Bill > HB915

This bill allows county and municipal law enforcement agencies in Georgia to employ civilian community responders (CCRs), who are non-sworn employees trained to assist with specific law enforcement tasks. These CCRs will be authorized to help investigate traffic accidents and property crimes, educate the public about laws and ordinances, and search for missing persons, but with significant limitations. Importantly, CCRs cannot replace sworn officers, cannot carry weapons, cannot make arrests, and must complete a mandatory four-hour training program established by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, followed by four weeks of field training with an experienced law enforcement officer. CCRs will be issued credentials and a distinctive uniform that clearly identifies them as civilian personnel, and they will be restricted to taking statements and producing initial reports during investigations. The bill also allows CCRs to direct traffic for the purpose of vehicle removal and requires them to use uniform accident reporting procedures. To ensure proper identification and transparency, CCRs must show their credentials when requested, wear uniforms different from law enforcement officers, and cannot be issued badges or use vehicles that could be mistaken for official law enforcement vehicles. The legislation aims to provide additional support to law enforcement agencies while maintaining clear boundaries between civilian responders and sworn officers.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72006