From The Columbus Dispatch The president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and a conservative southwest Ohio Republican have teamed up to push for more transparency involving officer-involved shootings.
“Perceptions of injustice following an officer-involved shooting death – whether substantiated or not – can further erode a community’s trust in the criminal justice system,” said Rep. Alicia Reece, a Cincinnati Democrat.
Reece and Rep. Jonathan Dever, R-Madeira, this week introduced House Bill 380, which would require law enforcement agencies to craft written policies regarding the investigation of firearms-related deaths involving officers.
The bill also would require an unbiased panel to investigate the shooting and report its findings to the local prosecutor’s office. Should the prosecutor decline to press charges, the report would be released to the public within 72 hours.
Reece said the bill is based on legislation recently passed in Wisconsin, and from recommendations of the Ohio Task Force on Community Relations.
“By requiring full disclosure and transparency, we can ensure honesty in the investigative process,” she said. “This bill is a positive step in the right direction that will allow the public to get the answers and information they deserve.”