Requires police officer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability with special emphasis on the techniques needed to improve interactions with individuals that are blind or deaf or hard of hearing; provides such training shall be created in consultation with the justice center for the protection of people with special needs.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4157
SPONSOR: Sayegh TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring police offi-
cer training programs on interacting with individuals with a disability
PURPOSE:
To require the development and implementation of a training program for
and peace officers on how to interact with individuals with disabilities
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends section .40 of the executive law by adding a new para-
graph n that requires the municipal police training council to establish
and implement a training program for all current and new police offi-
cers, and peace officers regarding how to interact with individuals with
a disability in consultation with the :ustice Center for the Protection
of People with Special Needs
JUSTIFICATION:
In June of 222., our office met with a group of Rye middle school
students that highlighted the importance of law enforcement personnel
having an appropriate understanding on how to interact with the deaf and
hard of hearing community. This group shared examples of training
requirements in other states including Vermont and Oregon.
Under New York Law, the statutory requirements for police training is
limited, leaving the majority of curriculum to the Municipal Police,
training Council. After reviewing the training requirements for new and
existing officers, this bill was drafted to address concerns raised by
that group of students that the police are properly trained to interact
with the deaf and hard of hearing community as well as other individuals
with a physical, mental or medical impairment.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S5125 (2021-22): Referred to Codes
A8623 (2023-24): Referred to Codes
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of April next succeeding this
bill having become a law.
