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3/26/2024
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RIBLIA Caucus announces LEOBOR reform bill priorities
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STATE HOUSE – The Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA) has announced several priorities for any Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) reform bill in order for the caucus to support the legislation.
The caucus is chaired by Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket).
“Reform to the LEOBOR has been long-overdue in our state and the RIBLIA Caucus is hopeful that this essential change will take place this session. With that being said, the caucus will not support change just for change’s sake and there are specific reforms that our members have prioritized for any proposed legislation that the caucus will support. We believe that these areas of specific reform will go a long way in helping to restore trust between many members of the public and law enforcement while also holding bad law enforcement officers accountable for their conduct unbecoming of a servant to the public,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.
The four priorities that the caucus wants to be included in any LEOBOR reform bill are:
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Annual public reporting provision - Currently, there is no formal reporting mechanism for cases or outcomes of LEOBOR hearing panels, leading to difficulties in dispelling myths surrounding the types of cases heard by LEOBOR panels. The caucus proposes establishing an annual public reporting provision to address the lack of transparency regarding LEOBOR cases and outcomes by implementing a formal reporting mechanism that provides comprehensive data on LEOBOR cases, allowing for greater transparency and accountability.
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Full removal of gag order - The existing gag order undermines public trust in police department leadership by silencing both departmental leadership and accused officers, often leading to perceptions of defending accused police officers by remaining silent. The caucus proposes to fully remove the gag order to enable both departmental leadership and accused officers to speak openly about allegations of misconduct. By removing the gag order, this facilitates open communication about allegations, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability.
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Summary suspension up to 14 days without pay - Currently, if a police chief suspends an officer for an infraction for more than two days, that officer can challenge the suspension at a LEOBOR hearing. The caucus proposes to extend the period of summary suspensions from two days to 14 days, without pay, before it may be challenged in a LEOBOR hearing. Extending the period of summary suspensions allows for a more efficient disciplinary process by providing a longer period for summary suspensions, reducing the frequency of LEOBOR hearings and administrative burdens on the departments.
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Clear language mandating concurrent LEOBOR proceedings - Currently, police chiefs delay LEOBOR proceedings until after the criminal investigation and/or trial has concluded, resulting in prolonged disciplinary action for officers involved in misconduct. The caucus proposes that LEOBOR proceedings run concurrently with any criminal investigation and/or prosecution. By mandating concurrent LEOBOR proceedings, officers can be disciplined or terminated for misconduct regardless of criminal prosecution outcomes, thereby streamlining the disciplinary process and ensuring timely accountability.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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