Connecticut General Statutes Title 7. Municipalities § 7-294ss. Development and promulgation of model policy re use of seat safety belts by persons being transported in municipal police vehicles

(a) Not later than December 31, 2023, the Police Officer Standards and Training Council established under section 7-294b shall develop and promulgate a model policy that provides guidelines on (1) the required use of a seat safety belt by any person who is being transported in a municipal police vehicle, and (2) standardized procedures to be utilized by a municipal police officer to ensure that any person who is being transported in a municipal police vehicle is secure in such vehicle through the use of a seat safety belt. Not later than April 1, 2024, each municipal law enforcement unit shall adopt and maintain a written policy that meets or exceeds the standards of the model policy developed pursuant to this subsection.

(b) On and after April 1, 2024, if the chief law enforcement officer of a municipal law enforcement unit finds, through procedures developed pursuant to subsection (g) of section 7-294d, that a municipal police officer has engaged in conduct that constitutes a violation of the policy established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and that such violation undermines public confidence in the municipal law enforcement unit, the chief law enforcement officer shall report such violation to the Police Officer Standards and Training Council. Said council shall thereafter conduct a de novo review of the matter. Whenever the council believes there is a reasonable basis for suspension, cancellation or revocation of the certification of a municipal police officer due to the reported violation, the council shall give notice and an adequate opportunity for a hearing to such officer prior to such suspension, cancellation or revocation. Such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54. 1 If the council finds by clear and convincing evidence that a violation of this section has occurred, the council may suspend, revoke or cancel the certificate of the certificate holder in accordance with the provisions of section 7-294d.