Ban the use of Rubber Bullets by California Law Enforcement

The use of rubber bullets by law enforcement as a means of crowd control needs to be outlawed. Rubber bullets are a dangerous and potentially lethal piece of equipment, especially when used as excessively and abusively as they have been by police officers in the cities of Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, and more. These bullets were designed to be aimed at the ground as a means of dispersing potentially dangerous crowds. Instead, they are being fired at close range, directly into the faces, heads, and chests of peaceful protestors. This has resulted in injury (such as internal bleeding and bone fractures), permanent disability (such as blindness), and even death for many civilians. Furthermore, the use of rubber bullets has only contributed to escalating tensions and violence from crowds, the exact opposite of the purpose for which they were created. Instead of being used as a means to protect lives and property, they are instilling fear and life-threatening injury in the minds, bodies, and hearts of California residents. The misuse of this equipment is a clear and disgusting abuse of power that cannot be allowed to continue. I demand that rubber bullets as means of crowd control be banned among all California police departments, and officers are taught ways to safely de-escalate potentially dangerous crowds instead of antagonize them. You have the power to create this change and protect the first Amendment rights of all California citizens.