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“Detached” licensing system could decertify incompetent police, legislature says

The Vermont House voted to launch a comprehensive study of Vermont’s police forces and is considering implementing a licensing system for police officers that is similar to the regulatory scheme for nursing, according to a March 18 article published by the Burlington Free Press.

The various law enforcement agencies in the state have been referred to as a “patchwork” system, and lawmakers are considering eliminating specialized personnel working for the police department, citing cost issues. Legislators agreed to implement stricter protocols to ensure police aren’t engaging in discriminatory practices.

Vermont lawmakers have also initiated a proposal that seeks to determine if law enforcement should be regulated in the same way that nurses or funeral directors are. Since law enforcement officers are only regulated by the heads of their respective departments, a detached regulatory body may be prudent to “decertify” incompetent officers, notes the report.

 

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