Trust is essential for a healthy relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. However, trust can be eroded by incidents of misconduct, bias, or excessive force. To address these concerns and promote transparency and accountability, the Connecticut General Assembly established the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force in 2019, as outlined in Public Act 19-90 Sec. 6, and later amended by Sec. 12 of Public Act 20-1 of the July Special Session.

The task force is composed of members from various backgrounds and perspectives, including legislators, police officers, civil rights advocates, academics, and community leaders. The task force is charged with examining a broad range of topics related to police officer interactions, community relations, and professional conduct. The task force is expected to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2022.

The task force focuses on the following key areas:

Interactions with Individuals with Disabilities: The task force analyzes how police officers interact with individuals who have mental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, and how to ensure that they are treated fairly and compassionately. The task force considers best practices for training, communication, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.

How the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force Works to Build Trust and Improve Practices 

Trust is essential for a healthy relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. However, trust can be eroded by incidents of misconduct, bias, or excessive force. To address these concerns and promote transparency and accountability, the Connecticut General Assembly established the Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force in 2019, as outlined in Public Act 19-90 Sec. 6, and later amended by Sec. 12 of Public Act 20-1 of the July Special Session. 

The task force is composed of members from various backgrounds and perspectives, including legislators, police officers, civil rights advocates, academics, and community leaders. The task force is charged with examining a broad range of topics related to police officer interactions, community relations, and professional conduct. The task force is expected to submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2022. 

The task force focuses on the following key areas: 

1. Interactions with Individuals with Disabilities

The task force analyzes how police officers interact with individuals who have mental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, and how to ensure that they are treated fairly and compassionately. The task force considers best practices for training, communication, de-escalation, and crisis intervention.

2. Traffic Stop Receipts 

The task force assesses the merits and feasibility of requiring police officers to issue receipts to individuals stopped during traffic stops. The receipts would include the reason for the stop and the demographic information of the person stopped. The task force evaluates how this policy could enhance transparency, accountability, and data collection. 

3. Minority Police Officer Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion

The task force evaluates strategies used by communities to increase the recruitment, retention, and promotion of minority police officers. The task force examines how to improve diversity and representation in law enforcement agencies, and how to address barriers and challenges faced by minority police officers. 

4. Female Police Officer Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion

The task force investigates strategies used by communities to increase the recruitment, retention, and promotion of female police officers. The task force explores how to improve gender equity and inclusion in law enforcement agencies, and how to address barriers and challenges faced by female police officers. 

5. Professional Liability Insurance for Police Officers 

The task force examines the merits and feasibility of requiring police officers to procure and maintain professional liability insurance as a condition of employment. The task force considers how this policy could affect police officer accountability, municipal liability

6. Municipal Liability 

The task force examines how municipalities are held liable for damages caused by police officer misconduct or negligence. The task force considers how municipal liability affects police officer accountability, public trust, and fiscal responsibility.

The Police Transparency and Accountability Task Force is one of the initiatives that aims to improve police-community relations in Connecticut. By conducting research, engaging stakeholders, and proposing reforms, the task force works to create a more fair and effective policing system that respects the rights and dignity of all people.

For more information on the task force’s work and progress, please visit its official website 1. You can also learn more about other efforts to promote transparency and accountability in policing from these sources:

• [The U.S. Conference of Mayors Report on Police Reform] 2
• [The Brookings Institution’s Recommendations on Police Reform] 3
• [The Brookings Institution’s Voter Vital on Police Accountability] 4

1: https://www.cga.ct.gov/jud/ptatf.asp 2: https://www.usmayors.org/issues/police-reform/transparency-and-accountability-to-reinforce-constitutional-policing/ 3: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2020/07/08/meaningful-police-reform-requires-accountability-and-cultural-sensitivity/ 4: https://www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/how-can-we-enhance-police-accountability-in-the-united-states/