Bill > H1227

This bill establishes a new process for investigating deaths involving law enforcement officers, referred to as "officer-involved deaths," which are defined as deaths directly resulting from the use of lethal or non-lethal force by a member of law enforcement, including municipal police and state police. The Attorney General will conduct a preliminary investigation within 90 days to determine if an officer-involved death occurred, identify involved officers, and recommend whether further investigation is needed, including the scope for a potential special prosecutor. If the Attorney General recommends further investigation, the Governor will appoint a special prosecutor for a maximum of two years, with a budget request submitted to the legislature. This special prosecutor will have the powers of a District Attorney, except for empaneling grand juries, and must present evidence to a Superior Court judge to establish probable cause before bringing charges against an officer. The Governor will also define the special prosecutor's jurisdiction, which must be approved by a Superior Court judge, and the special prosecutor will then handle any subsequent prosecutions.