STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) – After a unanimous vote by the Indiana House of Representatives this week, legislation co-authored by State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) supporting local law enforcement now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Heaton said to boost accountability and transparency in policing, this proposal for a new law would require full employment record sharing between police departments to identify bad actors, provide additional flexibility to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board in order to address significant officer misconduct, and require de-escalation training for new recruits and current officers.
"This legislation is the result of a tremendous amount of collaboration between law enforcement and organizations representing various industries and community interests," Heaton said. "These measures could increase transparency and accountability for our police officers, ensuring they can continue protecting the public."
He said the legislation also includes a $70 million investment in improved training programs and facility upgrades at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, which Heaton said hasn't been updated since the 1970s.
Supporters of House Bill 1006 are the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriff's Association, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Hoosier State Press Association, Inc., the Indy Chamber of Commerce and the Public Defender Commission.
To learn more and watch legislative proceedings, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
