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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has introduced seven proposals to reform police procedures in Michigan, following the nationwide outcry over the deaths of black suspects at the hands of law enforcement officers.
Nessel says the proposals will serve as a starting point to bring transparency and accountability to investigations of actions by officers.
The plan will give more oversight authority to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to review and potentially revoke individual licenses. Michigan began requiring that police officers be licensed in 2016.
The proposals include:
– Authorizing MCOLES to suspend or revoke a license under certain circumstances.
– Mandating that law enforcement agencies maintain all disciplinary records of a police officer in his or her personnel file.
– Requiring MCOLES to create a statewide misconduct registry of verified claims that is accessible by the public.
– Changing existing law so that officers forfeit their retirement benefits upon conviction of a felony related to misconduct while on duty.
– Mandating that law enforcement agencies report data about their use of force.
– Creating an independent process for investigation and prosecution in cases of deaths that involve the actions of law enforcement officers.
– Requiring continuing education for law enforcement officers as a license requirement.
Nessel said she will meet over the next few weeks with members of the legislature, community groups, advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders. You can learn more about Nessel’s proposals here.
