Law Enforcement Bill Enhances Standards
Collaborative Effort Gives More Tools to Law Enforcement Standards Board
MADISON – Senator Patrick Testin (Stevens Point) and Representative Ron Tusler (Harrison) introduced a bill giving law enforcement agencies across the state better resources to help them recruit, hire, and retain the best and brightest in law enforcement.
The bill creates an employment file, maintained by an officer’s employer, which will travel with the officer to other law enforcement related jobs. The file may include commendations, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, administrative files, and other elements, giving prospective employers a complete picture of the officer.
Senator Testin, who has introduced the bill in previous sessions, thanked law enforcement for their support and involvement in the process.
“Law enforcement agencies want only the best to join their ranks, and this bill helps to ensure that,” said Sen. Testin. “The input we’ve received from law enforcement agencies has been invaluable, and serves to demonstrate the commitment they have to pursuing excellence.”
The bill also sets minimum qualification standards for new recruits and state-wide training standards for all law enforcement officers. Additionally, the bill gives the Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) the authority to decertify an officer for a variety of reasons including failure to comply with LESB rules, falsifying information, engaging in domestic abuse, and failure to pay child support.
“Wisconsin’s law enforcement officers do an incredible job protecting lives and communities,” said Rep. Tusler. “We are working with them to preclude unsuitable candidates and to elevate the most qualified.”
The bill, which has garnered bi-partisan support, is supported by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), the Wisconsin Association of Police Chiefs, the Badger State Sheriff’s Association, the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, will circulate for co-sponsorship until Friday, February 19th.
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