Connecticut House Bill HB05540

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Arrest Power Of Sworn Members Of Local Police Departments.

Impact

By granting local police the authority to make arrests beyond their designated jurisdictions, HB 5540 could significantly impact state laws concerning law enforcement and public safety. Proponents argue that this flexibility is essential for responding to incidents that may occur across municipal boundaries and could ultimately lead to quicker resolutions of criminal activities. However, the bill might also raise concerns about oversight and the limits of police authority, as it expands the scope of power for local law enforcement agencies.

Summary

House Bill 5540 aims to amend the existing laws regarding the arrest powers of sworn members of local police departments. The proposed legislation would allow police officers to make arrests outside of their respective precincts without needing a prior complaint or warrant, provided they are on duty and responding to immediate threats or criminal activity. This change is intended to enhance public safety by enabling law enforcement officers to act more swiftly in potentially dangerous situations and to apprehend suspects without jurisdictional delays.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly concerning the balance of power between law enforcement and community rights. Opponents might express concerns that the expanded authority could lead to abuses or overreach by police officers, particularly in communities already facing issues related to police accountability. Thus, while the bill seeks to improve law enforcement capabilities, discussions may revolve around the safeguards that should be in place to prevent potential misuse of the expanded arrest powers.