A late minute bill dropped last weekend in the state legislature prompted testimony and formal opposition by the Weld County Board of Commissioners. At today’s commissioners’ meeting, the board voted 5-0 to pass a formal expression of opposition to House Bill 24-1460, entitled “Concerning Measures to Strengthen Responses to Law Enforcement Misconduct.”
The bill, which according to testimony at the capitol Tuesday night, was not reviewed with stakeholders to examine impact and liability, and it creates yet one more roadblock for law enforcement agencies statewide to recruit and retain officers and deputies.
Commissioner Perry Buck, who testified on behalf of the board of commissioners in opposition to the bill Tuesday night when it was heard at the House Judiciary Committee, said, “While we acknowledge the importance of addressing misconduct within law enforcement, we believe this bill is not the appropriate solution. Instead, we propose focusing on enhancing the implementation of current laws, providing additional training to officers, and ensuring sufficient allocation of resources to maintain public safety.”
In addition to pointing out the deficiencies of the bill, Weld County’s resolution reaffirms the board’s commitment to provide Weld County Sheriff’s Deputies with legal counsel, free of charge, to defend their P.O.S.T. certification from revocation because of alleged failure to report “unlawful conduct.”
“Law enforcement has faced a lot of struggles – mostly from the state legislature,” said Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams, who attended the board meeting. “Any effort by this board and CCI (Colorado Counties Incorporated) to help stop that bill from moving forward, would be appreciated.”
“I was appalled that stakeholders were not involved at all,” said Buck.
You can read the full resolution passed today.
