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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill amends provisions relating to law enforcement.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This bill:
12 ▸ defines terms;
13 ▸ addresses disciplinary charges against a peace officer;
14 ▸ addresses the regulation and authority of a law enforcement agency established by a
15 private institution of higher education;
16 ▸ establishes a process and requirements for certification of a law enforcement agency
17 established by a private institution of higher education (a private law enforcement
18 agency);
19 ▸ describes the authority of a private law enforcement agency;
20 ▸ describes policy and procedure requirements for a private law enforcement agency;
21 ▸ provides for access to records of, and periodic audits of, a private law enforcement
22 agency;
23 ▸ provides for enforcement of the provisions of this bill, including informal and
24 formal action;
25 ▸ establishes due process procedures for taking formal action against a private law
26 enforcement agency, including placing the private law enforcement agency on probation or
27 revoking a private law enforcement agency's certification; and
28 ▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
29 Money Appropriated in this Bill:
30 None
31 Other Special Clauses:
32 None
33 Utah Code Sections Affected:
34 AMENDS:
35 17-30a-403, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2014, Chapter 366
36 53-1-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 280
37 53-13-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2019, Chapter 280
38 ENACTS:
39 53-19-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
40 53-19-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
41 53-19-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
42 53-19-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
43 53-19-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
44 53-19-203, Utah Code Annotated 1953
45 53-19-204, Utah Code Annotated 1953
46 53-19-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
47 53-19-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953
48
49 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
50 Section 1. Section 17-30a-403 is amended to read:
51 17-30a-403. Disciplinary charges -- Appeal to commission -- Hearing -- Findings.
52 (1) The appointing authority:
53 (a) may impose disciplinary charges in accordance with a rule, policy, ordinance, or
54 law; and
55 (b) shall serve the merit system officer to be disciplined with a copy of the written
56 charges.
57 (2) (a) A disciplined merit system officer may file an appeal of the disciplinary charges
58 with the department, which shall conduct the appeal internally.
59 (b) The department shall conduct an appeal in accordance with rules or policies
60 adopted by the appointing authority.
61 (3) If the disciplinary charges are sustained on internal appeal, the merit system officer
62 may appeal to the commission in accordance with the provisions of this section and
63 commission rule.
64 (4) (a) A merit system officer disciplined in accordance with Subsection (1) may,
65 within 10 calendar days after the internal department appeal decision described in Subsection
66 (2), make an appeal in writing to the commission.
67 (b) If the merit system officer fails to make an internal appeal of the disciplinary action,
68 the officer may not appeal to the commission.
69 (5) The commission may hear appeals regarding demotion, reduction in pay,
70 suspension, or discharge of a merit system officer for any cause provided in Section
71 17-30a-402.
72 [
73
74 [
75 (i) fix a time and place for a hearing on the appeal; and
76 (ii) give notice of the hearing to the parties.
77 (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection [
78 hearing under this Subsection [
79 is filed.
80 (ii) The commission may hold a hearing more than 90 days after an appeal is filed if:
81 (A) the parties agree; or
82 (B) the commission finds that the delay is for good cause.
83 [
84 Chapter 4, Open and Public Meetings Act.
85 (b) Notwithstanding Subsection [
86 authorized to close the hearing to the public in accordance with Title 52, Chapter 4, Open and
87 Public Meetings Act, the commission shall open the meeting to the public if the aggrieved
88 officer requests that the commission open the hearing.
89 [
90 [
91 authority, may dismiss an appeal for unjustified delay, removal to a court or other venue, or for
92 other good cause shown.
93 [
94 decision of the appointing authority.
95 [
96 including findings of fact and conclusions of law, and shall notify each party.
97 Section 2. Section 53-1-102 is amended to read:
98 53-1-102. Definitions.
99 (1) As used in this title:
100 (a) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety appointed under Section
101 53-1-107.
102 (b) "Department" means the Department of Public Safety created in Section 53-1-103.
103 (c) "Law enforcement agency" means an entity or division of:
104 (i) (A) the federal government, a state, or a political subdivision of a state;
105 (B) a state institution of higher education; or
106 (C) a private institution of higher education, if the entity or division [
107 certified by the commissioner under Title 53, Chapter 19, Certification of Private Law
108 Enforcement Agency; and
109 (ii) that exists primarily to prevent and detect crime and enforce criminal laws, statutes,
110 and ordinances.
111 (d) "Law enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in Section
112 53-13-103.
113 (e) "Motor vehicle" means every self-propelled vehicle and every vehicle propelled by
114 electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails, except
115 motorized wheel chairs and vehicles moved solely by human power.
116 (f) "Peace officer" means any officer certified in accordance with Title 53, Chapter 13,
117 Peace Officer Classifications.
118 (g) "State institution of higher education" means the same as that term is defined in
119 Section 53B-3-102.
120 (h) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or
121 may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon
122 stationary rails or tracks.
123 (2) The definitions provided in Subsection (1) are to be applied throughout this title in
124 addition to definitions that are applicable to specific chapters or parts.
125 Section 3. Section 53-13-103 is amended to read:
126 53-13-103. Law enforcement officer.
127 (1) (a) "Law enforcement officer" means a sworn and certified peace officer:
128 (i) who is an employee of a law enforcement agency; and
129 (ii) whose primary and principal duties consist of the prevention and detection of crime
130 and the enforcement of criminal statutes or ordinances of this state or any of its political
131 subdivisions.
132 (b) "Law enforcement officer" includes the following:
133 (i) [
134 county, city, or town;
135 (ii) the commissioner of public safety and any member of the Department of Public
136 Safety certified as a peace officer;
137 (iii) all persons specified in Sections 23-20-1.5 and 79-4-501;
138 (iv) [
139 higher education;
140 (v) investigators for the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division;
141 (vi) investigators for the Department of Insurance, Fraud Division;
142 (vii) special agents or investigators employed by the attorney general, district attorneys,
143 and county attorneys;
144 (viii) employees of the Department of Natural Resources designated as peace officers
145 by law;
146 (ix) school district police officers as designated by the board of education for the
147 school district;
148 (x) the executive director of the Department of Corrections and any correctional
149 enforcement or investigative officer designated by the executive director and approved by the
150 commissioner of public safety and certified by the division;
151 (xi) correctional enforcement, investigative, or adult probation and parole officers
152 employed by the Department of Corrections serving on or before July 1, 1993;
153 (xii) members of a law enforcement agency established by a private college or
154 university [
155 commissioner [
156 Title 53, Chapter 19, Certification of Private Law Enforcement Agency;
157 (xiii) airport police officers of any airport owned or operated by the state or any of its
158 political subdivisions; and
159 (xiv) transit police officers designated under Section 17B-2a-822.
160 (2) Law enforcement officers may serve criminal process and arrest violators of any
161 law of this state and have the right to require aid in executing their lawful duties.
162 (3) (a) A law enforcement officer has statewide full-spectrum peace officer authority,
163 but the authority extends to other counties, cities, or towns only when the officer is acting
164 under Title 77, Chapter 9, Uniform Act on Fresh Pursuit, unless the law enforcement officer is
165 employed by the state.
166 (b) (i) A local law enforcement agency may limit the jurisdiction in which its law
167 enforcement officers may exercise their peace officer authority to a certain geographic area.
168 (ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(b)(i), a law enforcement officer may exercise
169 authority outside of the limited geographic area, pursuant to Title 77, Chapter 9, Uniform Act
170 on Fresh Pursuit, if the officer is pursuing an offender for an offense that occurred within the
171 limited geographic area.
172 (c) The authority of law enforcement officers employed by the Department of
173 Corrections is regulated by Title 64, Chapter 13, Department of Corrections - State Prison.
174 (4) A law enforcement officer shall, prior to exercising peace officer authority:
175 (a) (i) have satisfactorily completed the requirements of Section 53-6-205; or
176 (ii) have met the waiver requirements in Section 53-6-206; and
177 (b) have satisfactorily completed annual certified training of at least 40 hours per year
178 as directed by the director of the division, with the advice and consent of the council.
179 Section 4. Section 53-19-101 is enacted to read:
180
181
182 53-19-101. Title.
183 This chapter is known as "Certification of Private Law Enforcement Agency."
184 Section 5. Section 53-19-102 is enacted to read:
185 53-19-102. Definitions.
186 As used in this chapter:
187 (1) "Division" means the Peace Officer Standards and Training Division created in
188 Section 53-6-103.
189 (2) "Formal action" against a private law enforcement agency includes:
190 (a) placing a private law enforcement agency on probation;
191 (b) extending the probation of a private law enforcement agency; or
192 (c) revoking the certification of a private law enforcement agency.
193 (3) "Informal action" against a private law enforcement agency includes:
194 (a) an oral or written warning;
195 (b) a written reprimand; or
196 (c) a written order to remedy noncompliance with a provision of this chapter, which
197 may include a deadline for compliance and verification of compliance.
198 (4) "Private law enforcement agency" means a law enforcement agency operated by,
199 and at, a private institution of higher education.
200 Section 6. Section 53-19-103 is enacted to read:
201 53-19-103. Rulemaking authority.
202 The commissioner shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah
203 Administrative Rulemaking Act, establishing:
204 (1) the forms and process to apply for certification of a private law enforcement
205 agency;
206 (2) methods for the commissioner, the department, or the division to obtain, review,
207 use, and protect, any and all records of, or directly related to, a private law enforcement agency;
208 (3) requirements for the conduct of a formal hearing under Part 3, Enforcement,
209 including requirements for proceedings, discovery, subpoenas, and witnesses;
210 (4) requirements for verifying compliance with the terms of probation;
211 (5) audit procedures;
212 (6) requirements for the contents of a policies and procedures manual of a private law
213 enforcement agency; and
214 (7) requirements for the operation of a private law enforcement agency.
215 Section 7. Section 53-19-201 is enacted to read:
216
217 53-19-201. Certification of private law enforcement agency.
218 (1) A private institution of higher education may operate a private law enforcement
219 agency if the private law enforcement agency is certified by the commissioner.
220 (2) A private law enforcement agency certified before May 5, 2021:
221 (a) is not required to apply for an initial certification under Subsection (4); and
222 (b) retains the private law enforcement agency's certification, unless the commissioner
223 revokes the certification in accordance with this chapter.
224 (3) A private law enforcement agency that is not certified before May 5, 2021:
225 (a) is required to apply for initial certification under Subsection (4); and
226 (b) retains the private law enforcement agency's certification, unless the commissioner
227 revokes the certification in accordance with this chapter.
228 (4) To receive initial certification for a private law enforcement agency, the private
229 institution of higher education seeking the certification shall submit to the department an
230 application for certification, designed by the department, that includes:
231 (a) a description of the proposed private law enforcement agency, including the number
232 of officers that the private law enforcement agency intends to initially employ;
233 (b) the command structure for the proposed private law enforcement agency;
234 (c) the private law enforcement agency's proposed policies and procedures manual; and
235 (d) any other information required by the commissioner, by a rule described in Section
236 53-19-103.
237 (5) The department shall, within 90 days after the day on which the department
238 receives a completed application for certification described in Subsection (4), grant or deny the
239 application.
240 (6) The commissioner shall:
241 (a) grant an application for certification of a private law enforcement agency, if:
242 (i) the application is complete;
243 (ii) the proposed policies and procedures manual complies with Section 53-19-203,
244 including the rules described in Section 53-19-103;
245 (iii) the proposed private law enforcement agency will be organized and operated in a
246 manner that is consistent with the requirements of law, the requirements of administrative
247 rules, and best practices; and
248 (iv) the private institution of higher education submitting the application has never had
249 certification of a private law enforcement agency revoked by the commissioner; and
250 (b) advise and consult with the applicant to cure any barriers to obtaining certification.
251 (7) The commissioner shall grant an application for certification of a private law
252 enforcement agency whose certification was previously revoked if:
253 (a) the private institution of higher education applying for certification:
254 (i) complies with the provisions described in Subsections (6)(a)(i) through (iii); and
255 (ii) proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the reasons for the previous
256 revocation will not reoccur; and
257 (b) the application is filed at least one year after the day on which the certification was
258 revoked.
259 Section 8. Section 53-19-202 is enacted to read:
260 53-19-202. Authority of private law enforcement agency -- Requirements --
261 Delegation of internal investigation.
262 (1) A certified private law enforcement agency may function as a law enforcement
263 agency under the authority of the state, within the confines of the campus of the private
264 institution of higher education, to:
265 (a) prevent, detect, and investigate crime; and
266 (b) enforce traffic laws and criminal statutes and ordinances.
267 (2) The authority of a private law enforcement agency does not extend beyond the
268 confines of the campus of the private institution of higher education, except as
269 provided:
270 (a) under Subsection 53-13-103(3); or
271 (b) pursuant to an interagency agreement with another law enforcement agency.
272 (3) A private law enforcement agency shall:
273 (a) comply with:
274 (i) the requirements of this chapter;
275 (ii) rules made under Section 53-19-103; and
276 (iii) all other requirements of state and federal law;
277 (b) comply with and enforce the provisions of Sections 53-6-209, 53-6-211, 53-6-307,
278 and 53-6-309;
279 (c) only employ peace officers and dispatchers who are certified under this title;
280 (d) if the private law enforcement agency is placed on probation, comply with
281 requirements imposed during the period of probation;
282 (e) provide any and all records of, or directly related to, the private law enforcement
283 agency that are requested by the commissioner, the department, or the division; and
284 (f) cooperate with an audit described in Section 53-19-204.
285 (4) The chief of a private law enforcement agency may, with the consent of the
286 commissioner, delegate the duty to conduct an administrative or internal investigation under
287 Section 53-6-211 to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee if:
288 (a) the chief requests the commissioner's consent in writing; and
289 (b) the request is made to avoid:
290 (i) an actual or potential conflict of interest; or
291 (ii) an actual or potential allegation of bias.
292 (5) If the commissioner or the commissioner's designee conducts an administrative or
293 internal investigation under Subsection (4), the commissioner or the commissioner's designee
294 shall report the findings of the investigation to:
295 (a) the division, in accordance with Section 53-6-211;
296 (b) the private law enforcement agency; and
297 (c) the commissioner, if the investigation is conducted by a designee of the
298 commissioner.
299 Section 9. Section 53-19-203 is enacted to read:
300 53-19-203. Policies and procedures -- Approval -- Modification.
301 (1) A private law enforcement agency shall:
302 (a) develop a policies and procedures manual that:
303 (i) includes clear definitions and clearly and fully explains the policies and procedures;
304 (ii) complies with the requirements of law and administrative rules;
305 (iii) reflects best practices for a private law enforcement agency; and
306 (iv) includes all policies and procedures of the private law enforcement agency;
307 (b) review, and revise and update as needed, the policies and procedures manual on at
308 least an annual basis; and
309 (c) maintain, and uniformly apply and enforce, the policies and procedures contained in
310 the manual.
311 (2) A private law enforcement agency shall:
312 (a) if the private law enforcement agency was certified before May 5, 2021, submit the
313 private law enforcement agency's policies and procedures manual to the commissioner for
314 approval:
315 (i) on or before July 1, 2021;
316 (ii) beginning in 2022, on an annual basis; and
317 (iii) in addition to the times described in Subsections (2)(a)(i) and (ii), within 14 days
318 after the day on which the commissioner submits a written request for a copy of the manual; or
319 (b) if the private law enforcement agency is certified on or after May 5, 2021, submit
320 the private law enforcement agency's policies and procedures manual:
321 (i) for initial approval in accordance with Subsection 53-19-201(4)(c);
322 (ii) on an annual basis; and
323 (iii) in addition to the times described in Subsections (2)(b)(i) and (ii), within 14 days
324 after the day on which the commissioner submits a written request for a copy of the manual.
325 Section 10. Section 53-19-204 is enacted to read:
326 53-19-204. Audits.
327 (1) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may conduct periodic audits of a
328 private law enforcement agency to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
329 (2) The legislative auditor general or the state auditor may conduct an audit of a private
330 law enforcement agency.
331 (3) A private law enforcement agency shall fully cooperate with an audit conducted
332 under this section.
333 Section 11. Section 53-19-301 is enacted to read:
334
335 53-19-301. Violation by private law enforcement agency -- Action by
336 commissioner.
337 (1) If a private law enforcement agency is in violation of, or has violated, a provision
338 of this chapter, the commissioner may:
339 (a) take informal action to remedy the violation;
340 (b) place the private law enforcement agency on probation if the violation is a material
341 violation; or
342 (c) revoke the certification of the private law enforcement agency if:
343 (i) the violation is so egregious that it constitutes a violation of public trust;
344 (ii) (A) the violation is a material violation;
345 (B) the private law enforcement agency has committed the same violation on a
346 previous occasion; and
347 (C) the private law enforcement agency was placed probation or had the certification of
348 the private law enforcement agency revoked for the same violation; or
349 (iii) after committing a material violation:
350 (A) the commissioner provides the private law enforcement agency with a written
351 notice described in Subsection (2); and
352 (B) after the commissioner complies with Subsection (1)(c)(iii)(A), the private law
353 enforcement agency commits the same violation or fails to take the corrective action described
354 in the written notice described in Subsection (2).
355 (2) The written notice required under Subsection (1)(c)(iii)(A) shall include:
356 (a) a detailed description of the violation;
357 (b) a statement that the violation constitutes a material violation;
358 (c) a detailed description of the action the private law enforcement agency is required
359 to take to remedy the violation; and
360 (d) a specified, reasonable deadline for taking the action required to remedy the
361 violation.
362 (3) If a private law enforcement agency on probation is in violation of, or has violated,
363 a material provision of probation, the commissioner may:
364 (a) take informal action to remedy the violation;
365 (b) extend an existing period of probation; or
366 (c) revoke the certification of the private law enforcement agency.
367 (4) If the commissioner takes action to revoke the certification of a private law
368 enforcement agency, the certification remains in effect until all timely challenges or appeals are
369 concluded and the action of the commissioner becomes final.
370 (5) The certification of a private law enforcement agency remains in effect while the
371 private law enforcement agency is on probation, unless the certification is revoked in
372 accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
373 Section 12. Section 53-19-302 is enacted to read:
374 53-19-302. Formal action against a private law enforcement agency.
375 (1) If the commissioner determines that a private law enforcement agency violated a
376 provision of this chapter or a requirement of probation, the commissioner may take formal
377 action against the private law enforcement agency in accordance with this section.
378 (2) Before placing a private law enforcement agency on probation or extending the
379 existing probation period, the commissioner shall provide written notice to the private law
380 enforcement agency that the commissioner intends to take formal action against the private law
381 enforcement agency, that includes:
382 (a) a statement that the commissioner intends to place the private law enforcement
383 agency on probation or extend an existing period of probation;
384 (b) a description of the material violations upon which the formal action is based;
385 (c) a description of the probation period or extended probation period;
386 (d) a description of the terms of probation;
387 (e) a statement that the private law enforcement agency has the right to request a
388 formal hearing on the action before an administrative law judge selected by the commissioner;
389 and
390 (e) information regarding the process and deadline for requesting a hearing.
391 (3) Within 30 days after the day on which the commissioner provides the notice
392 described in Subsection (2), the private law enforcement agency may request a formal hearing
393 before an administrative law judge selected by the commissioner by submitting the request, in
394 writing, to the commissioner.
395 (4) If the private law enforcement agency fails to timely request a formal hearing under
396 Subsection (3):
397 (a) the commissioner may take the action described in Subsection (2)(a); and
398 (b) the action of the commissioner is final.
399 (5) If a private law enforcement agency timely requests a formal hearing under
400 Subsection (3), an administrative law judge shall conduct a formal hearing on the action in
401 accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act.
402 (6) The formal hearing shall be recorded and shall address the issue of whether the
403 private law enforcement agency committed the violations included in the notice described in
404 Subsection (2)(b).
405 (7) If, after the hearing, the administrative law judge issues findings of fact and
406 conclusions of law stating that there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the private law
407 enforcement agency committed one or more of the material violations included in the notice
408 described in Subsection (2)(b), the commissioner shall review the findings and may:
409 (a) place the private law enforcement agency on probation; or
410 (c) extend an existing period of probation.
411 (8) If the administrative law judge finds that there is insufficient evidence to
412 demonstrate that the private law enforcement agency committed any of the violations included
413 in the notice described in Subsection (2)(b), the administrative law judge shall dismiss the
414 formal action sought by the commissioner.
415 (9) A private law enforcement agency may appeal the decision of the administrative
416 law judge and the action taken by the commissioner under Subsection (7), under Title 63G,
417 Chapter 4, Part 4, Judicial Review.
418 (10) The commissioner may appeal the decision of the administrative law judge under
419 Title 63G, Chapter 4, Part 4, Judicial Review.
420 (11) Before revoking the certification of a private law enforcement agency, the
421 commissioner shall provide written notice to the private law enforcement agency that the
422 commissioner intends to take formal action against the private law enforcement agency, that
423 includes:
424 (a) a statement that the commissioner intends to revoke the certification of the private
425 law enforcement agency;
426 (b) the date that the revocation is scheduled to occur, which date may not be sooner
427 than 180 days after the day on which the commissioner provides the notice described in this
428 Subsection (11);
429 (c) a detailed description of the violations upon which the formal action is based;
430 (d) a description of the basis, described in Subsection 53-19-301(1)(c), for seeking
431 revocation of the private law enforcement agency's certification; and
432 (e) a statement that the private law enforcement agency has the right to demand a
433 judicial determination on the issue of revocation by filing an action in the third district court
434 within 30 days after the day on which the commissioner provides the notice described in this
435 Subsection (11).
436 (12) If the private law enforcement agency fails to file an action described in
437 Subsection (11)(a) in the third district court within 30 days after the day on which the
438 commissioner provides the notice described in Subsection (11), the private law enforcement
439 agency's certification is revoked on the date described in Subsection (11)(b).
440 (13) If the private law enforcement agency timely files an action described in
441 Subsection (11)(e), the district court:
442 (a) shall allow discovery, and otherwise conduct the proceedings, in accordance with
443 the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure;
444 (b) shall conduct the proceedings as a new action and not as an appellate review;
445 (c) shall require that the commissioner prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that
446 the violations described in Subsection (11)(c) occurred;
447 (d) shall require that, if the court finds that one or more the violations described in
448 Subsection (11)(c) occurred, the commissioner prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that
449 the violations proven constitute sufficient grounds, under Subsection 53-19-301(1)(c), to
450 revoke certification; and
451 (e) may not grant any deference to the decisions or findings of the commissioner.
452 (14) The court shall order revocation of the certification of the private law enforcement
453 agency if the court finds that:
454 (a) one or more the violations described in Subsection (11)(c) occurred; and
455 (b) the violations that occurred constitute sufficient grounds, under Subsection
456 53-19-301(1)(c), to revoke certification.
457 (15) The court may order that the commissioner may place the private law enforcement
458 agency on probation or extend an existing period of probation, if the court finds that:
459 (a) one or more violations described in Subsection (11)(c) occurred; and
460 (b) the violations do not constitute sufficient grounds, under Subsection
461 53-19-301(1)(c), to revoke certification.