George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police one year ago today.

For many, the killing of George Floyd was yet another in a seemingly unending series of extrajudicial death sentences carried out by law enforcement against people of color.

For others, Floyd’s death helped make plain the reality of systemic racism and its horrific consequences.

George Floyd’s murder initiated a long overdue reckoning for the country. There is a different national conversation now underway about racial justice. And — driven by grassroots activism — there have been some important policy steps forward.

But there is so much more to do, including:

Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with no further delay.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would (among other things):

• Mandate that deadly force be used only as a last resort by federal law enforcement as well as by state and local law enforcement agencies that get federal funding.

• Limit the transfer of military equipment to police.

• Require state and local law enforcement agencies that get federal funding to adopt policies and training aimed at ending racial profiling.

• Prohibit “no-knock” warrants in federal drug investigations.

• Ban chokeholds by federal law enforcement as well as state and local law enforcement agencies that get federal funding.

• Establish a federal registry of police misconduct.

• Restrict “qualified immunity” for state and local law enforcement personnel who violate the civil rights of the people they are supposed to protect.

• Allow the U.S. Department of Justice to issue subpoenas as part of “pattern and practice” investigations into police bias or misconduct.

The House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act almost three months ago.

Now it’s up to the Senate.

Tell the United States Senate:

It is long past time for comprehensive, structural changes to the way policing is conceived and carried out in America. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act would take significant steps to combat misconduct, excessive force, and racial bias in law enforcement. Pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with no further delay.

Add your name.

Thanks for taking action.

For justice,

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen
 
 
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