Makes sexual contact or penetration between any law enforcement officer that is on duty and a person that is a detainee, arrestee, in custody or a suspect a felony.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would make it a serious crime (a felony) for any law enforcement officer who is on duty to engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration with a person they have authority over — specifically someone who is detained, arrested, in custody, or considered a suspect. In other words, if a police officer or other law enforcement officer uses their position of power to engage in any sexual activity with someone they are policing, that officer could face felony criminal charges.

The bill addresses a significant power imbalance that exists when someone is under the control or authority of law enforcement. Currently, in some situations, it may be unclear whether such conduct is already fully covered under existing state law. This legislation would make the rules explicit and clear: any sexual contact in these circumstances is automatically illegal, regardless of whether the person appears to "consent," since a person in custody or under suspicion is not in a position to freely and voluntarily agree to such contact.

This bill would primarily affect law enforcement officers across Rhode Island, holding them to a strict standard of conduct when dealing with people in their custody or under their authority. It would also affect detainees, arrestees, and suspects by providing them with stronger legal protections. The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and is currently being held for further study while a hearing has been scheduled.