On February 7, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 533 – Police Safety – Police Accountability – Time Limit for Filing Administrative Charges with amendments.
This bill clarifies a number of procedural elements in the civilian oversight process for police accountability. Counties seek an amendment to clarify the investigation timeline.
After almost five years of implementation, it is clear these changes to the investigation and filing timelines are necessary to ensure the public has effective means for civilian oversight and remuneration
on behalf of residents. An independent report from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy recently confirmed
that all statewide Police Accountability Boards, applicable law enforcement agencies, and Administrative Charging Committees have raised concerns.
Counties support the bill’s adjustments to the timeline as a way of addressing the scope of circumstances presented to these entities, but think it is prudent to also make clear when an investigation should be completed in time for the Administrative Charging Committees to do their review and, in appropriate instances, request further documentation or investigation.
SB 533’s cross-file, HB 238, was heard on February 25 in the House Judiciary Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill with amendments.
SB 533 was heard in the opposite chamber, the Judiciary Committee, on March 25. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill with amendments.
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