The Future of Law Enforcement in North Carolina

The Future of Law Enforcement in North Carolina

The recent protests demanding change in our current law enforcement policies to end systemic racism and over policing are bearing fruit.

Just this last week, Raleigh Mayor Mary Ann Baldwin and Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown have announced a series of sweeping policy changes – meeting the demands of #8CantWait, a citizen-led group calling for change.

I support the efforts of our citizens demanding a change in the culture of our law enforcement. While ending chokeholds and reviewing our use of force policies are a very good start, we really have to dig deep down to root out racism. We need to take this time and this opportunity to truly transform our policing programs and policies.

These changes include integration of police actions with mental healthcare support and drug intervention programs. We need to integrate social services programs with police agencies, so we are more proactive in serving the needs of the community – not over policing.

I believe we should also look at more accountability on our law enforcement officers – changing the laws of immunity that shield officers from civil actions. We must do a better job of training our law enforcement officers – helping them deescalate situations which otherwise could result in use of deadly force, teaching racial equality and respect for every single citizen is important as well.

I have lived through the Civil Rights era. It has been an honor to serve as our state’s first African American Speaker of the NC House. I have always believed in the goodness of our people, and in my heart I see a future that embraces change, that moves us forward so we are able to live out our state motto – ‘To be rather than to seem.”

Sen. Dan Blue

NC Senate Democratic Leader

District 14 – Wake County

For more information: danblueforsenate.org

PAID FOR BY THE DAN BLUE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE