SB 515

Current law requires each law enforcement agency to have a policy on the use

of force and to make the policy publicly available. This bill requires each law

enforcement agency to ensure that its policy on the use of force incorporates the

following principles: that the primary duty of all law enforcement is to preserve the

life of all individuals; that deadly force is to be used only as the last resort; that

officers should use skills and tactics that minimize the likelihood that force will

become necessary; that, if officers must use physical force, it should be the least

amount of force necessary to safely address the threat; and that law enforcement

officers must take reasonable action to stop or prevent any unreasonable use of force

by their colleagues. The bill also prohibits disciplining a law enforcement officer for

reporting a violation of a law enforcement agency's policy regarding the use of force.

The bill also requires the Law Enforcement Standards Board to develop a model

use of force policy for law enforcement agencies. The model policy must address

interactions with individuals with mental disorders, alcohol or drug problems,

dementia disorders, and developmental disabilities; limit the use of force against

vulnerable populations; and include other best practices that LESB identifies.