Enhancing Oversight To End Discrimination in Policing Act

Enhancing Oversight to End Discrimination in Policing Act

This bill expands the capacity to enforce a law that prohibits patterns or practices of misconduct by state and local law enforcement agencies.

Current law prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from engaging in patterns or practices of conduct that violate constitutional or federal rights. Further, current law authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file civil cases to eliminate the pattern or practice of misconduct. Typically, DOJ's Civil Rights Division conducts pattern-or-practice investigations and resolves any misconduct through a consent decree instead of a trial.

This bill provides statutory authority for state attorneys general to bring pattern-or-practice cases in federal court. The bill also authorizes grants to help states pursue pattern-or-practice investigations and cases.

Additionally, the bill authorizes additional amounts for DOJ's Civil Rights Division and requires a certain portion to be used for enforcement and technical assistance related to pattern-or-practice cases.

Finally, the bill requires DOJ's Civil Rights Division to modify the procedures for consent decrees and settlement agreements to ensure that the consent decrees and settlement agreements (1) foster the creation and use of alternative remedies such as mental health support or community-based restorative justice mechanisms; and (2) incorporate community oversight requirements, such as a community oversight body.

Bill 117 HR 3732, also known as the Enhancing Oversight To End Discrimination in Policing Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing issues of discrimination in policing. The bill seeks to enhance oversight of law enforcement agencies to ensure that discriminatory practices are identified and eliminated.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a national database to track incidents of the use of force by law enforcement officers. This database would help identify patterns of excessive force and discrimination, allowing for targeted interventions to address these issues.

Additionally, the bill calls for the implementation of mandatory training programs for law enforcement officers on topics such as de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and implicit bias. These training programs are intended to help officers better understand and interact with the diverse communities they serve. The bill also includes provisions to increase transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. This includes requiring the use of body cameras by all officers, as well as mandating the reporting of demographic data on individuals stopped, arrested, or subjected to the use of force by law enforcement. Overall, the Enhancing Oversight To End Discrimination in Policing Act aims to address issues of discrimination and bias within law enforcement agencies through increased oversight, training, and transparency measures. By implementing these provisions, the bill seeks to improve relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ultimately leading to a more just and equitable criminal justice system.