Oklahoma Senate Bill SB83

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Motorcycle profiling; requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt policy, review training, and address issues pertaining to motorcycle profiling. Effective date.

Impact

The enactment of SB83 will require each law enforcement agency to review and possibly revise their training and operational practices related to motorcycle profiling. Agencies will need to establish written policies aimed at preventing discrimination based on motorcycle use and work collaboratively with motorcycle clubs in their areas to raise awareness and promote understanding. Additionally, the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training will incorporate motorcycle profiling issues into the standard curriculum for police training, ensuring that new and existing officers are educated about this matter.

Summary

Senate Bill 83 (SB83) addresses the issue of motorcycle profiling, which refers to the discriminatory practices of law enforcement against individuals based solely on their association with motorcycles. The bill mandates that all local law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma adopt a formal policy condemning this practice. It aims to ensure that motorcycle riders are not unfairly targeted for stops, arrests, or searches without a legitimate legal basis. The legislation recognizes the negative implications that profiling can have on the motorcycle community and seeks to create a more equitable treatment by law enforcement.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SB83 may involve the balance between enforcing public safety and ensuring individual rights against discrimination. Some critics might argue that while profiling on the basis of motorcycle ownership is an issue, the broader implications of this bill could complicate law enforcement's ability to act decisively in certain situations. The extent to which training can effectively change deeply ingrained practices and attitudes among some officers may also be questioned. Furthermore, concerns could arise about how law enforcement agencies implement these policies and audit their effectiveness without compromising public safety.