General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5428 proposes significant amendments to the powers and duties of the Office of the Inspector General regarding investigations into peace officers' use of physical force. Key changes include the replacement of the phrase "in the custody of" with "within the physical custody of," which clarifies the circumstances under which the Inspector General is required to investigate deaths involving peace officers. The bill mandates investigations into any death occurring within the physical custody of a peace officer or the Commissioner of Correction, focusing on whether physical force was used and if it was justifiable. Additionally, the Inspector General is authorized to issue reports on these investigations, including recommendations for future actions, and must make these reports publicly available within 48 hours of completion.

The legislation also addresses the censure and suspension of peace officers, stipulating that recommendations for such actions due to failure to report a death can only be made if the failure is found to be intentional or made with reckless indifference. If not, the recommendation may be directed to the officer's employing agency for further action. The bill establishes the Inspector General's term as four years, with provisions for reappointment, and mandates that the office be located separately from the Chief State's Attorney's office. Furthermore, the Inspector General is empowered to issue subpoenas and compel testimony during investigations, enhancing the oversight and accountability of law enforcement practices in Connecticut.