Shusterman votes to advance police accountability measures

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    June 15, 2020 | 3:21 PM

HARRISBURG, June 15 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman and fellow members of the House Judiciary Committee amended and approved two police reform bills today in response to the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus’ call last week for action on police accountability.

The following legislation was approved unanimously by the committee this morning and is now headed to the House floor:

  • H.B. 1910 – A police training bill that was amended to mandate in-service training on the use of force, de-escalation techniques, cultural awareness and bias; and amended to include training on trauma-informed care, specifically PTSD.
    Shusterman motioned for an amendment to the bill, which was adopted, seeking to establish PTSD evaluations for law enforcement officers who are required to be trained under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. 
     
  • H.B. 1841 – A bill that would expand background checks for police and other law enforcement officers, which was amended to create a confidential repository of employment records relating to misconduct.

“Across our county, and right here in our commonwealth and Capitol, we’ve seen a demand to reform our police force and acknowledge the implicit biases subtly embedded in our society,” Shusterman said. “Moving these bills is a promising first step in having much-needed, tough conversations on the House floor, such as addressing systemic racism and police-community relations. I’m proud to see that these two bills gained bipartisan support today, and I hope we can keep this momentum going so we can see real life-saving change in Pennsylvania.”

Shusterman added that she intends to co-sponsor each of the 19 bills brought forth by the PLBC regarding justice reform.

For more information, contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260.

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