Arizona House Bill HB2582

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/23/22

Caption

DPS; critical incident bureau; establishment

Impact

If enacted, HB2582 amends existing statutes to set up a framework for the operations of the Critical Incident Bureau, including defining its powers and the qualifications required for its superintendent. The bill also mentions that the bureau would operate independently of local police departments, which can mitigate conflicts of interest in investigations involving law enforcement personnel. The establishment of this bureau signifies a legislative effort to enhance transparency and accountability within law enforcement activities, particularly regarding the use of force.

Summary

House Bill 2582, introduced by Representative Bowers, aims to establish a Critical Incident Bureau within the Department of Public Safety in Arizona. This new bureau is tasked with conducting independent investigations of critical force incidents involving law enforcement officers. This includes any discharge of a firearm by a peace officer or an incident involving intended use of deadly force, irrespective of whether such incidents result in injury or death. The motivation behind establishing this bureau is to ensure thorough and unbiased investigations into incidents that often attract public scrutiny and concern regarding police practices.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding HB2582 is the funding required for its implementation, with an appropriation of $25 million allocated for fiscal year 2022-2023. Discussions may arise concerning the allocation of state budgets to support this new bureau, as critics may argue about the efficiency and efficacy of such investments. Moreover, concerns may be voiced by law enforcement agencies regarding the potential for increased oversight and the prescriptive nature of the bureau's independent investigations, which could impact their operational autonomy.

Effective_date

The provisions laid out in this bill are set to become effective on June 30, 2025, allowing for a structured transition to the new oversight model for critical incidents involving law enforcement officials.