Mississippi House Bill HB802

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

"Jennifer's Law"; enact to prohibit state and local agencies from establishing traffic ticket quotas.

Impact

If enacted, Jennifer's Law will significantly alter the existing frameworks by which law enforcement agencies operate. Agencies will no longer be able to establish policies that tie rewards or promotions to the quantity of citations or arrests an officer makes. Instead, all aspects of an officer's performance must be taken into account, ensuring a more holistic assessment that includes factors such as citizen complaints, attendance, and overall conduct. This shift is aimed at enhancing accountability and ethical behavior among law enforcement officials in the state of Mississippi.

Summary

House Bill 802, known as "Jennifer's Law," aims to prevent any state or local agency from imposing arrest quotas on peace officers or parking enforcement employees in relation to traffic violations. The bill's intent is to prohibit policies that establish a numerical requirement for arrests or citations, arguing that such quotas might incentivize wrongful enforcement practices and compromise public trust in law enforcement agencies. The passage of this bill would restructure how agencies evaluate the performance of their officers by emphasizing the quality of service over mere numbers.

Contention

The main contention surrounding HB802 lies in its potential impact on law enforcement operations and public safety. Proponents argue that removing quotas will help foster community relations and reduce undue pressure on officers, who may previously have felt compelled to make arrests or citations to meet quotas, even in cases where they might not have been warranted. Conversely, critics might worry that eliminating quotas could lead to reduced enforcement of traffic laws, possibly resulting in less deterrent against violations and a drop in road safety. Adjustments to how law enforcement evaluates performance and holds officers accountable will be crucial to addressing these concerns.