Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1181

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/24
• Refer: 3/22/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Law enforcement agency third-party accreditation award program and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of AB1181 is expected to enhance the operational standards of law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin. By encouraging agencies to pursue accreditation, which involves a comprehensive review to ensure compliance with established law enforcement standards, the bill aims to improve public trust and accountability within the police force. In providing financial support, the state is investing in efforts to promote professionalism and operational integrity within local law enforcement, thereby potentially improving community relations and crime prevention measures.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1181 establishes a third-party accreditation award program for law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin. Under this bill, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is directed to create a funding mechanism that awards grants to agencies that successfully complete an approved accreditation process. The program has two tiers of financial assistance: $25,000 for agencies achieving full accreditation, and $8,000 for those obtaining partial or core accreditation. The bill specifies that an agency can apply for these funds once every three years, utilizing an appropriation of over $792,000 for the first fiscal year and more than $1 million for the following year to support this initiative.

Contention

There may be contention regarding the tiered funding structure, as some critics could argue that the higher award for fully accredited agencies may create disparities among local forces that are struggling with differing levels of resources. Additionally, the lack of stakeholder input on the accreditation process could be a point of debate, especially among smaller law enforcement agencies which may find it challenging to meet the necessary requirements. Overall, the bill reflects a growing trend toward accountability in policing, but it may also introduce complexities related to funding distribution and compliance challenges for various agencies.