Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released a proposal for additional police reform policies on Monday after nearly a month of protests against police brutality and racial inequality across the nation.
The four-pronged plan features policies such as a ban on chokeholds, retention of disciplinary records and a requirement of “duty to intervene” policies.
“All Michiganders, no matter their community or the color of their skin, deserve equal treatment under the law,” Whitmer said in a statement. “This proposal will help us ensure that law enforcement officials treat all Michiganders with humanity and respect, and will help us keep our communities safe.”
The proposal focuses on four areas: policy, personnel, partnership and community engagement, and prevention and accountability.
New proposed policies include a ban on chokeholds, limited use of no-knock warrants, required “duty to intervene” policies, and classifying false and racially-motivated emergency calls as a hate crime, among others.
The proposal also suggests incentive programs for officers who live in the area in which they work, investing in community relationship programs that “break down barriers between police and communities” and requiring independent investigations in shootings and use of force incidents.
Whitmer expressed her support of similar police reforms earlier this month, including mandated implicit bias training, de-escalation techniques and mental health screenings for incoming law enforcement officers.
Both of Whitmer’s calls for reform follows the death of George Floyd, who died in May in Minneapolis during an arrest. His death sparked nationwide protests over police brutality and racial inequality, including those in Detroit.
“People across Michigan have been calling for changes to police practices, and these actions are clear steps in the direction of needed reform,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said in a statement. “These reforms will help us build a more just and equitable law enforcement system and ensure the safety of Black Michiganders across the state.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
