#GeorgeFloyd. #BreonnaTaylor. #AhmaudArbery. Just three of the most recent victims of the violent racism that persists in this country today. To name all of the souls who tragically lost their lives would take up pages, but the message would be the same: it is high time for some real criminal justice reform in this country. This letter asks that you fight for and support the following measures to combat the current dangerous climate of police brutality and racial injustice:
1.Evidence-based police de-escalation trainings. These should be standard everywhere. It is always good, and never bad, when police officers are trained to bring the level of agitation in a situation down, and not up. Police officers should be there to protect us, and should not be viewed themselves as threats, as they currently are to so many people.
2.Reduce mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug crimes. Specifically, support the Smarter Sentencing Act (S. 2850), the Justice Safety Valve Act (S. 399, H.R. 1097), and the Second Look Act (S. 2146).
3.Require racial impact statements in all criminal justice bills to prevent creating or exacerbating racial disparities should the bill become law.
4.Speak out and speak against racial injustice whenever and wherever you see it. Be loud. The time to quietly object has passed.
While none of these measures alone will solve the current problem, each one is a small step that contributes to building a stronger and more trustworthy criminal justice system that will protect and defend every person, regardless of their race.
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