I have police officers in my family. I stand with the 99% of police officers who run to the danger, threats, and possible death to save others.
Defunding the police is not the answer.
Police reform is essential to rebuilding the trust that many have lost in the police forces of our nations.
Police reform is also necessary to strengthen the trust many feel in their police today.
I have no blinders on. I am a Black Man. Even in Boston. I have felt the sting of racism and prejudice.
I have dealt with police officers who have horrible attitudes. I felt the anger of feeling helpless.
I get it. Those few times represent a miniscule number of members of the Boston Police Department.
It's lunacy that the police organization investigates itself. The use of prosecutors, who work closely with the police, will not supersede the authority, rights, or actions of the Civil Review Board.
I propose that:
1. Mandatory cultural and neighborhood training while officers are still rookies and in their assigned stations.
2. Body cameras must be worn during all public interactions. Police officers may not cover, block, or mute their body cameras in any situation involving suspects or persons in need of service. Officers who in any way obstruct their body camera should be charged with tampering with evidence.
3. Officers who are terminated from any police force must lose all police certifications. The terminated officer will not be allowed to work anywhere in American law enforcement as a sworn law enforcement officer.
4. Police departments that hire officers with a past of abusing, killing, or harming the public without justification will be held liable if that newly hired officer unjustifiably harms another person.
5. Brave officers who report the crimes of other officers must be protected and, if they choose, moved to another division or state.
6. Mandatory constitutional rights training.
Give officers access to clothing, blankets, and food to help those they come across who are in need.
Officers are given the autonomy to park in a community and walk around a block or two and just meet their community. It may seem like a small gesture, but it matters greatly and builds bonds.
I fully support the police. I have three retired police officers in my family. Honorable, brave souls who protected Americans with honor.
Non-lethal technology and training will be a top priority for My Administration.
Police officers will have more effective, non-lethal weapons at hand to stop suspects without having to shoot them.
The protection of the officer's life is priority one. Non-lethal detainment equipment gives them more options.
While the officers have to protect themselves. The use of non-lethal deterrents and apprehension techniques must be available for use.
In Support of Our Brave Police Officers
I propose the following:
1. The murder of a law enforcement officer must be raised to a federal offense, Death Row eligible.
2. Officers will be fully supported in advancing their education and development goals.
3. Boston Law Enforcement Officers will be audited to ensure officers are equipped with the best tactical and protective equipment.
4. Police officers must not lose their qualified immunity.
5. Therapy, both individual and family, will be a top priority for officers requesting the service. A strong support environment at home and at work can be very instrumental in helping officers be even more successful at their jobs.
6. When public workers like EMTS, firefighters, and police officers die in the line of duty. The $300,000 one-time payment should include their mortgages being paid off. A four-year free trip to a state college of their child's choosing upon acceptance.
Police recruiting
The BPD needs more qualified and dedicated police officers in our communities. To reach a higher level of officers.
I propose the following.
1. Boston removes the Boston residency requirement for police officers. I propose officers may be hired up to 24 miles beyond Boston City limits.
The strict requirements are that the officer not have a disciplinary record from other agencies. Not be removed from military service for bad behavior.
I will consult with police professionals in adapting this policy. This is a preliminary discussion.
Law enforcement can be a dangerous and rewarding career. The ideas I propose will serve no one, as long as the law enforcement Blue Wall stands.
Officers must speak out on the wrongdoings and evils committed by fellow officers. Without breaking the Blue Wall, the police have the same code as a street gang.
THE BLUE WALL MUST COME DOWN!
Breaking the criminal culture of silence among our nations' law enforcement agencies is a critical task that absolutely must be done.
Comments