Indiana § 36-8-2-2 - Police and law enforcement system; hiring procedures

§ 36-8-2-2. Police and law enforcement system; hiring procedures

Sec. 2. (a) A unit may establish, maintain, and operate a police and law enforcement system to preserve public peace and order and may provide facilities, equipment, and supplies for that system.

(b) Before hiring a person as a law enforcement officer, including a police reserve officer described in IC 36-8-3-20, the hiring department or agency shall contact every law enforcement department or agency that has employed (or that currently employs) the applicant and request that the employing department or agency provide:

(1) a complete and unredacted copy of all documents related to disciplinary action or internal investigations (whether performed by an internal investigator or an outside agency) involving the officer; and

(2) the hiring department or agency with a copy of the applicant's entire employment file, except for any medical records or information.

(c) An agency or department that receives a request under subsection (b) or under IC 5-2-24-2 shall:

(1) comply with the request not later than ten (10) business days from receipt of the request; and

(2) upon request of the applicant, provide the applicant with a copy of the information provided to the hiring department or agency.

No covenant, promise, or agreement to refrain from disclosure of the information described in subsection (b) prevents compliance with the requirements imposed by this section. An agency or department acting in good faith is immune from civil and criminal liability for complying with this subsection.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 18-1-1.5-6(b); 18-1-1.5-15(a); 18-1-1.5-15(c); 18-3-1-40 part; 18-4-2-13 part; 18-4-2-20 part.]

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.211, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.12-2021, SEC.9; P.L.64-2022, SEC.13; P.L.173-2023, SEC.3; P.L.57-2026, SEC.6.