With the recent and startling increase in violence from police, legislation to increase police accountability has become absolutely necessary. From Devon Bailey being shot in his back by two officers to peaceful protesters being shot multiple times by rubber bullets, we can all see that police reform needs to happen now. 

     The goal of this petition is to have legislation pushed through the state House of Representatives and Senate that will implement an accountability policy in all police forces across the state. Specifically, this policy will mean that on-scene officers that do not intervene in clear cases of excessive force will be criminally liable for the damaged caused by the force the offending officer uses. 

     This legislation has the potential to save the lives of countless men and women and may ease the mistrust of police. My hope is that this legislation can be one of the many steps in the healing process of this state and that we can be an example for the rest of the nation.  

     Of course, what we desire is a change to police culture and the entirety of the system. That starts with one small action: your signature and call/email to your state legislator. They will only see this push for legislation if they have enough constituents in their district that care. 

     This is your chance to make real change in the state that you admire. Your voice matters. Amplify it by signing this petition and making it heard at your district legislator’s office. Please use the tool in the link listed below to find your district and legislators. A script can be found below if you are short on time or cannot find the right words to say. 

https://leg.colorado.gov/findmylegislator 

Script: 
Hello. My name is ____ and I live in the district that you represent. I wanted to speak with you directly to let you know how passionately I support an increase in police accountability. I want to bring a specific idea to you with the hope that you can support similar legislation in our state. Police need higher accountability, as is evident in many cases across the nation, specifically in the case of George Floyd. I recommend that you consider legislation that implements an accountability policy that would make on-scene officers that do not intervene in clear cases of excessive force as liable for the damage as the officer that committed the offense. I believe that this type of legislation will be positive for both civilians and officers. If this legislation would have already been in place, many people would still be with us and much trauma would have been avoided. There is currently a high level of mistrust in citizens toward police, as you likely know. This legislation has the potential to begin a healing process between citizens and police. I will be following up with you about this issue and will take note of your action or inaction in police reform. 

Sincerely, 
Your Name Here 

(Image from NBC News)