The Law Enforcement Professionalization and Accountability Act of 2025

Liberty Justice
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1

An Act to establish national standards for the recruitment, evaluation, and accountability of law enforcement officials in the United States.

Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known as the “Law Enforcement Professionalization and Accountability Act of 2025.”

Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to:

  1. Enhance the professionalism and competency of law enforcement officials by requiring a bachelor’s degree in prelaw or an equivalent legal field.
  2. Ensure ongoing mental health and stress management evaluations to improve decision-making and public safety.
  3. Establish a standardized retraining regimen to maintain and improve critical policing skills.
  4. Strengthen oversight and accountability by transferring internal affairs oversight to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Section 3: Requirements for Law Enforcement Officials

(a) Educational Requirements

  1. All new law enforcement recruits must hold a bachelor’s degree in prelaw or a related legal discipline from an accredited institution.
  2. Current officers without this qualification will have a five-year grace period to fulfill the requirement while maintaining their positions.

(b) Psychological Evaluations

  1. All active law enforcement officials must undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation every two years, conducted by an independent licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
  2. Any official failing the evaluation shall be temporarily removed from duty and enrolled in appropriate mental health programs before returning to active duty.

(c) Annual Stress Management and Response Testing

  1. Officers shall complete an annual test assessing their ability to remain calm under high-stress and high-pressure situations.
  2. Performance standards shall be established by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and failure to meet them will require remedial training.

(d) Periodic Retraining

  1. Every five years, law enforcement officials must complete a three-month retraining program that includes the latest developments in de-escalation techniques, community relations, and use-of-force protocols.

Section 4: Federal Oversight of Internal Affairs

  1. The oversight and investigation of internal affairs within state and local law enforcement agencies shall be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  2. The FBI shall establish a dedicated division for internal affairs oversight, ensuring impartial and standardized investigations of misconduct claims.
  3. State and local law enforcement agencies shall cooperate fully with the FBI and provide access to necessary records and personnel for the investigation of misconduct.

Section 5: Funding and Implementation

  1. The Department of Justice shall allocate grants and funding to state and local governments to assist in meeting the educational and training requirements established under this Act.
  2. Compliance timelines:
  • Educational requirements: five years from the enactment of this Act.
  • Psychological evaluations and stress management testing: one year from enactment.
  • Retraining programs: two years from enactment.
  • FBI oversight: immediate implementation upon enactment.

Section 6: Penalties for Non-Compliance

  1. Law enforcement agencies failing to comply with the requirements of this Act may face reductions in federal funding for policing programs.
  2. Individual officers found operating in violation of the requirements may face suspension or termination of certification.

Section 7: Reporting and Transparency

  1. The FBI shall issue an annual public report detailing findings, trends, and outcomes of internal affairs investigations.
  2. Law enforcement agencies must submit compliance reports annually to the Department of Justice.

Section 8: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval.