It is right that people are protesting the murder of George Floyd and others. But the protesters have incredible power and they are not using it.
Peaceful Protests In Ocean City Tuesday At one point, protesters laid on the ground.
(Image by YouTube, Channel: CBS Philly) Details DMCA
They need a message that demands police reform. Considering that much of the violence that happens is in big cities, the change does not necessarily require bipartisan legislation. Mayors and governors can set and change policies. City councils can set and change policies. District attorneys can set and change policies. State Attorney Generals can set and change policies. Police chiefs can set and change policies. But the crowds must start demanding changes to policies.
I believe that the time is ripe to put together a list of demands. The crowds have immense power. They need to use it.
So people need to put together that list of demands.
Here are some ideas from the ACLU:
Here's one Philadelphia legislator's tweet about reform
RT @alecia__reid: Local and State officials joined forces to offer police reform that they belief will help lessen the tension between Phil… at
— joe costanzo (@costanzo740) June 2, 2020
I'm not expert on police reform, but here are a few ideas:
Police should be severely punished or terminated if they do not have their wearable video cameras on at all times.
Police officers must report misconduct by fellow officers. Fail to do so should have very serious consequences-- consequences that cause the officers to over-ride their "blue wall" loyalty to fellow police.
Police should be required to stop fellow police from engaging in any unlawful or abusive activities that are not accepted policy. Failure to stop makes them accomplices in any crimes they observe. (Minneapolis has that policy.)
Police unions have become dangerous defenders of bad cops. They must be called out by Mayors and city leaders.
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