Bill > SB1047

This bill, known as the Community and Police Response Act, establishes a comprehensive framework for investigating incidents of deadly force by police officers in Pennsylvania. The bill requires that when a police officer uses force resulting in a death, the local district attorney must assemble an independent investigation team unrelated to the involved police department. The district attorney has broad investigative powers, including securing the scene, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing various types of documentation. The investigation must be completed within 90 days or 12 months if referred to a grand jury, and the findings must be published on the district attorney's public website. The district attorney must then decide whether to prosecute the case, refer it to a grand jury, or refer it to the Attorney General, with a requirement to publish a detailed report explaining the decision. If the case is not prosecuted, the report must include specifics about the incident, such as events leading to the use of force, de-escalation techniques, and the behavior of both the victim and the police officer. Additionally, the bill mandates a public meeting within seven days of the incident to discuss the use of deadly force, ensuring transparency and community engagement. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1047