Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1111

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/24
• Refer: 4/11/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Decertification of law enforcement, tribal law enforcement, jail, or juvenile detention officers and the use of force by law enforcement officers. (FE)

Impact

The newly proposed standards are set to reinforce the ethical conducts of law enforcement by requiring the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) to decide on decertifications within 30 days of the incident leading to such action. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a model use of force policy that prioritizes de-escalation tactics and the minimization of force usage, especially in encounters involving individuals with mental disorders or vulnerabilities such as the elderly and those with physical disabilities. This marks a significant shift in how law enforcement interactions are managed in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 1111 aims to enhance accountability within law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin by establishing more stringent decertification processes for law enforcement officers, including tribal and jail personnel. The bill outlines specific circumstances under which officers should be decertified, particularly if they violate the established laws regarding the use of force or terminate their employment while under investigation for official misconduct. This change is intended to ensure that officers who engage in misconduct are barred from future employment in law enforcement roles without the possibility of recertification unless waived by appropriate authorities.

Contention

While supporters argue that SB1111 promotes transparency and addresses systemic issues within law enforcement, critics express concern about the bill's implementation and potential for bureaucratic hurdles. Opponents fear that the criteria for decertification might prove to be inadequate or overly lenient, and question whether the processes enacted would effectively deter misconduct among officers. Furthermore, the requirement for rigorous training on the use of force policies might place additional burdens on local law enforcement agencies already facing resource constraints.