Area law enforcement officials, leaders praise reform law

Area police leaders and officials are pleased that Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a police reform bill into law last week calling it a step in the right direction.

The law includes provisions for mandatory de-escalation training, misdemeanor penalties for officers who turn off body cameras with intent to conceal and bans chokeholds in certain situations, like to prevent a forcible felony.

Under the new law, someone hiring a law enforcement officer can request previous employment records.

It also provides $70 million from the state’s general fund to the Indiana law enforcement training academy “for making capital improvements” in the next fiscal year.

Following the deaths of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, and George Floyd in Minneapolis, at the hands of police last year, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus met with constituents and House Republicans, state law enforcement agencies and other community leaders to develop “this priority legislation,” according to a statement from the caucus.

“The overwhelming support behind this legislation is truly inspiring,” said caucus chairwoman Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis. “(The law) is historic not only for the bipartisanship involved in its creation, but also for its reforms. With its passage, (the law) is rebuilding the foundation of trust between Black communities and local law enforcement.”

Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, said he’s “pleased with the advancement of this bill and the overwhelming bipartisan support it has received.”

“Last year, we saw a series of racially charged incidents where law enforcement officers engaged in improper and harmful behavior toward members of the Black community. Following the events and protests of last year, we knew that this was the year to see progress in addressing some of the issues in our criminal justice system,” Melton said.

Melton called the law “a historic piece of legislation and is a good first step” to improve police relations with the public. The support from both Democrats and Republicans “was truly incredible to see,” Melton said.

“As a Black man in Indiana, seeing this proposal pass with overwhelming unanimous support gives me hope for our future, and I will continue supporting and fighting for legislation that works to improve our criminal justice system,” Melton said.

Porter County Sheriff David Reynolds, who was president of the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association as the bill was drafted, said he worked with the caucus in drafting the bill and is “very supportive” of the law.

“I think it’s one of the biggest, strongest pieces of legislation that has passed in a few years,” Reynolds said.

In Indiana, officers aren’t trained to use chokeholds as a tactic during an arrest, Reynolds said. But, the “emotions” around the country since Floyd’s death brought the issue to the forefront, he said.

While one law “doesn’t necessarily mean this is all we need,” as issues arise more legislation can be considered, Reynolds said. For example, Reynolds said he’d like to see more funding for body and police car cameras.

But, Reynolds said the new law meets the moment.

“It’s a fist big step in the right direction,” Reynolds said.