Senate Bill 147

  • Status: Signed by Governor
  • Position: Support
  • Bill Number: Senate Bill 147
  • Session: 151st General Assembly
  • Latest Update: May 25, 2021
Senate Bill 147

Summary

Senate Bill 147 creates a requirement that when using force, both non-lethal and lethal, an officer must “reasonably believe” that they are in danger in order to justify their use of force. The current law only uses the word “believes,” which leaves unlimited room for an officer to justify use of force, whether it was warranted or not. This bill makes it clear that use of force must be justified by what a reasonable person would have believed, rather than what the officer in question believed.

Sponsors:
Sen. Marie Pinkney (SB 13), Rep. Sherry Dorsey Walker (RD 3), Rep. Paul Baumbach (RD 23), Rep. John Kowalko

News and Commentary

Jun 10, 2020

Our Statement on Proposed Police Reforms in Delaware

The Legislative Black Caucus and the Attorney General announced a list of reforms to policing in Delaware today, June 10, 2020. The proposed reforms give us hope—they’re a great first step. But we need a commitment to do more if we’re going to see transformational change. Here’s what we propose.

Press Statement
May 18, 2021

LEOBOR Myths and Facts

Police misconduct and abuse of power is a systemic failure. Here are our demands for police accountability and transparency, as well as some common myths about the Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights (LEOBOR) and the facts behind them.

By Javonne Rich, LCSW

Delaware: Police Accountability NOW
May 07, 2021

Delaware Justice Team, Part 1: Smart Justice

We're excited to introduce one of our latest projects: a podcast and written media series in partnership with Delaware Call and the Highlands Bunker.

By Morgan R. Kelly

Delaware Justice Team, a Podcast & Commentary series by ACLU of Delaware, the Delaware Call, and the Highlands Bunker

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Delaware: Police Accountability NOW