Michigan State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) supports a bill to give more police training to prevent police brutality. | Michigan Senate Republicans
Michigan State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) supports a bill to give more police training to prevent police brutality. | Michigan Senate Republicans
As many Americans across the country stand up against police brutality, lawmakers in Michigan are considering a bill that would make sure officers get trained in an effort to improve law enforcement's relationships with the communities they serve while protecting civilians from excessive force.
Senators in Michigan have passed a bill that answered the nationwide call for police reform after George Floyd's death in Minneapolis. Republican Sen. Jon Bumstead called Floyd's death a "tragedy." Bumstead said those officers involved should be held responsible, according to a press release nn the Michigan Senate GOP website.
"Americans are justifiably upset," he said in the press release. "I fully support everyone's First Amendment right to protest and peacefully assemble. There have been many recent incidents of Michiganders peacefully demonstrating to make their voices heard and I commend those who have participated in these demonstrations."
Bumstead voted for Senate Bill 945, which would mandate all officers who work in a law enforcement capacity in the state to be trained on bias, fairness and ways to de-escalate a situation. They would also learn about mental health resources. It would make participation in such training not only yearly, but ongoing as well.
Part of the law would also require law enforcement agencies across the state to adopt a policy which specifies officers whenever possible have an obligation to use methods to reduce the intensity of a situation. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement would come up with a model policy for agencies to adopt or cater to their own department, but would have to implement it by January 1, 2022. The bill now heads to the State House of Representatives.
"I stand with the Michigan State Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan, and other law enforcement organizations in supporting the reforms in Senate Bill 945," Bumstead said in the press release. "I hope to see quick action taken in the House as the bill makes its way to the governor's desk."
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