Reform in Policing: An Analysis of Modern Policing Legislation Proposals

• In Event: The Diffusion and Implementation of Criminal Laws II

Abstract

The pervasiveness of police use of force has been a topic of discussion since nearly the inception of the police. Early police agencies were characterized by a lack of guidance and oversight, leaving police officers with the ability to use virtually unfettered power to control citizens. While police reforms in the 1960s improved the professionalization of the police force, discussions of police abuse of power, lack of transparency, and reform remain prevalent discussions in modern media. The current study seeks to explore modern trends in policing legislation to get a better understanding of the practical implications coming from these discussions. To do so, this project examines proposed legislative bills on policing between 2017-2022 across 49 U.S. states. Results from the study shed light on the prevalence that issues like mental health, accountability, use of force, and discrimination in policing are represented in proposed legislation.

Authors

• Jenna Borseth, University of South Dakota

• Chloe Robinson, Indiana University South Bend

• Julia Marin Hellwege, University of South Dakota