Van Dyke Verdict Is Step Toward Police Accountability

WASHINGTON – Lynda Garcia, policing campaign director for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement after former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was found guilty of murder in the killing of Laquan McDonald:

“This jury verdict is a critical step toward restoring community trust. Chicago’s police department has a history of not holding officers accountable for discriminatory and biased policing. It is time for an overhaul of the department’s policies and practices to avoid another senseless death.  We commend the prosecutors for bringing this case forward and the jury for considering all of the facts. Law enforcement officers must be held to a high standard if they are truly to protect and serve all people. Although this verdict will not bring their son back, our thoughts are with the McDonald family who saw justice served today.”

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.