Texas House Bill HB2655

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to a Department of Public Safety database concerning peace officer misconduct.

Impact

The implementation of this bill impacts state laws related to the reporting and oversight of peace officer conduct. It amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Government Code to introduce Article 2.1397 and Section 411.056, respectively. This means that there will be structured oversight on how law enforcement agencies manage allegations of misconduct. Furthermore, the DPS will be responsible for creating and maintaining the database of misconduct reports, thereby promoting systemic accountability among law enforcement personnel across Texas.

Summary

House Bill 2655 aims to enhance the accountability of law enforcement agencies in Texas by establishing a database regarding peace officer misconduct. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to promptly report any allegations of misconduct concerning peace officers to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This reporting must include the nature of the allegation, the results of the agency's investigation, and any disciplinary action taken. By mandating the reporting of such information, the bill seeks to maintain a standardized and transparent system for tracking peace officer behavior statewide.

Contention

While this bill is seen positively by proponents who advocate for greater accountability and transparency within law enforcement, it can still be contentious. Some law enforcement agencies may view the required reporting as burdensome or may worry about the implications of increased scrutiny on their operations. The debate often circles around the balance between accountability to the public and the operational autonomy of law enforcement agencies, with opposing views on how transparency should be managed in relation to the complexities of misconduct investigations.