Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and others speak at a news conference to announce a Republican police reform bill on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 11:42 AM PT — Wednesday, June 16, 2020
Senate Republicans have introduced a bill on police reform to address national unrest, which stemmed from the killing of African American George Floyd.
“This issue continues and that’s why its so important for us to say that we hear you, we’re listening to your concerns,” said Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) who has spearheaded the legislation.
The bill was introduced Wednesday morning and focused on three major areas. First, it would start by holding officers accountable for their actions by creating a database for violent offenses by law enforcement. The law would also require departments to report all encounters that resulted in injury or death of a person in custody to the FBI.
“Data collection or the information is making sure that when serious bodily injury occurs or death, that all of that information is reported to the FBI,” Scott explained. “Today only 40% of the departments report that information to the FBI. ”
That database would also help special commissions study the relationship between police and black men to improve the agencies practices. Additionally, it would change department protocols. Officers would no longer be allowed to use chokeholds on suspects and the government would reduce funding for departments who continued to allow the maneuver.
It’s time for Congress to come together to address injustices in our criminal justice system and improve the relationship between communities and law enforcement. Proud to co-sponsor @SenatorTimScott‘s #JUSTICEAct to provide commonsense reforms. #CJReformhttps://t.co/ZoTrW9zJJC
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) June 17, 2020
Finally, the bill looks to increase grants for agencies to equip every officer with a body camera. The additional funding would also make more resources like de-escalation training available in hopes of making encounters with officers safer.
“Once we have the information and we can then turn to the training that is necessary to deescalate situation…the duty to intervene…not standing there watching an officer with his knee on the neck, but intervening in these situations…we can train our officers better,” said Scott.
Democrat lawmakers unveiled a more stern version of the bill last week, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell vowed to kill it upon arrival to the Senate. Instead, he urged Democrats to support the GOP drafted measure, which he said proves the country can support both black Americans and law enforcement.
“Our Democratic friends, if they wanna make a law and not just a point, I hope they will join us in getting on the bill and trying to move forward in the way the Senate moves forward when it tries to actually get an outcome,” Mcconnell stated.
Meanwhile, a vote on Scott’s proposal is set to take place sometime next week.
RELATED: Sen. Schumer claims GOP senators proposed police reform bill ‘does not rise to the moment’
Be the first to comment