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Prominent Conn. Republicans Call For Suspension Of Police Accountability Law

Jessica Hill
/
AP
Conn. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano

Two Republican leaders in the General Assembly have urged Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to suspend the state’s new police accountability law.

Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano and deputy House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora wrote a letter to the governor after a rash of shootings in Hartford.

The Republicans say the measure has caused police officers to hold back on law enforcement out of fear for their jobs. They also say some police departments have had a hard time with the recruitment and retention of officers.

Portions of the police accountability law went into effect this month. One measure requires officers to intervene if they see another officer using excessive force. Another bans choke-holds.

Civil rights groups say the law shouldn’t impede everyday policing.

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.