Delaware House Bill HB412

Delaware 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/21/24
• Refer: 5/21/24

Caption

An Act To Amend Title 11 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Law Enforcement Officer Privacy.

Impact

The introduction of HB412 is intended to strengthen the privacy rights of law enforcement officers while they serve. It requires government agencies to remove specified personal information from publicly accessible content within a defined period upon receiving a written request from the officers. This reflects a broader effort to safeguard officers from potential threats that may arise from their information being publicly available.

Summary

House Bill 412 aims to amend Title 11 of the Delaware Code concerning the privacy of law enforcement officers. This legislation introduces mechanisms that allow law enforcement officers to submit written requests prohibiting the public release of their personal information. Specific details define what constitutes personal information, including addresses, contact numbers, and other identifiers. The bill also mandates government agencies to comply with these requests, ensuring that personal information of officers is not publicly disclosed without consent.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB412 appears to be generally supportive among law enforcement agencies and the officers directly impacted by this bill. Proponents argue it is a necessary measure to ensure the safety and privacy of those in law enforcement positions. However, there may be concerns regarding transparency and the balance between public accessibility of information and the privacy interests of law enforcement personnel.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding the bill may revolve around the implications for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. Critics may express concerns about the measure creating barriers for public access to law enforcement officers' information, particularly in cases where public interest is critical. As similar privacy provisions have been established for judicial officers, the debate will likely center on the precedent set by this bill and its effects on public trust and community engagement with law enforcement.