Landmark police reform legislation is just the stroke of a pen away from becoming law.
The measure, crafted over the last year following protests around the country against police misconduct and racial inequity, was unanimously approved by the Indiana Senate Tuesday.
The bill, HB 1006, requires all police to undergo de-escalation training and makes it easier for the state to de-certify those who commit misconduct, even without a criminal conviction. De-certification prevents someone from being employed as a police officer in the state.
Sen Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) said the measure also restricts police’s use of chokeholds by classifying them as deadly force.
A universally supported bill that codifies requirements for police officers to undergo de-escalation training in Indiana will head to the governor s desk after a year of rallies and protests calling for police reform.
House Bill 1006 unanimously passed through the Senate on Tuesday. In addition to training requirements, the bill allots $70 million to repair and update the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy s training facility.
It also establishes a procedure allowing the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board to decertify an officer who commits misconduct, prohibits chokeholds under certain circumstances and criminalizes an officer turning off a body worn camera to conceal criminal behavior.
A universally supported bill that codifies requirements for police officers to undergo de-escalation training in Indiana will head to the governor s desk after a year of rallies and protests calling for police reform.
House Bill 1006 unanimously passed through the Senate on Tuesday. In addition to training requirements, the bill allots $70 million to repair and update the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy s training facility.
It also establishes a procedure allowing the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board to decertify an officer who commits misconduct, prohibits chokeholds under certain circumstances and criminalizes an officer turning off a body worn camera to conceal criminal behavior.
Mar 16, 2021 / 07:44 PM EST
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) A bipartisan bill aimed at increasing police accountability and enacting criminal justice reform will be headed to the governor’s desk for his approval after the Indiana Senate unanimously passed the measure Tuesday.
House Bill 1006, passed unanimously by the Indiana House in February, includes provisions for mandatory de-escalation training, misdemeanor penalties for officers who turn off body cameras with intent to conceal, and bans on chokeholds in certain circumstances.
If signed into law by the governor, the bill will also establish a procedure for the law enforcement training board to decertify officers who commit misconduct, and would ease the sharing of employment records between police departments, thus helping to stop “wandering officers” from moving jobs.
Bill reforming law enforcement unanimously passes Indiana Senate
Niki Kelly | The Journal Gazette
INDIANAPOLIS A bipartisan bill reforming law enforcement and addressing racial injustice is headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk after a unanimous vote Tuesday.
The Senate approved House Bill 1006 49-0 after a similar united vote in the House. It is the product of cooperation between legislators, the police community and Black leaders following national unrest last summer.
“This collaboration took a lot of soul-searching and commitment from people this summer,” said Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor, a Black man. “With the things we went through in this country, to see this type of legislation come down…gives me so much confidence in the future of the state of Indiana.”