New bill aims to improve retirement option for Crisfield Police officers

CRISFIELD, Md. – Crisfield Police could see their retirement program improved under new legislation. Senate Bill 68 looks to enter full time Crisfield Police officers into Maryland’s Law Enforcement Officers Pension System (LEOPS).

Under LEOPS, officers age 50 or older, or those who have at least 25 years of service under their belt, are eligible for retirement. Program participants contribute 7% of their annual compensation to LEOPS.

Bill sponsor State Senator Mary Beth Carozza says improving retirement options could mean filling out empty spots on the force.

“The reason that bill is so important is because that will allow the Crisfield Police Department to retain and recruit at a time when our law enforcement have actually been leaving and retiring. It’s been difficult, given the challenges,” said Sen. Carozza. “So, this is a really important bill for Crisfield, and they specifically asked for it.”

The bill will be heard by the Maryland State Senate on January 19th at 9:30 a.m. If it is ultimately passed and signed into law, it will go into effect on June 1st, 2023.