The fight is far from over but in the past few weeks of protests, we have seen lawmakers and politicians step up to enact actual change. The demand for reform for police is real, though this is something that must be tackled on all levels of government. Even though certain cities and states aren't budging on their stance, a new report claims that Trump will be signing off on a federal order on police reform.
Per PBS, attorney S. Lee Merritt, who's represented the families of Botham Jean and Antwon Rose, has revealed that Trump will sign off on a new executive order that lays down new police reform initiatives. Merritt will be at the signing and to testify before Senate this week. He revealed that Trump will also meet with several Black families who've been affected by police brutality.
Merritt said there are five sections in the order:
"1. A statement acknowledging that some law enforcement officers have gravely misused their authority and have caused communities and particularly Black communities to mistrust them
2. An order to establish a national certification and credentialing system for law enforcement agents.
3. An order to create a federal database to track officers accused of wrongdoing like excessive use-of-force.
4. a directive to the secretary of Health and Human Services to work on encouraging police departments to involve mental health officials when dealing with issues of mental health, homelessness, and addiction.
5. a directive to encourage Congress to pass legislation related to policing. (Democrats and the Congressional Black Caucus introduced the Justice in Policing Act last week.)"
This is obviously a 180 from his previous stance regarding police use of excessive force, especially once the protests began. He's also been vehemently against any efforts to “defund, dismantle, and disband the police."
We'll keep you updated on any more news.
