By CHRIS JETER
State Representative
As lawmakers, we rely heavily on input from constituents and local leaders to learn how we can better serve our communities. Oftentimes, what starts out as a conversation can turn into legislation, which is introduced to the General Assembly and hopefully carried across the finish line to become law.
After listening to several Hoosiers in our district express an urgent need for more support for public safety officers, I knew this needed to be a top priority of mine during the 2021 legislative session. Law enforcement officers put on their uniforms and head to work every day not knowing what their next shift will have in store for them. New laws I supported this session invest in Indiana’s law enforcement training and programs, while supporting local police departments.
One of the most notable new laws passed this session is House Enrolled Act 1006, which provides local police departments with more tools to ensure they hire the best officers for the job. Under the new law, agencies are required to request and receive a candidate’s full employment records from their previous department.
I co-authored this new law because it will help support our local officers as they protect communities across our state. The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Fraternal Order of Police, Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Public Defender Commission and other advocates all backed this new law throughout the process. This is a testament of what we can accomplish when all stakeholders provide input to help develop sound policies that can benefit all Hoosiers.
Indiana’s next two-year budget also makes strategic investments to further support our law enforcement officers by dedicating $70 million to enhance Indiana’s training facilities and programs. Another investment includes a $3.5 million per year grant program to help fund trainings. Another $10 million grant program is established to help local departments purchase body-worn cameras for all officers.
Our budget also seeks to raise salaries for state police, conservation and excise officers. These investments are critical in ensuring our officers are prepared to handle any situation they may encounter while also boosting transparency and accountability.
Individuals in Hancock, Hamilton and Marion counties have said time and time again they want to see more support for our public safety officers because of their selfless service. Whether it is doing a welfare check or responding to a domestic violence call, these public safety officers often deal with extremely dangerous situations in order to protect and serve.
At a time when other communities are seeking to “defund the police,” in Indiana we are doubling down on funding the police. I’m committed to supporting law enforcement and will look for ways to continue supporting them in the future.
If you have any questions about these new laws or have any input about how I can better serve our community, feel free to reach out to my office at H88@iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88, which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton, and Hancock counties.