Dear Representatives:

Legislation can prevent the needless death of citizens in Minnesota by the hand of the police. The shooting death of Daunte Wright demands that we take immediate and decisive actions.  I am convinced that we can do better to prevent the deadly encounter that citizens of this state experience with law enforcement.  The majority of victims of police violence are black men. 

We cannot expect the police to protect us or to police themselves.  Public outcry and protest have not solved these horrific displays of violence against communities.  It will take legislation that asserts clear guidelines to change behavior, force compliance, and establish justifiable punishment.

Below I have listed several proposed ideas that can make our state safer for all.  Is there any reason why we cannot implement the following?

1.      Declare a state-wide moratorium on the “Use of Deadly Force” until a reasonable solution is found.

2.      Utilize technology to issue all traffic citations to avoid most traffic encounters between citizens and law enforcement.

3.      Eradicate discriminatory practices of issuing low-level infractions, citations, misdemeanors, and custodial arrests that target the marginalized and disenfranchised people of color.

Thank you for considering my proposal.

Sincerely,

Dozier Hunter