Reforms at the state and local levels will be the biggest drivers of change.

Sen. John Cornyn: How we can police our communities better

Reforms at the state and local levels will be the biggest drivers of change.

By John Cornyn

 

As published in the Dallas Morning News
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Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., center, accompanied by from left, Sen. James Lankford,
R-Okla., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., Sen. John Cornyn,
R-Texas, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.,
speaks at a news conference to announce a Republican police reform bill on
Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Washington.(Andrew Harnik)

The killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis was a brutal, senseless
and avoidable tragedy, and one our country has witnessed countless times
before. In many ways, his death was the match that ignited nationwide
conversations about the racial injustices that have existed in our country for
generations. These systemic problems have led to inequalities in everything
from education, to health care, to housing, and while each of these must be
addressed, the most important place to start is with police reforms.

 

In a recent poll
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conducted byThe Washington Post and George Mason University, nearly 70% of
Americans agreed that Floyd’s death was a sign of broader problems in the
treatment of Black Americans by police. While there’s widespread agreement that
change is needed, there’s no consensus on what that change should look like. In
order to get there, it’s important to listen and learn from a variety of voices.

 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve teamed up with the mayors of both Dallas and
Houston to host roundtable discussions with law enforcement, faith and
community leaders. During our conversation in Dallas, Sheriff Marian Brown
said, “We have to reach a point where we are comfortable having uncomfortable
conversations.” Whether in Congress, workplaces or homes, these discussions
aren’t easy, and for too long the topic has been avoided altogether. But
progress can only happen if we’re having these important conversations and
following up with action.

 

Reforms at the state and local levels will be the biggest drivers of change.
This is where decisions are made about hiring, data sharing and day-to-day
police activities. By and large, that’s a good thing — a one-size-fits-all
rulebook would create more problems than solutions. But there are basic
practices that should be standard across the board, and Congress has a
responsibility to ensure all police departments are transparent, accountable
and well-trained.

 

In the Senate, I’ve worked closely with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., in developing
the Just and Unifying Solutions to Invigorate Communities Everywhere Act to
reform, retrain and restore trust in America’s police officers. This
legislation helps end chokeholds and addresses no-knock warrants, two practices
which — for good reason — have been brought into question by recent events. It
ensures our officers receive critical de-escalation trainings, properly use
body cameras, report critical data and are held accountable for mistakes. This
legislation also improves minority hiring in police forces, orders a
top-to-bottom review of our criminal justice system, and makes lynching a
federal crime.

 

It takes a number of steps to deliver both immediate and lasting changes in
communities across the country, and last week, the Senate took a routine
procedural vote to begin working on this bill. Those voting yes – as I did –
agreed to start the process of discussing, debating and amending this police
reform bill. This wasn’t a vote to pass the bill, or preclude any changes, just
a simple, straightforward step to get the process moving.

 

Unfortunately, Democrats blocked the bill. They prevented the Senate from even
debating this legislation by claiming it was “inadequate.” They refused to
negotiate, offer amendments, or try to engage in any meaningful or productive
way. When given the opportunity to follow their calls for action with actual
progress, they chose to simply vote “no.”

 

It was a disappointing show of priorities and a tremendous loss for our
country, which is hungry for reform. Despite this setback, however, I will
continue to press forward and encourage my colleagues to pass the sensible
reforms we all agree are necessary.

 

During a roundtable discussion in Dallas a few weeks ago, Police Chief Renée
Hall discussed how policing strategies over the years have created a wedge
between law enforcement and their communities, and we’re going to have to work
to fix it.

 

I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m confident that stonewalling the
Senate will not lead to progress. Every person — regardless of skin color,
political party, age or background — must be willing to do the work. This
uncomfortable national conversation is long overdue, and it’s time we seize
this opportunity to create real reforms. Instead of accepting “no,” it’s time
to demand, “yes.”

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