STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2021) – With the governor's signature, a bill co-authored by State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) supporting law enforcement and boosting accountability and transparency in policing is now law.
To ensure only the best officers are hired, Snow 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.
"Law enforcement officers are our family, friends and neighbors, and they play an important role in our communities," Snow said. "Boosting transparency and accountability will not only benefit our police departments, but also all Hoosiers in the joint effort to keep our streets safe. This new law will support police and also improve training, which will serve them well on the job."
Snow 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. Departments can also 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. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) represents House District 18, which includes Wabash County and portions of Kosciusko, Grant and Miami counties.
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