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SB 335

Law enforcement: training; duty to intervene policy; require law enforcement agencies to adopt. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 341'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony and 9 co-sponsors

Michigan law would require police agencies to establish duty-to-intervene policies and training, obligating officers to stop excessive force by colleagues, increasing accountability and internal oversight.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS, JUDICIARY, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
#lawenforcement:other #lawenforcement:training
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Bill Summary · SB 335

Legislative bill overview

SB 335 would require Michigan law enforcement agencies to adopt and implement a "duty to intervene" policy, mandating that officers take action to stop or prevent excessive force by fellow officers. The bill creates a new statutory framework establishing training standards and enforcement mechanisms for this intervention requirement, with a tie-bar connection to SB 341 indicating the bills are intended to work together.

Why is this important

This addresses a documented gap in law enforcement accountability where officers may witness misconduct but lack clear legal obligations to intervene. Duty to intervene policies are intended to reduce excessive force incidents, protect civilians, and create internal accountability mechanisms that complement external oversight. Implementation would significantly reshape police department culture and officer liability.

Potential points of contention

  • Officer liability and union opposition: Police unions may resist language that creates personal liability for officers who fail to intervene, arguing it places unrealistic expectations during high-stress situations and threatens job security
  • Vague standards for "intervention": Questions remain about what constitutes adequate intervention, when circumstances are truly excessive versus discretionary, and what legal consequences officers face for judgment errors
  • Training and resource costs: Agencies must develop new training programs and potentially hire additional personnel to implement oversight mechanisms, raising budgetary concerns for smaller departments
  • Connection to SB 341: The tie-bar relationship suggests complementary provisions in the paired bill that aren't detailed here, making independent analysis incomplete

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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