MS HB812

Requires municipalities to provide a predisciplinary hearing before suspending or terminating a law enforcement officer, established by ordinance or policy.

Officers must receive written notice of reasons for termination or suspension and have five days to request a hearing in writing; failure to request waives the right to a hearing.

Accused officers have the right to appear and be represented by counsel at their own expense, present evidence, and question witnesses against them.

Hearing shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer or body, with evidentiary phase allowed in executive session but final adjudication must occur in open session.

Does not apply to municipalities with ten or fewer full-time sworn certified law enforcement officers or those that already have a civil service commission or existing due process policy; effective January 1, 2012.