STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2021) – With the governor's signature, a bill co-authored by State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) supporting law enforcement and boosting accountability and transparency in policing is now law.
To ensure only the best officers are hired, Lehman said House Enrolled Act 1006 requires police agencies to request an officer candidate's full employment records from their previous department. He said this will help departments better vet prospective candidates and identify bad actors. The law also requires all new recruits and current officers to participate in de-escalation training and provides additional flexibility to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board in order to address significant officer misconduct.
"Police officers respond to so many different scenarios, and they need effective tools and training to do their jobs and protect our communities," Lehman said. "This new law is the product of state legislators, stakeholders and police departments coming together in an effort to boost accountability and transparency in policing, and it was my honor to co-author this legislation and support our hardworking public safety officials."
Lehman said $70 million will be invested to improve training programs and facility upgrades at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, which has not been updated since the 1970s. Under the current state budget proposal, departments will also be able to apply for new state grants to purchase body-worn cameras for officers.
House Enrolled Act 1006 sailed through the legislative process, unanimously supported at every step by state lawmakers. The new law is also backed by the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriffs' Association, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the Public Defender Commission.
To stay up-to-date on the enrolled acts being considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch/.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
