Connecticut House Bill HB05940

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Establishing A Pilot Program To Fund Use Of Devices That Provide An Alternative To High-speed Pursuits.

Impact

The implementation of this pilot program is expected to provide empirical data on the effectiveness of alternatives to high-speed pursuits. By assessing the outcomes in various jurisdictions characterized by differing levels of police activity and vehicle theft incidents, the bill seeks to refine law enforcement practices and potentially reduce the risks associated with high-speed chases. The funding will enable police departments to explore innovative solutions intended to enhance public safety and officer effectiveness.

Summary

House Bill 5940 aims to establish a pilot program designed to fund the procurement and usage of devices that serve as alternatives to high-speed police pursuits. The bill emphasizes enhancing safety for both law enforcement officers and the public, proposing that devices can be either handheld or installed in police vehicles. The program targets a diverse range of police departments, ensuring participation from three state police barracks and a municipal police department across different community sizes, including a large urban area, a mid-sized urban area, a small city, a suburb, and a rural town.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill addresses a critical need within law enforcement to mitigate the dangers of high-speed pursuits, there may be points of contention regarding the selection criteria for departments and the effectiveness of the proposed devices. Critics may question whether funding should be allocated for such technologies over other pressing police needs. Discussions around the bill could also highlight varying views on how best to balance effective policing with community safety, potentially leading to debates on resource allocation within law enforcement budgets.