HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 91-33RESOLUTION NO, 91 -33
CITE' OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING "POLICE BILL OF RIGHTS" LEGISLATION
(HR 2946)
WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress is considering adoption of legislation that would
pre -empt state and local laws and require cities to impose federal standards on the
conduct of internal investigations of police misconduct by the city while providing police
officers subject to such discipline the right to sue cities for monetary and other damages,
including full reinstatement;
WHEREAS, these provisions restrict the authority and ability of the Police Chief
to investigate allegations of police misconduct or use of excessive force;
WHEREAS, definitions provided in the legislation are so unclear that
interpretations could prevent any measures without the need for formal hearings;
WHEREAS, restrictions raise the issue of whether police officers would no
longer be subject to normal supervision;
WHEREAS, provisions raise the conduct of such disciplinary investigations to
the level of criminal proceedings;
WHEREAS, "Police Officers Bill of Rights" imposes the will of the federal
government on matters that are clearly state and local labor relations issues;
WHEREAS, some states, including Minnesota, have adopted similar
requirements, while others have rejected such legislation;
WHEREAS, the legislation directly interferes with local processes governing
provision of police services;
WHEREAS, provisions appear to disallow local appointment of civilian review
boards and require that the entire investigative file be open to the police officer under
investigation while not providing personnel file information on such officers to those
investigations;
WHEREAS, congress has failed to hold any hearings or to investigate the views
of police officials and others who would be adversely affected by such restrictions; and
WHEREAS, this proposal is unrelated to local government efforts to fight crime,
control drug abuse and reduce violence, therefore should not be included in federal anti-
crime legislation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Lake Elmo opposes
the federal imposition of a "Police Officers Bill of Rights" or other similar legislation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Lake Elmo urges Congress to
hold hearings on this issue in both the House and Senate to solicit views of city officials
charged with ensuring the public safety of our neighborhoods and the responsibility for
management of local police department affairs.
Adopted by the City of Lake Elmo, this .41- day of 1991.
Attest:
Mary Kueffner, Carty -Administrator