Section 813 - Reduction in number of policeIf, for reasons of economy or other reasons, it shall be deemed necessary by any township of the second class, or any borough or township of the first class within the scope of this act, to reduce the number of paid employes of the police department, then such political subdivision shall apply the following procedure:
(a) If there are any employes eligible for retirement under the terms of any retirement or pension law, then such reduction in numbers shall be made by retirement, if the party to be retired exceeds the maximum age as defined in the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L. 744, No. 222), known as the "Pennsylvania Human Relations Act";(b) If the number of paid employes in the police force eligible to retirement is sufficient to effect the necessary reduction in number, or if there are no persons eligible for retirement, or if no retirement or pension fund exists, then the reduction shall be effected by furloughing the man or men, including probationers, last appointed to said police force. Such removal shall be accomplished by furloughing in numerical order, commencing with the man last appointed, until such reduction shall have been accomplished. In the event the said police force shall again be increased, the employes furloughed shall be reinstated in the order of their seniority in the service.1951, June 15, P.L. 586, No. 144, § 3. Amended 1984, May 9, P.L. 253, No. 56, § 1, effective in 60 days.