Rep. Nuccio Supports Connecticut Law Enforcement
HARTFORD – On Wednesday, April 20th, State Representative Tammy Nuccio (R-53) voted in favor of a Republican-led amendment which would have revised the police accountability law and provide law enforcement with additional tools to do their jobs.
The amendment LCO 5001 was offered on HB 5420 “An Act Concerning Mental Health Needs of and Services for Police Officers, Certain Requirements Regarding Police Training and Certain Reports.” The proposal offered by Republicans in response to recent increase in crime and dramatic car thefts included four revisions:
- Restored a limited version of qualified immunity for law enforcement, while still ensuring citizens’ constitutional rights are always protected;
- Directed the Police Officer Standards and Training Council to revise the statewide pursuit policy to authorize the use of stop sticks and tire deflation devices;
- Reauthorized the use of consent searches in motor vehicles, subject to protections such as timely reporting by a searching officer, and requiring an officer to have reasonable and articulable suspicion that the search will lead to discovery of contraband or evidence of a crime;
- Eliminated liability for officers who learn by hearsay of a fellow officer allegedly having engaged in unlawful behavior. Actual knowledge should be required before a fellow officer is statutorily required to file a report against a colleague.
Rep. Nuccio commented, “Many residents in our district have been directly impacted by the rise in crime and incidents involving juvenile car thefts. Our state and local law enforcement officers have identified specific policy changes necessary for them to effectively do their jobs and keep residents safe. The proposals included in this amendment struck a reasonable balance to address the problems created by the 2020 police accountability legislation.”
The amendment attracted bipartisan support with 13 House Democrats joining 52 Republicans in favor, ultimately the measure was defeated 65-79.
The 2020 special session “police accountability” law was passed along party-lines, with much controversy. Law enforcement officers, their collective bargaining organizations and towns across Connecticut expressed concern that it would hamper their ability to do their jobs. Since passage, crime and recidivism have increased, leaving residents fed up with the state’s crime crisis wondering when their elected officials will hear them and respond to their pleas.