State Policing Reforms Since George Floyd's Murder

Introduction

• George Floyd's murder ignited a mass movement against police violence towards Black Americans.
• This event intensified calls for systemic change in American policing.
• The movement built on earlier losses like Philando Castile and Breonna Taylor.
• There is increased recognition of racial oppression and dehumanization in the criminal justice system.

Statistics

• Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population but experience disproportionate police contact and incarceration.
• They are over three times more likely to be killed by the police than white counterparts.

Community-Led Movements

• Movements like Black Lives Matter have pushed for changes, including defunding the police.
• Cities like Austin and Los Angeles pledged to cut police budgets and invest in community programs.
• San Francisco and Berkeley adopted measures to reduce police involvement in certain situations.
• New York City ended qualified immunity for officers.

State Reforms

• Over 30 states enacted statewide legislative policing reforms.
• Key areas of reform include:
  • Use of Force: States clarified and restricted use of force.
  • Duty to Intervene: Laws created requiring officers to intervene in misconduct.
  • Decertification Processes: States established processes for decertifying officers.

Use of Force

• States restricted when officers can use deadly or less-lethal force.
• 9 states and DC banned chokeholds and neck restraints.

Duty to Intervene

• 12 states and DC require officers to intervene in cases of excessive force.
• Requires reporting misconduct and rendering medical aid.

Decertification

• 14 states strengthened law enforcement decertification processes.
• New laws require misconduct data reporting and maintaining public databases.

Broader Solutions and Challenges

• Recent reforms may not fully address policing issues.
• Federal government involvement is critical, with actions like the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act pending in Congress.
• The Act seeks to address racial profiling, use of excessive force, and the movement of unfit officers between states.

Future Directions

• Fundamental restructuring of public safety systems is needed.
• Strategies include reducing unnecessary police contact and relying on public health professionals.
• Encouragement of community-led violence prevention and diversion programs.
• Emphasizes partnerships between law enforcement and community service providers for better crisis responses.

Conclusion

• Effective change requires both state reforms and broader systemic restructuring.
• A nationwide reimagining of policing and public safety systems is essential for real community safety.