The proposed bill S.97 seeks to create municipal and regional community police oversight boards in Vermont, tasked with receiving, investigating, and addressing complaints against law enforcement agencies and officers. These boards will function independently from law enforcement and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, possessing the authority to hire staff, draft public reports, and make recommendations on law enforcement training and practices. A key component of the bill is the establishment of a grant program administered by the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, funded by a $500,000 appropriation to support the formation and operation of these oversight boards.

The bill introduces the term "community police oversight board" and outlines their powers, including the ability to investigate complaints related to serious bodily injury or officer-involved deaths. It mandates diverse representation on the boards and requires engagement with local communities on policing matters. Additionally, the bill details the process for handling complaints, including conditions for dismissal and public reporting of findings, while ensuring confidentiality of investigation content under specified circumstances. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes amendments to existing definitions and collective bargaining procedures to integrate the oversight boards into the law enforcement framework.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 20-2351a, 20-2358, 20-2401, 20-2403, 21-22