The City of Cullman has created a new policy that will allow retiring police officers to keep their badge and service weapons, so long as they leave the department while in good standing.

Dubbed the “Police Retirement Benefit Policy,” city officials say the new rules are designed to recognize and honor long-term law enforcement service to the city by awarding service weapons and badges to its full-time, sworn law enforcement officers at the time of their retirement in good standing with the police department. The benefits will be funded from the police department’s operating budget and will become a formal part of the retirement benefits of qualifying officers.

Final approval for each officer who qualifies will fall to the police chief’s discretion, and if an officer does not leave in good standing, they will not be allowed to retain their gun and badge. The policy was recommended for approval by the city’s personnel board, and approved unanimously by the city council.

Cullman Mayor Max Townson said they developed the idea after looking at comparable cities with similar policies, and decided it would be a “good perk” for officers who spend their career keeping the city safe.

“That’s something where, typically, they would want to place it in a shadowbox to display,” Townson said. “Obviously, they wouldn’t be able to actually use their badge unless their actively employed as an officer. But, of course, many officers also work after retirement doing security at schools, and things like that.”

The policy notes retirement must be under fully honorable circumstances having served the requisite number of years to be eligible to receive pension benefits from the Retirement Systems of Alabama. (Cannot be under investigation whereby the results could be termination, retiring in lieu of termination, or to avoid an investigation).

Members will additionally be issued department ID card with the appropriate designation for retired peace officer. Badges shall not be used as police identification. The Chief of Police must approve the issuance of all service weapons, badges, and ID cards upon the retirement of any sworn personnel. Each retiree receiving these benefits must execute an agreement relieving the City of Cullman from any liability.