LEGISLATion

Legislation is one of the most powerful and sustainable methods of enhancing safety, democratic accountability, and transparency in policing. We support such legislative efforts by offering model statutes, providing legislative analysis and feedback, and working with policymakers and advocates to strengthen and pass legislation.

MODEL STATUTES

We have created model legislation to advance key commonsense policing reforms. The specific model policies we recommend are:

• Data Collection and Transparency 

• Use of Force

• Pretextual Traffic Stops

• Officer Discipline & Decertification 

• Removing Barriers to Holding Officers Accountable 

• Warrant Reform

• Restricting Vehicle Pursuits

In addition, we have a range of resources providing reasonable regulations and transparency around police uses of various technologies:

• Policing Technology Model Statutes and Legislative Resources

If you have any questions or comments on these model statutes, feel free to email us at legislation@policingproject.org.

How we can help

• Our approach to policing reform is comprehensive and pragmatic. Our statutes are vetted by advocates, policymakers, law enforcement officials, and academics from across the political spectrum and we provide technical assistance to an equally diverse group.

• We tailor our model statutes to fit. Every state has its own unique challenges and needs when it comes to policing. We work with local partners to adapt our model statutes to ensure that legislation reflects both best practices and local realities.

• We help improve existing and proposed legislation. Although we recommend our model statutes, we recognize they’re not the only way. We provide expert analysis and commentary on policing legislation, working with legislators and advocates to help make reform measures as effective as possible.

• There doesn’t have to be any legislation—yet. We frequently begin our work before any legislation has taken shape. Whether you’re looking to work through ways to bring greater democratic accountability to policing or need assistance translating a promising idea into actionable legislative text, we’re here to help.

• Our technical assistance takes whichever form is necessary. We’re comfortable working behind the scenes, strengthening legislation through direct analysis and commentary, or in the public eye, testifying before legislatures or speaking with the media.

   

  To find out more about how the Policing Project can help you with policing reform legislation, please contact us at legislation@policingproject.org.

legislative testimony

• Read our legislative testimonies here.