Henderson Police Officers Association supports Senate Bill 279 for fair investigation procedures

In a recent meeting of the Nevada State Legislature's Senate Committee on Government Affairs, significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 279, aimed at reforming the internal affairs investigation process for law enforcement officers. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and fairness in how officers are notified of investigations into their conduct.

Several representatives from law enforcement associations voiced their support for the bill, emphasizing the need for clear communication regarding the nature of investigations. Sean Thibault, president of the Henderson Police Officers Association, highlighted past abuses of the internal affairs notice process, where officers received vague notifications that did not comply with existing legal requirements. He argued that the proposed changes would protect officers' rights and ensure that investigations are conducted fairly.

Jason Lesher from the Washoe County Sheriff Deputies Association echoed these sentiments, stating that clearer notifications would allow officers to respond more accurately during investigations, ultimately improving the quality of internal affairs processes and boosting public confidence in law enforcement.

Other supporters, including representatives from the Las Vegas Police Protective Association and the Henderson Police Supervisors Association, reinforced the call for uniform rights across all jurisdictions, advocating for the same standards to apply regardless of the size of the police department.

While the majority of testimony was in favor of the bill, there was some opposition. Warren Hardie, representing the Nevada Urban Consortium, expressed concerns about the timing of amendments to the bill, indicating that his organization needed more time to review the changes before fully supporting it. However, he remained optimistic that the amendments would address their concerns.

The meeting concluded with Senator Pazina, who introduced the bill, reiterating its importance in promoting fairness and transparency in law enforcement investigations. He acknowledged that while some members of the labor community were unable to testify due to scheduling conflicts, their support for the bill was anticipated.

As the committee moves forward, the discussions surrounding Senate Bill 279 highlight a critical step towards reforming internal affairs processes, aiming to ensure that law enforcement officers are treated fairly and that investigations are conducted with the necessary clarity and respect for their rights. The committee plans to reconvene when a quorum is present to take further action on the bill.