On Wednesday, March 30th, the Special Commission to Study and Examine the Civil Service Law Co-chaired by Representative Gordon filed its final report. The Legislature prioritized this important study of the Commonwealth’s civil service system as part of the 2020 police reform law. The report focused on revisions to the civil service law and personnel systems to improve diversity, transparency, and community representation in public safety employment in Massachusetts.

Highlights of the Commission’s recommendations include the following:

• Revising the budget structure and enhancing the capacity of the Civil Service Unit of HRD through an increased appropriation  Creation of and funding for an Office of Civil Service Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the Executive Office of Administration and Finance;
• Increasing access to civil service examination fee waivers and a cap on examination fees at $100;
• Establishing a Diversity Pipeline Pilot Initiative Program in Worcester County with a scholarship program for minority youth interested in pursuing education in Fire Science;
• and Allowing for larger and more diverse candidate pools through the use of a “3N+1” formula for entry-level hiring certifications.

Read the full report here: Report of Special Commission to Study and Examine the Civil Service Law – 3-30-22

For more information about this report, click here.