GOP senators draft plan for police reform

After two weeks of widespread protests, Republican senators are preparing a proposal for police reform.

News 12 Staff

Jun 10, 2020, 10:45 AM

Updated 1,639 days ago

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After two weeks of widespread protests, Republican senators are preparing a proposal for police reform.
"What we've been talking about here in the Senate Republican Conference is what we think is the appropriate response to the events of the last few weeks," says Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Majority Leader)
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) unveiled a draft of the proposal which includes greater accountability for no-knock warrants and uses of force, a system for sharing records of law enforcement officers and a plan to recruit officers who reflect the community.
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Scott’s plan release coincided with George Floyd's funeral in Houston. "It is very unfortunate that his death was the catalyst for talks that needed to happen a very long time ago," says Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
Since Floyd's killing while in custody of Minneapolis police, some protesters are calling for police departments to be de-funded and dissolved, with their funding redistributed to community programs.
And while there is general agreement that action is needed, some say a dismantling of law enforcement groups could be dangerous, especially with domestic disturbances. "You think that you're going to send somebody there without the required equipment to protect themselves and the innocent person they are supposed to help? That's folly," says James Gagliano, former FBI supervisory special agent.
Sen. Scott is also part of the five-person task force that will work on turning the draft into legislation.