Payne: Bill Supporting Local Law Enforcement Crosses Finish Line

Departments could apply for new state grants to purchase body-worn cameras for officers.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - With the governor's signature, a bill co-authored by State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) supporting law enforcement, and boosting accountability and transparency in policing is now law.

To ensure only the best officers are hired, Payne said House Enrolled Act 1006 requires police agencies to request an officer candidate's full employment records from their previous department. He said this will help departments better vet prospective candidates and identify bad actors. The law also requires all new recruits and current officers to participate in de-escalation training and provides additional flexibility to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board in order to address significant officer misconduct.

"This legislation is a positive step toward making sure our local police departments have the tools they need to serve all Hoosiers," Payne said. "This additional funding for training and improved training facilities will better prepare our officers to keep our communities safe."

Payne said $70 million will also be invested to improve training programs and facility upgrades at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, which has not been updated since the 1970s. Departments could apply for new state grants to purchase body-worn cameras for officers, once the new state budget proposal is signed into law.

House Enrolled Act 1006 sailed through the legislative process, unanimously supported at every step by state lawmakers. The new law is also backed by the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriffs' Association, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the Public Defender Commission.

To stay up-to-date on the enrolled acts being considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2021-bill-watch/.