Historic police reform legislation supported by IBLC signed by governor

INDIANAPOLIS – Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) today attended the ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1006, which establishes historic reforms within Indiana's law enforcement, at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.

House Enrolled Act 1006 mandates de-escalation training as a part of the use of force curriculum throughout an officer's career, enhances penalties for tampering with body or vehicle cameras, defines chokeholds as deadly use of force, and prohibits bad actors from bouncing from agency to agency to avoid reprimand.

As a part of its 2021 Justice Reform Agenda, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus partnered with House Republicans, state law enforcement agencies and other community stakeholders to develop and advance this priority legislation. The legislation passed through the General Assembly with unanimous support from all four caucuses.

“For years, police brutality and harassment have plagued Indiana's Black and Brown communities,” IBLC Chair, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) said. “HEA 1006 is our way of saying, 'No more.'”

“I am grateful for the support of the Governor, State Rep. Greg Steuerwald and my colleagues in the General Assembly who helped get this legislation across the finish line and officially signed into law. This legislation will drastically change Indiana's criminal justice system and Hoosier lives alike, but there is still more work to be done. The IBLC will continue to advocate for even greater changes as we move into the 2022 Legislative Session.”