The Delaware Law Enforcement Officer Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) stands in the way of justice for community members that experience violence of brutality at the hands of law enforcement officers.

LEOBOR governs how police can be investigated internally and keeps the investigation records private. It keeps police disciplinary records confidential from the public and gives police departments exclusive investigatory and disciplinary authority.

LEOBOR also gives precedence to disciplinary procedures outlined in officers’ collective bargaining agreements, and sets limitations on time, place, and duration of the questioning of officers during an investigation.

In other words, LEOBOR keeps police records secret from the community and makes it impossible for communities to hold law enforcement officers accountable for misconduct.

Fortunately, Delaware lawmakers have the power to change LEOBOR and improve police and community relationships across the state. Delaware’s Senators and Representatives can change LEOBOR to ensure that communities have access to police misconduct records and the ability to create Community Review Boards that can hold hearings when police misconduct occurs.

Everyone wants a safe neighborhood to live, work, and play in. And everyone wants to trust law enforcement officers who take on the duty to protect and serve our neighborhoods.

I urge Delaware lawmakers to introduce and pass one bill changing LEOBOR before legislative session ends in June 2021 to ensure that communities have access to police misconduct records and the ability to create Community Review Boards that can hold hearings when police misconduct occurs.