Texas House Bill HB2015

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to searches, seizures and raids by Special Weapons and Tactics teams.

Impact

The bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically regarding the management and oversight of SWAT operations. One of the key impacts of HB2015 is the establishment of training and reporting requirements for SWAT teams. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement will be tasked with creating a training curriculum and certification standards, ensuring officers are adequately prepared for their roles. These provisions are expected to foster better practices within law enforcement agencies and enhance community safety during high-risk operations.

Summary

House Bill 2015 addresses the protocols and regulations governing searches, seizures, and raids conducted by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams in Texas. It mandates that all officers on a SWAT team must be equipped with body cameras, which must be operational throughout their actions. This requirement aims to enhance transparency during SWAT operations and ensure that encounters with civilians are recorded for accountability purposes. The bill also provides stringent guidelines for the deployment of SWAT teams, limiting their use to circumstances posing imminent threats to life or public safety.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB2015. While supporters advocate that the measures will improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations, critics may argue that stringent regulations could impede the operational efficiency of SWAT teams. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for misuse of body camera footage and the challenges associated with collecting and providing reports to governing bodies. These discussions highlight the balance that must be maintained between public safety, law enforcement effectiveness, and civil liberties.