STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2021) – With the governor's signature, a bill co-authored by State Reps. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) and Dale DeVon (R-Granger) supporting law enforcement and boosting accountability and transparency in policing is now law.
To ensure only the best officers are hired, Teshka 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 protect and serve our communities 365 days a year, and we wanted to make sure we supported them," Teshka said. "This law gives local departments new tools to help hire and employ the best officers. We’re also making investments in our training facilities and programs, which benefits all of our officers and communities.”
DeVon said $70 million will also 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.
"The Indiana Law Enforcement Academy trains every single police officer in the state before they join any community department," DeVon said. "This new equipment and improved training will help new and veteran officers be prepared to deal with stressful situations and take care of our neighborhoods."
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. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7, which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5, which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
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