Bill > A07835

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to establish new provisions related to the justification and limitations on the use of force by police officers and peace officers. The key changes include: 1. Clarifying the circumstances under which police officers can use deadly force, such as when there is probable cause to believe the person has committed a felony involving death or serious bodily injury, the person is armed, and less-lethal force alternatives are insufficient. 2. Defining when the use of force is considered "necessary" and establishing a requirement to prioritize de-escalation and less-lethal force alternatives before using physical force. 3. Creating new criminal offenses for "excessive use of force by a police officer or peace officer" at the third, second, and first degree levels, with penalties ranging from a class A misdemeanor to a class C felony depending on the severity of injury or death caused. These provisions aim to provide more specific guidelines and accountability measures around the appropriate and proportional use of force by law enforcement in New York.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A7835