 20, 2007
Christopher Loh, cloh@bostonnow.com

Bostonians will soon see an influx of men in blue. Gov. Deval Patrick approved legislation raising the maximum age limit to enroll in the Boston Police Department from 32 to 40.

The legislation originated as a home rule petition at Boston City Council.

A home rule petition addresses the particular needs of an individual Massachusetts municipality.

City Councilor Michael Flaherty pushed for the legislation as he learned the department was accepting lateral transfers from departments outside the city.

"If our focus is community policing and creating bonds of trust and reliance between police and the public, it just makes sense to recruit more men and women from the neighborhoods of Boston," said Flaherty.

State Rep. Brian Wallace and state Sen. Jack Hart helped the legislation gain approval.

"There was a need to increase the number of local men and women that apply to the Boston Police Department," said Hart. "I am pleased that I was able to assist the city in this endeavor."

Philadelphia and Chicago are two other major U.S. cities that allow 40-year-old applicants.

"Today's action will provide a much-needed expansion in the applicant pool of potential police officers," said City Council President Maureen Feeney. "Combined with the city's exhaustive screening and training program, we'll ensure that we have a well-qualified police force to support our critical community policing program."