'We need to do something': Proposed bill highlights regulation of police officers
"I don't want this to be about what's happening in Memphis. We need to do something because it's the right thing to do," Sen. Harold Pope (D-Bernalillo County) said.
"I don't want this to be about what's happening in Memphis. We need to do something because it's the right thing to do," Sen. Harold Pope (D-Bernalillo County) said.
"I don't want this to be about what's happening in Memphis. We need to do something because it's the right thing to do," Sen. Harold Pope (D-Bernalillo County) said.
New Mexico legislators are taking a closer look at the use of physical force by law enforcement officers and how state agencies are training them.
The initiative comes just several days after police officers in Memphis assaulted Tyre Nichols, 29, in newly-released body camera footage.
"I think what folks need to understand is that this has been going on. Now things are just being filmed," Sen. Harold Pope (D-Bernalillo County) said.
The lawmaker is currently sponsoring Senate Bill 252 in hopes of preventing similar cases from happening throughout the state.
Under the proposed legislation, a law enforcement officer wouldn't be able to use force against a suspect without first identifying as police. Then, the officer would need to issue a clear warning.
In regards to the use of a chokehold, an officer wouldn't be able to perform the act unless someone's attack posed as a threat.
Pope said it's a fine line that often comes with confusion.
"Unfortunately, these standards [are] not something that is prohibited across the state," he said. "It's just not, and we don't want to have incidents."
The Senate bill also goes on to mention deadly force.
Pope said the action should only be used as a last resort, particularly after an officer uses de-escalation tactics and techniques.
"Shooting first or using tactics that could permanently harm or kill someone should not be the first technique or tool that should be used," he said.
As for consequences for law enforcement officers, Pope added they could vary.
Any officer believed to have violated their use of physical force would be immediately disciplined. They also may see an eventual termination or legal charges, like aggravated battery or manslaughter.
The proposed legislation also discusses how law enforcement agencies train their officers.
The Albuquerque Police Department spoke about the topic last Thursday after officials revised their non-lethal, use-of-force policy. The department reported 18 officer-involved shootings in 2022.
"We wanted to make sure that our officers clearly understood and had the ability to utilize less lethal force. I think that's why shifting from immediate dangers to imminent [dangers] really helped us," Chief Harold Medina said.
By giving officers more options, and the ability to feel more comfortable, Medina believes the new tactics could change situations for the better, along with improving trust between the department and community residents.
"We think that this is going to accomplish that," he said. "We hope that it has an impact on some of our officer-involved shootings."
Senate Bill 252 has been introduced to the Senate floor. It will then head over to the Senate Judiciary Committee for discussion.
If the bill becomes law, it would take effect on July 1, 2023.