Existing law: (1) prohibits a law enforcement agency from taking certain types of punitive action against a peace officer; and (2) provides certain protections to peace officers when punitive action may be imposed against them. (NRS 289.020, 289.057, 289.060, 289.080, 289.085, 289.092, 289.820, 289.824) Existing law defines “punitive action” as any action which may lead to dismissal, demotion, suspension, reduction in salary, written reprimand or transfer of a peace officer for purposes of punishment. (NRS 289.010) Section 2 of this bill revises the definition to include any action which may lead to denial of an increase, either in seniority or compensation, for purposes of punishment. Existing law authorizes a law enforcement agency to conduct an investigation of a peace officer in response to a complaint or allegation that the peace officer has engaged in activities which could result in punitive action and, subject to certain exceptions, including any investigation which concerns alleged criminal activities, prohibits a law enforcement agency from suspending a peace officer without pay during or pursuant to an investigation until all investigations relating to the matter have concluded. (NRS 289.057, 289.090) Section 3 of this bill adds to this prohibition the denial of an increase in seniority or compensation, subject to certain exceptions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 288.110, 289.010
Reprint 1: 289.010
Reprint 2: 289.010, 289.057
As Enrolled: 289.010, 289.057
BDR: 288.110, 289.010