Friend –

The House Judiciary Committee's hearing on policing is set for tomorrow, and it could not be a more crucial time to demand action from our lawmakers.

The tragic killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless other Black people at the hands of law enforcement has made it clear: The policing systems in America are causing deadly harm to our Black and Brown communities, and it cannot continue.

It's time to divest from law enforcement as an institution. We're calling on the House to take swift measures toward this goal and need you to join us. Please, send your message to Congress now – and specifically demand:

1. The end to the Department of Defense's 1033 program, which fuels the militarization of law enforcement by arming local and state police like soldiers. Weapons have no role in the policing of our communities or protests, especially military-grade weapons;
2. The end to the COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grants that put excessive numbers of law enforcement on the streets and in schools, where they have proven to be dangerous and divisive;
3. The reigning in of Byrne JAG (Justice Assistance Grant) grants, as long as they continue to perpetuate police violence, the destruction of Black and Brown communities, the failed drug war, and low-level arrests.

We have seen the destruction that police militarization and over-policing in our communities can do.

In the past few weeks alone, we've seen police – armed with military gear and weapons – use excessive force and unlawful violence against protesters asking for racial justice and journalists covering their demonstrations.

And for centuries, we have seen over-policing in America lead to the targeting, brutalization, and unnecessary deaths of Black and Brown people. It must end, and it must end now.

ACLU Supporter, this is a pivotal moment. The fact that the Minneapolis City Council announced its intention to disband the Minneapolis Police Department over the weekend shows us that change to policing in our country is possible. Now, we must push for that change at the federal level – by coming together and demanding action from our lawmakers as loudly as possible.

Please, make sure Congress hears your voice today: Send a message to your U.S. House Representatives and demand an end to 1033 and COPS – and to reign in Byrne JAG grants so long as this money continues to perpetuate police violence and harm.

Thanks for taking action,

Kanya Bennett
ACLU Senior Legislative Counsel