STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) – After a unanimous vote by the Indiana House of Representatives this week, legislation co-authored by State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) supporting local law enforcement now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Teshka said to boost accountability and transparency in policing, a 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.
"Numerous public safety groups and legislators on both sides of the aisle, including the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, came together in support of this important legislation," Teshka said. "Local police keep our communities safe, and these new tools will help them better protect and serve all Hoosiers."
Teshka said the legislation also includes $70 million investment in improved training programs and facility upgrades at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, which 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. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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