NC H1146

Appropriates $200,000 to hire two grant writers at the Department of Justice to assist law enforcement agencies with obtaining grant funds, effective July 1, 2022.

Provides $250,000 in recurring grants to law enforcement agencies for community policing initiatives, effective July 1, 2022.

Allocates $500,000 in recurring grants to law enforcement agencies for rewarding officers with exemplary service and for meeting racial or gender diversity benchmarks, with individual grants capped at $10,000.

Classifies strangulation techniques that restrict oxygen or blood flow to the head or neck as deadly force; requires officers to use minimum necessary force and attempt de-escalation tactics; directs Attorney General to develop uniform use of force policies by December 1, 2022, effective October 1, 2022.

Establishes minimum age of 21 years for law enforcement officer hiring and authorizes background investigation commissions to deny certification based on felony conviction or four or more misdemeanor convictions, effective January 1, 2023; appropriates $1,000,000 for grants to fund detective positions investigating Class D felonies and higher, effective July 1, 2022.