The continuing senseless murders of African Americans at the hands of select police officers during routine patrols, traffic stops and arrest, often without threat, weapons or resistance have shed light on a long-standing problem that is now being brought to light because these acts have been captured on the cameras of citizen’s brave enough to stand their ground with their phones and record these heinous acts.

These murders are concerning to citizens and dedicated police officers alike as all are at risk when police officers kill at will without consequence. We face desperation in not only the African American community, but in all of our communities when these cases increase and investigations do not result in proper convictions – even when public outcry or media exposure takes place.

In reviewing the hiring polices, screenings and procedures of many communal law enforcement agencies, it is clear that there is a deficit in the extensive background checks needed to undertake such an important social function (including basic things like tracking social media activity that would highlight racist/homophobic or misogynistic tendencies or involvement with hate groups ).

The continued militarization of our local police forces has led to a dearth of non-lethal, conflict de-escalation trainings that could result in the prevention of many of these murders. Finally, mental health screenings that filter out officers with deviant tendencies must be improved to protect both citizens and officers who work diligently to protect their communities. 

Without extensive background checks, members of  hate groups are able to infiltrate and operate unseen in positions where they have the most power to impact the greatest number of lives, communities and the nation’s peace. Make no bones about it, the combined practice of lax screening and no consequences for the killing of African Americans WILL attract people to law enforcement who join the force with the intention of killing African Americans with impunity.  

The citizens of this country deserve a system that tracks and investigates these homicides. If African Americans are to believe that they can call on the police if they need help, every reasonable action to pursue equal justice for all must be taken. Any unprovoked act of violence, when non-lethal force is an option, and a valuable life is lost, is a crime and should be punished as such, even when committed by an officer of the law.

Please help us bring an end to the violence by using the authority entrusted to you, to protect all American lives equally, fairly and justly.