Support House Bill 548 - Mandatory Substance & Alcohol Screening for Use-of-Force Incidents
It's time to take safety seriously. Any peace officer in Ohio who is involved in a use-of-force incident must undergo mandatory substance and alcohol testing. This critical measure promotes accountability and transparency, both of which are needed to restore public trust. Recent incidents in Ohio have shown that some officers involved in substance abuse or alcohol-related offenses continue to serve, raising concerns about public safety and oversight. By sending an email in support of this legislation, you’re helping ensure that officers are held to the same standards of accountability as other public servants. This legislation will promote transparency, protect communities, and help ensure that officers are performing their duties with the highest level of professionalism. Your voice matters so please take action and urge your state representative and senator to support this important bill.
Preview Below:
"I am writing to urge you to support House Bill 548 – Require Alcohol and Drug Testing After Officer Use-of-Force Incident, introduced by Rep. Darnell T. Brewer and cosponsored by Reps. Juanita O. Brent, Crystal Lett, Tristan Rader, and Elgin Rogers, Jr. This important legislation would mandate substance use and alcohol screenings for all law enforcement and corrections officers involved in use-of-force incidents.
This bill represents a crucial step toward building accountable public safety systems and restoring public trust, particularly in light of recent incidents involving law enforcement officers and impaired driving. Importantly, this bill is not anti-police but rather it is pro public safety. It strengthens the partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve by promoting transparency and mutual trust. By holding everyone accountable to the same standards, this bill reinforces respect for the profession and helps ensure that the actions of a few do not undermine the integrity of the many honorable officers who serve Ohio.
Across Ohio, multiple law enforcement officers have been involved in alcohol- or substance-related incidents reported by the media, highlighting the urgent need for transparent and consistent accountability standards:
Officer Joseph Robinson of the Springfield Police Department is facing his third OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge in a five-year period. This alarming pattern raises questions about oversight and the ability of law enforcement agencies to properly address officers engaging in unsafe or unlawful behavior.
Officer Priscilla Ide, a Columbus police officer, was arrested for OVI after failing both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer test. Despite this arrest, she remained employed at the time, underscoring the need for stronger policies around officer accountability.
Officer Trier Knieper was arrested for OVI and additional charges, including street racing and speeding while impaired. This incident reflects a dangerous disregard for public safety.
Officer Robbie Whitlow, arrested on March 13 by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for OVI.
Sgt. Melvin Romans, arrested on March 12 by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for OVI.
Officer Tylor Nixon, arrested on March 10 by Gahanna police for OVI.
In addition, an Ohio sheriff’s patrol commander said on Facebook that he would refuse assistance to Democrats and demanded proof of voters' political affiliation before providing aid, later attributing his actions to sleep aids.
Officers who engage in substance abuse or other harmful behavior while on duty must be held to the same standards of accountability that Ohio already imposes on bus drivers, waste truck drivers, military service members, and other public servants. House Bill 548 would require officers involved in any use-of-force incident to submit to a chemical test for alcohol, drugs, or metabolites of controlled substances within three hours of the incident. Positive results could lead to legal and disciplinary action, including referrals to prosecutors and mandatory corrective or disciplinary measures from their employer.
The bill also ensures that officers who refuse to submit to a chemical test will face disciplinary actions, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
This is not a novel idea. Similar testing standards already exist in other states and in some Ohio jurisdictions including the City of Columbus which demonstrate that these measures are both practical and effective.
It's time to take safety seriously. By supporting House Bill 548, you will be championing transparency, accountability, and equality under the law which are key elements in rebuilding public trust and ensuring the safety of all Ohio communities.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully ask that you support House Bill 548 and take action to protect the safety and integrity of our communities."
