COLUMBUS – In the aftermath of civil unrest over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and criticism of the reaction by Columbus police to protests, officials at the Statehouse and Columbus City Hall are taking measures toward police reform.
A proposal introduced by House Republicans would create a disciplinary database for violent officers and require law enforcement to undergo psychological testing and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is issuing an executive order requiring all cases of fatal use-of-force or death in police custody in Columbus be investigated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation
“Third-party, independent investigations into police use of force are critical to building trust in law enforcement and having BCI conduct investigations will be critical to restoring confidence in the Columbus Division of Police,” Ginther said.
The order will have the effect of law, Ginther has asked City Council to pass legislation making the order into a part of the city code. The City Council’s Public Safety Committee expects to consider the legislation at its June 29 meeting.
The state would create a disciplinary database for violent officers and require law enforcement to undergo psychological testing under a proposal introduced Thursday by House Republicans.
Sponsoring Reps. Phil Plummer and Cindy Abrams, who have both previously served in law enforcement roles, say the bill would standardize police training and disciplinary response throughout the state to “weed out the bad actors.”
Republican lawmakers plan to take the bill on the road for a listening tour with local NAACP groups, faith leaders, police unions and community members.