Bill > S06111

This bill amends New York's penal law to establish more precise guidelines for police and peace officers' use of force and create new criminal offenses for excessive force. The bill modifies existing statutes by providing detailed criteria for when an officer can use physical or deadly force, including requiring that force be "necessary" and that officers consider alternative de-escalation tactics before using force. It introduces three new criminal offenses of excessive use of force with increasing severity: third-degree (a misdemeanor), second-degree (a class D felony), and first-degree (a class C felony), which are determined by the level of injury caused. These offenses apply when an officer intentionally uses force that is grossly excessive compared to what a reasonable person would consider necessary, resulting in physical injury, serious physical injury, or death. The bill also specifies that an officer's use of force can be deemed unjustified if they create a substantial risk that force would become necessary or if force is applied to a person who is already incapable of resisting arrest. Additionally, the law emphasizes that officers must consider less-lethal alternatives, non-force tactics, and techniques like verbal communication, de-escalation, and seeking additional resources before resorting to physical force.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6111