Makes it unlawful for a person in the custody of the department of corrections to use any force or weapon to resist a lawful request or directive.
Impact
If enacted, S2733 would amend Section 12-7-10 of the state's laws, reinforcing measures against the use of force against law enforcement during an arrest. The implication of this change means that individuals in custody will face legal consequences for resisting correctional directives, which could lead to both fines and potential imprisonment. This is seen as an effort to reduce violent confrontations between inmates and officers, thereby invoking a stricter protocol around compliance within the correctional framework.
Summary
Bill S2733 proposes an amendment to the Rhode Island General Laws regarding criminal procedure, specifically focusing on the actions that can be classified as unlawful when resisting arrest. The primary objective of this bill is to establish that it is illegal for any person in custody of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections to utilize force or weapons when responding to lawful requests or directives by correctional officers. This legislative change aims to enhance compliance and security within correctional facilities and during arrest processes by minimizing instances where individuals may resist authority using force.
Contention
The discussions surrounding S2733 may touch on civil liberties and the treatment of individuals in custody versus the need for security measures by law enforcement. While proponents of the bill argue it is necessary to ensure safety for both officers and those in custody, opponents might raise concerns regarding the potential for abuse or overreach by correctional officers. The clarity on what constitutes a 'lawful request or directive' can also be a point of contention, as ambiguity might leave room for interpretation that could affect the rights of individuals during their incarceration.
Makes it a felony for any person to remove or attempt to remove any firearm or other weapon or any communication device from any peace officer or investigator of the department of attorney general.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the secretary of state to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Requires state use actual residences of persons in government custody for redistricting purposes. Information would be collected by the department of corrections and forwarded to the division of statewide planning, to be utilized for redistricting.
Makes it easier to vote for people eligible to vote who are incarcerated at the Rhode Island adult correctional institute and creates the position of "voting coordinator," within the department of corrections.
Adds department of corrections' correctional officers to the list of public safety employees that are entitled to their full salary if they are injured and become disabled as a result of performance of their job duties.
Prohibits members of law enforcement from engaging in sexual penetration with individuals in their custody. The act also provides that a person convicted of custodial law enforcement sexual penetration would face imprisonment for not more than 3 years.