Sen. Diamond bill to extend early retirement plan to certain civilian employees of the Maine State Police becomes law

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, July 15, a bill from Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, became law without the governor’s signature. LD 1101, “An Act To Expand the 1998 Special Retirement Plan To Include Civilian Employees Who Work for the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab and Computer Crimes Unit,” would allow certain employees in two units of the Maine State Police to participate in the 1998 Special Retirement Plan.  

“The civilians who work in the Computer Crimes Unit and in the Crime Lab are true heroes. They encounter some very disturbing things in their line of work, including images of sex crimes and of child sexual abuse. Given all that they do to ensure the safety of Maine people, they deserve recognition and respect, and this is one way to show our appreciation,” said Sen. Diamond. “This work can take a significant toll. Giving these folks the opportunity to use their years of creditable service to retire early honors the great work they do.”

The 1998 Special Retirement Plan allows certain public employees, including fire marshals, forest rangers, and other qualifying individuals, to retire at 55 years of age or older with 10 years of creditable service. Participants may also retire before age 55, with reduced benefits, if they have accrued 25 years of creditable service.

The Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) is responsible for assisting law enforcement officers and prosecutors with the investigation and prosecution of computer crimes, including the production and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. The Maine State Police Crime Lab offers evidence processing services for all law enforcement agencies operating in Maine. Civilians may hold positions in both units, handling, examining and analyzing digital and physical evidence.

The law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.