A bill to reform pattern or practice investigations conducted by the Department of Justice, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 4385, also known as the "Pattern or Practice Investigation Reform Act," aims to make changes to how the Department of Justice (DOJ) conducts investigations into patterns or practices of misconduct by law enforcement agencies. The bill seeks to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in these investigations.

One key aspect of the bill is the requirement for the DOJ to provide written notice to the law enforcement agency under investigation within 30 days of initiating the investigation. This notice must include the specific allegations being investigated and the legal basis for the investigation. This provision aims to ensure that law enforcement agencies are aware of the allegations against them and have the opportunity to respond.

The bill also includes provisions to enhance the independence of the investigations by requiring the DOJ to consult with independent experts in the field of law enforcement and civil rights. This is intended to ensure that the investigations are thorough and unbiased. Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve data collection and reporting on pattern or practice investigations. The DOJ will be required to publish an annual report on the number and outcomes of these investigations, providing greater transparency to the public. Overall, the Pattern or Practice Investigation Reform Act seeks to strengthen the DOJ's ability to hold law enforcement agencies accountable for misconduct while also ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and transparently.