Bill package carries forward previous bipartisan work, developed with Michiganders, law enforcement officials, and community leader
LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 13, 2024) — Earlier today, the Michigan Senate voted in bipartisan fashion to pass several bills to improve police practices and strengthen community trust and safety, Senate Bills 1091, 1092, and 1094. Informed by extensive work with community leaders and law enforcement, these commonsense reforms would ensure Michigan remains a leader in advancing policies that improve public safety and uphold justice.
“The people of Michigan have been calling for improving police practices and policies for many years, and today I am proud that the Michigan Senate moved another step forward toward increased public safety and trust between community and law enforcement,” said Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), lead sponsor of SB 1091. “Ensuring that every agency has strong use of force standards regarding verbal warnings, de-escalation, exhausting alternatives before using deadly force and limiting chokeholds is critical to save lives, elevate the profession, reduce officer injuries, and build trust.”
This legislation would make reasonable and practical changes to how police officers handle interactions with community members to prevent the use of excessive force and abuse of power:
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SB 1091 (CHANG): Mandates all police agencies create use of force policies that include requirement for officers to only use physical force that is “objectively reasonable;” standards for and alternatives to using physical force, including de-escalation techniques; and classifying chokeholds as “deadly force.”
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SB 1092 (IRWIN): Requires law enforcement officers receive training vetted by behavioral health experts in de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, procedural justice, and crisis response.
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SB 1094 (GEISS): Limits use of no-knock warrants, providing several specific instructions regarding when and how they can be used by an officer who must be in uniform or identifiable as a police officer.
“This legislation represents a crucial step toward creating a more just and equitable policing system,” said Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), who sponsored SB 1094. “While we commend the countless officers who serve with integrity and keep our communities safe, we can no longer ignore the systemic issues that have disproportionately harmed Black and Brown individuals. This bill package aims to hold accountable those who abuse their power, ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, are treated with fairness and dignity. We are committed to taking bold action to foster community safety and safeguard the rights of every person in our communities.”
These bipartisan bills were developed over the course of 22 months and have incorporated extensive feedback from law enforcement stakeholders such as the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), and former Detroit Police Chief James White. From Louisiana to Minnesota, many of the elements of this bill package are similar to what other states have been implementing around the country, even mirroring already-existing policies in Michigan’s own Detroit Police Department.
“Unlike most other professionals, police officers have just seconds to make life-altering decisions — often under high-stress conditions — so it’s essential we give them all of the necessary tools to keep residents safe,” said Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), the sponsor of SB 1092. “Officers are drilled on tactics, firearms, and forensics. They practice shooting and driving. What is missing from our fundamental police training standards are how officers can identify mental illness or their own implicit biases and use that knowledge to de-escalate a dangerous situation.”
Along with the support of bipartisan state policymakers and Michigan residents, several faith leaders, community groups, and councils are also calling for its adoption, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Black Leadership Advisory Council, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, Everytown for Gun Safety, Brady: United to End Gun Violence, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, ACLU of Michigan, NAACP Michigan State Conference, NAACP Detroit Branch, Michigan Catholic Conference, Prison Fellowship, Safe and Just Michigan, and the Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration.
These bills now head to the Michigan House of Representatives for their consideration.