Again, I have no idea what happens in Massachusetts, but here's the trend in Utah. No one wants to pay higher taxes, the Legislature changed the retirement from 50% at 20 years to 35% at 25 years, starting pay is a joke ($16.21 with a BS or 4 years experience), you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, and they're wondering why people aren't beating down the doors? Your dream of requiring more and paying more is just that, a dream. The newest catch phrase is, do more with less with most agencies loosing ground in pay and benefits.
The stuff Seafire talks about in Josephine County Oregon is easily researched and is the gospel truth. Some counties have closed their jails and in some places if you call 911 after hours it goes to voicemail and you might get a call back the next day.
http://m.ksl.com/index/story/sid/30661934?mobile_direct=y 
