Bill > H3619

This bill requires the Law Enforcement Training Council to develop a comprehensive set of standardized guidelines for mediation programs that can be used to resolve law enforcement misconduct complaints. The bill outlines that these standards must cover several key areas, including specifying which types of misconduct can be mediated, defining who can serve as mediators, establishing required mediator training, and clarifying the rights and responsibilities of both complainants and law enforcement employees during the mediation process. The proposed mediation approach is intended to provide an alternative to traditional investigative methods, offering a confidential, face-to-face dialogue that aims to improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Importantly, mediators will have no power to influence the outcome, and the council is tasked with developing mediator training programs. Law enforcement agencies that do not comply with these standards may be subject to penalties under existing regulations. The bill would take effect upon the Governor's approval, creating a uniform framework for addressing certain law enforcement misconduct complaints through a structured mediation process.

Justice

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3619&session=126&summary=B