AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance a proposal from Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, to amend the rules of the board of trustees of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, giving the board greater authority over the development of disciplinary standards.
After the high-profile police killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others last year, legislators around the country have been taking a hard look at how to improve accountability measures.
As amended, LD 505 directs the board of trustees to adopt standards of conduct that require law enforcement officers seeking renewal of their certificate or new applicants to disciplinary action after a violation.
"The overwhelming majority of police and corrections officers are great at their very stressful jobs," said McCrea. "However, nothing undermines the public trust more than when there isn't accountability in law enforcement."
The bill would additionally authorize the board to take action against an applicant or current certificate holder in instances when these standards are violated.
"This bill gives the board the authority to create their own review and disciplinary process, creating a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for the resulting standards," said McCrea. "This is a meaningful opportunity to improve policing in Maine, led by those who know the work best."
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming days.
McCrea is serving his third term in the Legislature and is a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. He represents Caswell, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Hamlin, Limestone, part of Presque Isle, Stockholm and Cyr Plantation, plus the unorganized territory of Connor Township.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [McCrea], c. 812-1111