Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, \u201cProtests are important, but changing the culture means nothing if the law doesn\u2019t change.\u201d This is why I am running for state Senate District 8. This is why I work and am endorsed by experts like Pamela Meanes, former president of the National Bar Association the nation\u2019s oldest and largest network of African American attorneys and judges to develop legislation to pass laws that outlaw the problem.<\/p>\n
Our Democratic legislators are working to pass Senate Bill 217, \u201cThe Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity Act,\u201d this week and bring sweeping changes to police accountability.<\/p>\n
It is critical to call you Colorado senator and representative and tell them you want to see this bill passed in its present form.<\/p>\n
The Denver Post delineated the bill as follows.<\/p>\n
The wide-ranging measure requires a number of significant changes for law enforcement, including that:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Officers wear body cameras and have them turned on throughout their shift<\/p>\n
\u2022Body camera footage be released to the public within 14 days of an incident<\/p>\n
\u2022Officers can be sued in their individual capacities<\/p>\n
\u2022 Police departments and sheriffs\u2019 offices collect and report racial data for every interaction with the public<\/p>\n
\u2022 Officers intervene when their colleagues use inappropriate force<\/p>\n
\u2022 Officers who are fired from a law enforcement agency be prevented from moving to another police department or sheriff\u2019s office<\/p>\n
\u2022 Chokeholds not be used<\/p>\n
\u2022 Officers cannot use deadly force to stop a person they suspect has used a weapon in a crime or is armed \u2014 called the \u201cfleeing felon rule\u201d \u2014 unless there is an imminent threat of the person using the weapon as part of their escape.<\/p>\n
Call Sen. Bob Rankin and tell him to vote yes on SB 217 at 303-866-5292<\/p>\n
Arn Menconi<\/p>\n
Carbondale<\/p>\n
\nEditor\u2019s note: Senate Bill 217 passed 32-1 Tuesday and advances to the House next week. Rankin voted in favor<\/a> of the bill.<\/p>\n