Under the bill, police can use force based on a situation’s circumstances and whether a suspect is fleeing or resisting arrest. Deadly force is a last resort.
“I am glad to sign this bipartisan bill today that provides clear use of force standards and clear requirements for reporting and intervening in non-compliant use of force incidents,” Gov. Evers said after announcing the signing. “This is another step forward in creating a more equitable, just, and safer Wisconsin for every community and to ensure accountability and transparency in our law enforcement systems.”
The original draft included language that would have made an officer who doesn’t intervene when another officer is using force illegal, but removed that provision in June at the request of the Milwaukee police union.
Governor Evers also vetoed a Republican-authored bill that would have cut state aid to counties and municipalities that cut their police budgets.
I am hopeful this will be a start of a domino effect across the globe, stepping stone that leads to the end of wrongful deaths.