For the purposes of this division, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) DISCIPLINARY ACTION. Any formal corrective action resulting in a recommendation of reprimand, suspension, or termination based on a use of force complaint, as defined in this section, or investigation, and which is deemed final after the conclusion of any and all appeals or avenues of appellate review in the underlying disciplinary proceeding.
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Terms Used In Alabama Code 36-21-55

  • Appellate: About appeals; an appellate court has the power to review the judgement of another lower court or tribunal.
  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(2) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. A state department, sheriff, municipal police department, or any other agency or entity employing or appointing law enforcement officers located within the state.
(3) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. An officer employed or appointed by the state or a sheriff or municipality who is certified by the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission and who has the power of arrest.
(4) REASSIGNMENT FOR CAUSE. The decision of a law enforcement agency to modify a law enforcement officer’s assignment, job responsibilities, title, or compensation, in response to a use of force complaint, as defined in this section, or investigation that causes a law enforcement agency to deem the reassignment of a law enforcement officer necessary.
(5) REPORTABLE OFFENSE. Any disciplinary action, reassignment for cause, reportable separation, or use of force complaint, as defined in this section, filed against a law enforcement officer.
(6) REPORTABLE SEPARATION. The separation of a law enforcement officer from a law enforcement agency, including a resignation pending investigation, a resignation agreed upon by the law enforcement officer and the law enforcement agency after the filing of a complaint, or a resignation during an open investigation involving the law enforcement officer.
(7) USE OF FORCE COMPLAINT. A signed written complaint, alleging the use of excessive force or excessive physical force by a law enforcement officer, that has been investigated and determined to be valid and deemed final after the conclusion of all appeals or avenues of appellate review in the underlying disciplinary proceeding.
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