Policing Reform Overhaul Needed to Ensure Safety for All

WASHINGTON – Lynda Garcia, policing campaign director at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the release of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights police use of force report:

“Law enforcement’s main goal is to protect and serve all people no matter their race, gender, gender identity, ability, immigration status, income level, or sexual orientation. Excessive force strains police-community relationships, and improvements to police accountability systems are necessary to help bridge the mistrust gap. One week after Jeff Sessions sounded the death knell for future investigations and oversight of police departments, the commission’s report shows us that a policing overhaul and collaborative reform is needed to ensure every person feels safe – and is safe.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.