Ohio Lawmakers Consider Police Reform Bill

Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) was among the lawmakers that proposed the bill last week.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio lawmakers are considering a police reform bill.

State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) recently announced legislation to improve law enforcement training, expand officer diversity and implement better disciplinary procedures.

The legislation also calls for the state attorney general to handle all police-involved shooting cases.

Abrams, a former Cincinnati police officer, said “this is the beginning of an important process and conversation for Ohio.”

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Modernizing hiring practices to increase hiring of minority officers
• Establishing a standard disciplinary process for all police departments
• Terminating an officer when they are convicted of a violent crime
• Creating a statewide disciplinary database for police officers noting officer suspensions that are the result of improper use of force or dishonesty;
• Examining issues related to excessive use of force;
• Ensure professional police practices.

The measure is the first major law enforcement reform bill lawmakers have tackled in years.

“The vast majority of the men and women of law enforcement are professionals. They put their lives on the line every day to protect and to serve,” Abrams said. “This bill will help improve public safety and law enforcement.”