ATLANTA (March 26, 2010) – Today, State Sen. Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville) lead the Senate to unanimously pass legislation that allows law enforcement agencies to require more stringent background checks when hiring new officers. Senate Bill 373 will ensure a higher caliber of officers throughout Georgia.
“When budgets are tight, it is even more important to hire quality officers that can be trusted,” said Grant. “I believe this legislation will go a long way to ensuring tax dollars are not wasted on officers who do not stand up to the standards we expect and deserve.”
This legislation strengthens law enforcement agencies’ ability to hire and retain quality peace officers. It will require an employer to disclose employment-related information to an investigating law enforcement agency when a search is being conducted on hiring or certifying a police officer. Several police chiefs and sheriffs joined with Grant in support of the bill.
Frank V. Rotondo, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police offered his support saying that “I am elated SB 373 passed unanimously in the Senate and I look forward to watching it pass the House and ultimately reach the governor. I believe an applicant’s past conduct is indicative of how they will conduct themselves as a law enforcement officer.”
Sen. Johnny Grant serves as Chairman of the State Institutions and Property Committee. He represents the 25th Senate District which includes Baldwin, Butts, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Morgan, Putnam, and Taliaferro counties and portions of Jones and Warren counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0082 or by e-mail at johnny.grant@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028