Signed by Governor Kate Brown

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a public online database of police officers who have been suspended or have had any certifications revoked.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to establish a public online database of suspensions and revocations of the certifications of police officers with information including, but not limited to (Sec. 3):

• The name of the officer;

• The law enforcement unit at which the officer was employed; and

• A description of the facts underlying the suspension or revocation.

• Requires the department to publish the required information within 10 days after either the time for filing an appeal has passed and no appeal has been filed, or the decision of the department is appealed and sustained, or the appeal has been dropped (Sec. 3).

• Requires the department to submit an annual report summarizing and analyzing the database data (Sec. 3).

• Requires law enforcement agencies to request and review personnel records from all law enforcement agencies at which an applicant was formerly employed before extending an offer of employment (Sec. 4).

• Defines “personnel records” as the entire personnel file of a police officer, including, but not limited to, records of complaints and disciplinary actions against the officer (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that law enforcement agencies which request and review the personnel records of an applicant are immune from civil liability for any harm arising from relying on personnel records (Sec. 4).

• Requires law enforcement agencies to retain personnel records for at least 10 years after the officer leaves employment from the agency (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text