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Relating to a duty for peace officers to intervene and make a report when a peace officer uses excessive force.
No significant fiscal implication to the State.
SB 68 would create a duty for a peace officer to intervene when another officer uses excessive force against a suspect and the officer should know that the use of force violates the law, puts the suspect at risk of unnecessary bodily injury, and is not required to apprehend the suspect. If enacted, a peace officer who witnesses excessive force would be required to make a report of the incident and deliver it to their supervisor.
Texas Action supports SB 68 because it would protect individual liberty and limit government abuse. A duty to intervene protects the individual liberty of criminal suspects by preventing cases of excessive force. The reporting requirement would also prevent police officers from choosing to cover up involvement in any potential misconduct.