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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowBills aimed at increasing police accountability and establishing training standards for investigators of sexual assault cases were among 19 measures signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb Thursday.
House Bill 1006, a bipartisan proposal, 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.
The bill establishes a procedure for the law enforcement training board to decertify officers who commit misconduct and eases the sharing of employment records between police departments, thus helping to stop “wandering officers” from moving jobs.
It also includes $70 million to help the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy upgrade its nearly 50-year-old training facility and implement the changes made necessary by the bill, which takes effect July 1.
The bill was a priority for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus as calls for police accountability grew after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis sparked global protests last summer.
Also Thursday, Holcomb signed Senate Bill 81, which requires the law enforcement training board to establish training minimum standards for investigators of sexual assault cases involving adult victims.
Both measures passed both houses on final reading without opposition.
Governor Holcomb’s actions on legislation presented to him may be viewed here.
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