MS HB186

Creates a five-member Law Enforcement Officer Discipline Commission appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to hear complaints of officer misconduct committed during performance of duties.

Commission membership includes one prosecuting attorney, one public defender, one retired circuit court judge, one retired law enforcement officer, and one citizen not engaged in these professions.

Commission reviews evidence and testimony regarding alleged violations and forwards findings to the appropriate district attorney if a majority determines a violation occurred; district attorney then investigates and prosecutes if warranted.

Law enforcement officers found guilty of criminal violations face penalties provided by law for the offense plus additional disciplinary proceedings by their agency and a fine of up to $5,000.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.