Texas House Bill HB4463

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to certain complaints against and training for peace officers.

Impact

The bill amends the Occupations Code to include provisions for retaining complaints against peace officers for a minimum of five years. It also requires law enforcement agencies to report any complaints alleging racial profiling to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, which is intended to ensure better tracking of officer behavior over time. This initiative is designed to foster transparency and accountability, aligning law enforcement practices with community expectations and standards.

Summary

House Bill 4463 relates to the governance of complaints against peace officers and introduces a comprehensive training program aimed at addressing issues of racial profiling and cultural diversity within law enforcement. The bill mandates the establishment of a 48-hour training program for officers, with specific requirements based on the number of complaints filed against them. Officers with a higher volume of complaints will be required to undergo additional training hours, signaling a significant step towards improving officer conduct and accountability in Texas.

Contention

While the bill seeks to enhance training and oversight of peace officers, it may face contention from various stakeholders. Proponents argue that this is an essential reform needed to combat systemic issues within law enforcement, enhancing community relations. Conversely, critics may view the additional training requirements as an undue burden on law enforcement agencies or argue that it could affect officer morale and hiring practices. The broader implications for law enforcement practices and community interaction may become focal points in future discussions surrounding the bill.