Michigan House Bill HB5014

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/23
• Refer: 9/19/23

Caption

Law enforcement: training; Michigan commission on law enforcement standards (MCOLES); modify to include grappling training. Amends title & sec. 9e of 1965 PA 203 (MCL 28.609e).

Impact

Furthermore, the bill mandates that, starting January 1, 2025, individuals seeking to be licensed as law enforcement officers must obtain a minimum rank of blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu or demonstrate equivalent training. This creates a significant shift in the qualifications needed for law enforcement, adding a focus on grappling and physical confrontation strategies that could enhance officers' self-defense and apprehension capabilities. Additionally, by January 1, 2027, all licensed officers will be required to complete annual grappling training, thus institutionalizing this form of training within the law enforcement community.

Summary

House Bill 5014 aims to amend the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Act, specifically by modifying training requirements for law enforcement officers. Under this bill, officers will be required to complete active violence response training that prepares them to manage rapidly developing incidents involving physical injury or death inflicted by weapons. These provisions are designed to enhance the responsiveness of law enforcement in crisis situations, contributing to public safety improvements across Michigan.

Conclusion

Overall, HB5014 seeks to adapt law enforcement training to contemporary challenges while promoting enhanced officer safety and effectiveness in high-stress situations. However, the ongoing debate around the implications of these physical requirements reflects larger discussions about law enforcement practices and community expectations in the state.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding HB5014. Some stakeholders question whether imposing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling standards is a necessary or appropriate addition to law enforcement training. Critics argue that the focus on physical training could detract from other critical areas, such as de-escalation tactics and community relations strategies. There are concerns that this approach may foster a more aggressive law enforcement culture rather than one focused on diplomacy and community service.