Bill to improve data collection in officer-involved fatal incidents introduced in Senate

A bill that would require states that receive federal funds for law enforcement programs to properly document all relevant details surrounding an officer-related shooting that result in the death of a civilian was recently introduced to the Senate by U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).

The Walter Scott Notification Act is named after Walter Scott, a South Carolina native who was fatally shot in the back by North Charleston Police Officer Michael Slager while he was attempting to flee the scene after being pulled over for a broken brake light in his car. The incident, which was captured on cell phone video, received national coverage and resulted in Slager pleading guilty to violating Scott’s civil rights.

If enacted, the legislation would require states to collect information on a number of data points including names, race, description of the event, and overall circumstances that led to the weapon being used in a fatal incident. Should a state fail to comply with the bill’s provisions, that state could be subject to a ten percent reduction in federal grant funds.

“We don’t currently have a comprehensive system to learn more about these events so that we can better prevent them in the future,” Grassley said. “The data we collect under this legislation will be an invaluable resource for law enforcement, the public and for policymakers. The more we know about the circumstances around officer-related shootings, the safer we can make our communities for everyone. I am proud to partner with Senator Scott on such important legislation.”