Bill > S02404

This bill requires police officers to report misconduct involving excessive force by other police officers, creating new legal obligations and penalties for law enforcement professionals. Specifically, the bill mandates that any police officer who has reasonable cause to suspect another officer has used excessive force must immediately report this to their police agency. The Division of Criminal Justice is required to establish a standardized protocol for handling and recording these mandatory misconduct reports, including creating a detailed incident report form with specific documentation requirements. The bill also establishes a new criminal offense of "failure to report misconduct by a police officer," which would be classified as a class D felony, meaning an officer who knowingly fails to report misconduct could face criminal charges. The protocol must include protections for reporting officers against retaliation and provisions that allow police agencies to terminate employment or bring criminal charges against officers who do not comply with the reporting requirements, even if such actions might conflict with existing labor contracts. The bill aims to increase accountability and transparency within law enforcement by creating a structured system for internal reporting and investigation of potential police misconduct.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2404