S0503.01I

SB 162 - This act requires that each law enforcement agency employing more than five officers provide written notice of the reasons why an officer is being dismissed, demoted, or disciplined and allows the officer to request a hearing. Any agency that has similar written procedures will be considered to be in compliance with this requirement.

If an officer requests a hearing, the hearing shall not be held until at least fifteen days after the officer receives notice of the disciplinary action. The officer requesting the hearing and the chief officer of the agency shall each appoint an equal number of officers to serve on the hearing board. Both officers shall appoint another officer who shall serve as the chair of the board.

These procedures do not apply to an officer during his probationary period or to any elected sheriff, marshall, or police chief. The procedures shall apply to deputy sheriffs. Under current law, deputy sheriffs are "at will" employees.

JAMES KLAHR