Published in the March 29, 2017 edition

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — The town has reached collective bargaining agreements with both unions representing the Wakefield Police Officers. The Wakefield Police Officers Association and the Wakefield Superior Officers Association have agreed to contracts that will run through June 30, 2020.
Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio told the Board of Selectmen Monday that the terms were essentially the same for both unions. The agreed-to cost of living increases effective on the following dates:
• July 1, 2017, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment;
• January 1, 2018, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment;
• July 1, 2018, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment;
• January 1, 2019, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment;
• July 1, 2019, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment;
• January 1, 2020, 1.5 percent cost of living adjustment.
The new contract also includes step increases based on length of service.
Any officer in full time employment who has completed at least 15 years of service (as of the anniversary of the date of hire) will be eligible for a step increase of 2 percent. This step will be allocated on January 1 of the 15th anniversary calendar year.
In addition, an officer in full time employment who has completed at least 20 years of service (as of the anniversary of the date of hire) will be eligible for a step increase of 2 percent. This step will be allocated on January 1 of the 20th anniversary calendar year.
An employee in full time employment who has completed at least 25 years of service (as of the anniversary of the date of hire) will be eligible for a step increase of 2 percent. This step will be allocated on January 1 of the 25th anniversary calendar year.
The contract also provides that an off-duty officer required to attend any court proceeding in any official capacity, whether or not called as a witness, complainant or defendant, will be entitled to receive time and one half, less any witness fees received, for each hour or fraction thereof during which he is in such attendance, with the minimum compensation set at four hours pay.
The new contract calls for officers to be credited with the unused portion of sick leave granted up to the maximum of 180 days according to the following schedule: Dec. 31, 2017, 160 days; Dec. 31, 2018, 170 days; Dec. 31, 2019, 180 days.
The residency of officers is also addressed in the new contract.
“The parties agree that Wakefield Police Officers of any rank may reside beyond any limits set forth in state law. However, all sworn officers must live within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (provided same is within 25 miles of Wakefield) and per Wakefield Police Department policy all officers are required to hold a Massachusetts Driver’s License. Distance of residence shall not be an excuse for any incidents of tardiness.”
The new contract also includes a provision related to Tasers under which officers shall be trained, equipped and carry so called Electronic Control Weapons pursuant to department policy.
The clothing allowance in earlier contracts has been eliminated in the new contract. In lieu of the clothing allowance the base salary shall be increased by $850.00 on July 1, 2017. Officers are expected to maintain the standards of uniform as set forth in the policies and procedures of the department.
The police contract must still go before Annual Town Meeting, which begins on May 1.