Connecticut Senate Bill SB01104

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/15
• Refer: 3/13/15

Caption

An Act Concerning The Militarization Of Law Enforcement Agencies.

Impact

If passed, SB01104 would significantly influence local law enforcement practices across the state. It requires annual reporting about the acquisition and utilization of military-grade equipment, thus putting a framework in place for the accountability of police departments. Each agency would need to report details about the equipment obtained, including its cost and intended use. By mandating these reports to the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, the bill aims to ensure that the public has access to information about law enforcement's capabilities and expenditures.

Summary

SB01104 aims to address the increasing militarization of law enforcement agencies by imposing requirements on how these agencies acquire and utilize military-designed equipment. The bill mandates that any municipal police department seeking to acquire this controlled equipment must make the application available for public review and conduct a public hearing at least 30 days prior to submission. This serves to foster transparency and community involvement in law enforcement operations, particularly concerning equipment that may escalate tensions during police encounters.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB01104 include concerns from various community stakeholders regarding the balance between necessary law enforcement tools and the potential for misuse or overreach. Critics of militarization argue that it leads to excessive force and diminishes community trust in police forces. Conversely, some law enforcement agencies may feel that the restrictions imposed by this bill could hinder their ability to effectively manage public safety crises. The discussions surrounding the bill are likely to continue, reflecting broader societal debates about policing practices and community safety.