Hatfield Select Board creates traffic control officer position

Date: 11/3/2021

HATFIELD – Police Chief Michael Dekoschak came before the Select Board recently, seeking approval to create a hybrid position in the department: traffic control officer.

“Many departments across the state are doing it, for multiple reasons,” said Dekoschak. “The main reason, it’s hard to find officers now, or anybody, to stand on roads and wave at the traffic.

We’re seeing that all across the state, trying to fill details. There’s unfilled details everywhere.”

The new requirement for full-time training for part-time officers, mandated by the police reform bill signed by Gov. Baker in 2020, has also tightened the job market.

“We have a lot of officers that might not make it through the police reform [training],” Dekoschak said, “not for any disciplinary reason. They don't have the time to devote to the Bridge Academy, because of their regular job. This would allow them to still be out there and direct traffic.”

Retired police officers would be allowed to serve as traffic control officers. Several have already expressed interest. Dekoschak emphasized that former firefighters and retired police officers will fill the positions.

“That’s a dangerous job,” said Select Board Chair Diana Szynal.

“It can be,” Dekoschak said. “That’s why we’re using former police officers, firemen, people who are used to being out on the road...A regular citizen, no. Only those people with that experience.”

Traffic control officers will have their own uniforms. The insignia of the Town of Hatfield will appear on the front, while the back will read “Traffic Control Officer.” Separate payroll arrangements will be set up, within the department, to receive and disburse funds from traffic details.

“Paid for by contractors,” Dekoschak said. “I bill the contractor, the contract pays the department, and the money goes to that account.”

“I think this is a great idea,” said Board member Edmund E. Jaworski. “When you have a small department ... you don’t want to burn anyone out.”

“Having a pool of people available ... would be great,” Select Board Chair Diana Szynal said.

The Select Board voted 3-0 to create the traffic control officer position in the Police Department.