MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Governor Tony Evers has signed off on a bipartisan bill that sets up a uniform use-of-force policy across the state.
The bill allows police to use force based on the circumstances of a situation and whether a suspect is actively fleeing or resisting arrest. It also holds deadly force as a ‘last resort’ when an officer ‘reasonably believes that all other options have been exhausted or would be ineffective.’
Senate Bill 120, now 2021 Wisconsin Act 75:
· Creates standards for when an officer may use force and deadly force;
· Creates a duty to report noncompliant use of force;
· Creates a duty to intervene to prevent or stop noncompliant use of force; and
· Creates whistleblower protections for officers who report (or are believed to have reported) noncompliant use of force or intervened to prevent or stop it.
