JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, signaled her intent today to file legislation for the 2015 session to address how police officer involved shootings are investigated in Missouri. The bill would provide a more objective review of incidents in which law enforcement officers use, or attempt to use, deadly force.

“Since the tragic death of Michael Brown, I have been in communication with legislative colleagues, the governor, and local elected officials in North St. Louis County,” said Sen. Walsh. “I have walked with peaceful demonstrators, visited the police command center, and visited Ferguson. I’ve listened to my neighbors, who live in the community impacted by the tragedy and the ensuing civil unrest. Through those experiences, I’ve come to see we need a more objective and thorough way to investigate incidents like the one that took place in Ferguson.”

The bill, titled the “Citizens and Law Enforcement Safety Act,” would require a team of at least two investigators from an outside agency to lead reviews of officer-involved shootings. Reports would be publicly released if criminal charges are not filed against the officers involved. Officers would also be required to inform victims’ families of their options to pursue additional reviews via the U.S. Attorney General’s office or a state-level investigation.

The bill is based on bi-partisan legislation approved in Wisconsin during 2013. The measure, titled Wisconsin Act 348, was supported by both political parties. The fiscal note on the Wisconsin bill was zero, costing taxpayers nothing. The law was supported by a diverse group including the ACLU of Wisconsin, the Badger State Sheriff’s Association, the Wisconsin County Police Association and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association.

“Elected officials must do more than just talk; we must act,” said Sen. Walsh. “Concerned citizens are demanding a change in law enforcement practices and procedures, and I am committed to working to restore the people’s trust in local law enforcement by sponsoring this legislation.”

For more information on Sen. Walsh’s legislative actions, visit her official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/walsh.