During Covid, I drove to the store with the necessary insurance and had an appointment scheduled at the DMV, thinking all was right with the world. However, an officer from the Oakland County, Michigan, sheriff's department found it appropriate to arrest me, impound my car, and remove my dashcam's SD card. Not only that, they broke my new phone while confining me in their vehicle for 45 minutes. The only charge laid upon me was having the wrong tags on my car.

This unfortunate incident is not isolated, and stories like mine echo across communities where law enforcement officers abuse their power with little to no repercussions. These actions shatter the trust between the public and the police—an institution that should serve and protect its community. We've had enough. It's time for accountability.

I call on lawmakers to invoke 18 U.S.C. § 242, which makes it a crime for anyone acting under the law to willfully deprive someone of their civil rights. Punitive actions should be taken against officers with more than three serious misconduct complaints. They should face fines, jail time, and a ban from serving in law enforcement for at least 10 years. Additionally, officers should not receive paid leave during investigations into their actions.

Statistics reveal that many officers repeatedly face serious accusations without facing meaningful consequences. A study by the Cato Institute shows that a small percentage of officers are responsible for a disproportionate number of complaints. This reflects systemic issues within our police departments that must be addressed.

Implementing these measures would deter police misconduct, rebuild public trust, and reinforce the values of justice and equality under law. For meaningful change to happen, law policymakers, police departments, and the judiciary must come together and take decisive action against perpetually abusive officers.

Support this petition to urge lawmakers to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions, ensuring justice and safety for all citizens. Sign this petition to bring about the change we desperately need in our justice system.