Bill > A04735

This bill, known as "Cariol's Law", establishes a legal duty for on-duty police and peace officers to intervene when they observe another officer using physical force that they reasonably believe is excessive or beyond what is objectively reasonable. The bill defines various types of force, including brandishing firearms, using chokeholds, deploying chemical agents, and using impact or electronic weapons. Officers who fail to intervene when they have a safe opportunity to do so may face criminal liability, potential termination, and civil liability. The law requires officers to file a formal complaint with their department's chief when they witness excessive force, whether the offending officer is on or off duty. Additionally, the bill protects police and peace officers from employer retaliation if they intervene to stop excessive force or report such incidents. The legislation is named after Cariol Horne, a police officer who was fired for intervening to stop another officer from using excessive force, and it aims to promote accountability and prevent police brutality by creating a legal obligation for officers to prevent unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by their colleagues.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4735