As a national organization of Black Law Enforcement Professionals, we recognize the need for oversight of policy and procedure and accountability of law enforcement when it comes to “Use of Force” policies and legislation.

If an officer certified by the state and is a trained professional, intentionally or unintentionally violates policies, procedures, and training that results in severe injury or death, it should be a crime. If we genuinely want policing to change, there must be real accountability laws. Violations of departmental policies and training must be recognized as criminal actions. We should not accept anything less!

Local, county, state, and federal elected officials can also negotiate accountability measures in police union collective bargaining agreements. Cities and states have paid out millions in lawsuits and judgments and still give out raises to unions that have defended racist criminal officers.