Concerning Law Enforcement; And To Require A Law Enforcement Officer Involved In A Deadly Use Of Force Incident To Be Placed On Temporary Leave And Attend Therapy.
Summary
HB1885 would create a new section of Arkansas law requiring a law enforcement agency to respond in a specific way after a “deadly use of force incident,” defined as an incident in which an officer’s physical force results in a person’s death. The bill requires the officer to be placed immediately on 45 days of paid administrative leave and to receive mandatory mental health counseling or therapy, either in person or virtually, from a licensed counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist at no cost to the officer.
The counseling requirement would last at least 90 days and could be extended for up to another 90 days if the treating professional recommends additional sessions. Before returning to normal active duty, the officer must regularly attend counseling during the leave period and obtain documentation from the treating professional recommending return to duty. The bill expressly does not apply if the officer is charged with a criminal offense arising from the deadly force incident.
Impact
HB1885 would add Arkansas Code § 12-6-703 and impose a mandatory post-incident leave-and-treatment protocol on law enforcement agencies statewide. It would affect agencies’ personnel policies, require paid administrative leave for qualifying officers, and create a new statutory obligation to provide and document mental health treatment after a fatal use-of-force event. The bill would also establish an exception for incidents that lead to criminal charges, leaving those cases outside the new requirements.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available record suggests a policy-focused, reform-oriented proposal rather than one with documented public debate in the materials provided. The bill’s framing indicates concern for officer mental health and structured recovery after traumatic incidents, while also preserving a formal return-to-duty clearance process. No voting history or transcript evidence is available here to show broader support or opposition.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are likely to be the mandatory nature of the leave and counseling requirements, the cost and administrative burden on law enforcement agencies, and whether a fixed 45-day paid leave period is appropriate in all cases. Some may view the bill as an important officer wellness measure and a safeguard for public safety, while others may question whether the state should mandate therapy and paid leave by statute or whether such decisions should remain with local agencies and existing personnel policies. The exception for officers facing criminal charges may also raise questions about how the rule would operate in borderline or contested cases.