Delaware House approves bill aimed at providing greater transparency in cases of police misconduct

DOVER, Del. (AP) — House lawmakers in Delaware have voted to approve a bill aimed at greater transparency and public accountability in cases alleging police misconduct.

The legislation targets current confidentiality provisions in Delaware’s Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights. It was approved Thursday and now goes to the Senate. Critics have argued that the bill of rights has been used to shield information from the public regarding officers who have been disciplined for misconduct. The bill requires police agencies to disclose when an investigation finds that an officer engaged in sexual assault, sexual harassment, dishonest conduct or domestic violence.

Instances involving an officer firing his weapon at a person or causing serious physical injury also would have to be publicly disclosed.

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