Prov. Senator Calls For Reform Of Police Officer's Bill Of Rights

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence lawmaker is calling for changes to the state's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. Sen. Harold Metts said the legislation, which was approved in 1976, needs to be reformed.

"Due process is one thing, however, it should not take video footage months later to expose brutality and murder," Metts said. "The law should not be for a special process of discipline that results in hiding crime and protecting wrongdoers that ultimately also taints the image of good officers."

The Bill of Rights protects officers who are accused of misconduct from being fired immediately or placed on leave without pay, with their continued employment decided by a panel of fellow officers. It has been criticized for protecting officers who abuse their positions from facing justice, Metts said.

"The Bill of Rights for our citizens is paramount. The Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights must compliment and not undermine this," Metts said.

Metts said that he hopes the protests across the country, including several in Rhode Island over the past weekend, show that the public is ready for legislative reform.

"The struggle for justice here is universal," Metts continued. "And the protest for justice is universal. The protestors, especially the youth, are people from all backgrounds, all colors. The mix of people who are standing up for justice and equality today is not only heartwarming, but will lead to positive change, and will lead to the healing that our country needs."

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