Support HB 288 to Protect Georgia’s Law Enforcement Officers

I’m reaching out about Georgia House Bill 288, a crucial measure that directly impacts the integrity of law enforcement officers across our state. This bill seeks to ensure fair and transparent handling of credibility allegations against peace officers, protecting their careers and reputations.

HB 288 recently passed the House with strong bipartisan support (146-20). It addresses key issues, including:

Notice: Officers must be informed in writing when their credibility is questioned.
Review: Officers can request a review if placed on the Giglio list.
Transparency: The POST Council will oversee allegations, ensuring fairness.
Protection: Officers can’t face career consequences based solely on Giglio list placement.

This bill is vital to ensure due process and prevent unjust damage to officers’ careers. Your support is critical in moving this forward.

Together, we can safeguard the rights of Georgia’s law enforcement officers.

Thank you for all that you do.

Stay safe,
Joseph Naia
President, PBA of GA

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Your Message to the legislators

Dear (name and title inserted automatically),

I am writing to you as a proud member of the Police Benevolent Association of Georgia (PBA of GA) and as a dedicated law enforcement officer who has committed my career to protecting and serving the people of Georgia. I urge you to support Georgia House Bill 288, which is vital to ensuring fairness and due process for peace officers facing accusations that impact their credibility and professional standing.

I am pleased to inform you that House Bill 288 successfully passed with bipartisan support in the House, receiving a vote of 146 in favor and 20 against. This strong support underscores the importance of this legislation for law enforcement professionals across our state.

House Bill 288 introduces necessary amendments to several chapters of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) to provide a structured and transparent process for reviewing accusations made by prosecuting attorneys regarding the credibility of peace officers. This bill establishes the ability for peace officers to seek declaratory judgments in instances where their integrity is called into question, ensuring that such allegations are subjected to proper judicial review before adversely affecting their careers and reputations.

Additionally, HB 288 enhances the role of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council in evaluating accusations of officer impairment as a witness. By implementing a formal review process, this bill helps safeguard officers from unjust and unverified claims that could jeopardize their ability to serve the public effectively.

Peace officers dedicate their lives to upholding the law, often under challenging and high-pressure circumstances. When their credibility is questioned, it is imperative that they have access to a fair and impartial process to defend themselves against unwarranted accusations. HB 288 strikes an appropriate balance between accountability and the rights of law enforcement officers, ensuring that allegations impacting an officer’s ability to perform their duties are addressed through proper legal channels rather than arbitrary determinations.

By supporting HB 288, you will be advocating for the rights of those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities. I respectfully request that you vote in favor of this bill and stand with the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who serve Georgia with integrity and honor.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your leadership and commitment to ensuring fairness and justice within our legal system. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if I can provide any further insights regarding the importance of this legislation.