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| Friend, The mass mobilization denouncing police killings and systemic racism has intensified the urgent call for an end to the police violence that puts Black and Brown lives in danger every day. Although Congress just took a step toward reform with the Justice in Policing Act, it does not go nearly far enough to end drug war-fueled police militarization. Demand that your Members of Congress strengthen this bill and act swiftly and boldly on police reform. The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 includes reforms to ban no-knock warrants for drug cases, restrict programs giving military equipment to local police departments, prohibit chokeholds, document police misconduct and use-of-force, and help end racial profiling. But it fails to fully address the militarization practices that are disproportionately used against people of color in drug investigations. Perceived drug use served as a justification by police to kill George Floyd. And drug war funding for militarized police is what allowed the shooting of Breonna Taylor in her own bed. This bill doesn’t do enough to ensure unconscionable killings like these don’t happen again. We call on Congress to strengthen the legislation by banning quick-knock raids, which can be just as deadly as no-knock warrants, and ending programs that allow militarized policing. And instead of continuing to fund the drug war and police departments, resources should be shifted to education, housing, harm reduction services, and other infrastructure that strengthens communities and increases public safety. The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor are just two of countless cases in which the police have used drugs as an excuse to target, harass, assault and kill people. Congress must act boldly before more lives are lost. Demand immediate action to stop fatal police killings and violence. Even as Congress and communities mobilize to demand justice, the DEA has been granted more power which will only continue fueling mass incarceration, racial disparities and other problems exacerbated by the drug war. The time has come for comprehensive reform. And dismantling drug war-fueled policing is an important step in the fight to protect our communities and ensure dignity and respect for Black and Brown lives. Sincerely, Maritza Perez Director, National Affairs Drug Policy Alliance |
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