Dozens testify in support of repealing R.I. Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights
Published Tue May 11 2021 02:14:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
by John Bender
Rhode Island lawmakers are considering the repeal of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, which dictates how police departments investigate and discipline officers.
Eliminating the law emerged as a legislative priority among advocates who demanded changes to policing during protests last summer. And advocates for police reform who testified during a Monday hearing said the bill stands in the way of accountability, hampering police chiefs and public safety leaders from adequately disciplining officers for misconduct, and shielding departments from public scrutiny.