For Immediate Release:
June 8, 2020
Contact:
Matthew Nocella, mnocella@dccouncil.us, 202.286.1987
Councilmember Grosso to offer amendments to demilitarize and reduce MPD
Washington, D.C. – The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso who will offer several amendments to the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 that will begin the demilitarization and reduction of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in the wake of sustained protests in the District of Columbia and across the globe:
“The past few weeks were another painful moment in the long history of white supremacy and police brutality that have plagued our nation since its founding. The protests in cities across the world have called out for police reform and I applaud Councilmember Charles Allen and the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety for their quick work among all that is going on to be responsive to community demands and pull this package together. My concern, though, is that the bill does not go far enough to fundamentally alter the dynamics of policing in the District of Columbia.
“Last week, we were all furious and unnerved by the occupation of the District of Columbia with the non-consensual deployment of federal troops and unmarked officers to our city streets, as well as the conduct of our own police department on Swann Street NW. For many of our residents, every day feels like an occupation because of how the police operate in their communities.
“The over policing of our communities and militarization of our police force must end.
“Tomorrow, I will propose four amendments. The first three will seek to reduce the use of military-style equipment and tactics by the police. The first would prohibit use of tear gas and other chemical agents on protesters, in accordance with permanent legislation introduced last week by Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. The second would further demilitarize the police by prohibiting use of rubber bullets and limiting the use of riot gear at demonstrations. Third, I’m proposing a ban on MPD participating in trainings with entities that practice discrimination or with any military or intelligence agency.
“The final amendment would limit MPD to a sworn officer force of 3,500. D.C. currently has 3,863 sworn officers, approximately 55 per 10,000 residents. That’s double the national average and well above other cities of its size or larger. D.C. would still lead the pack of similar cities with 50 officers per 10,000 residents under this new limit.”
“Even with these amendments the work will be incomplete. Police departments across the nation have grown too large and are relied upon for far too many of the issues that face our residents. Mental health. Homelessness. Substance abuse. Student discipline. This is the result of decades of failure by elected officials to solve non-violent issues in our communities without the police. I’m committed to making changes in the mayor’s budget proposal currently before the Council that will divert funding for the police in favor of investments in making our communities safe through greater economic security and strong social services. I will work with my colleagues to make that happen.”
“I had also planned to offer an amendment to tomorrow’s legislation to end stop-and-frisk, but have withheld that action for now in response to community requests. I will instead work with advocates and community members making the demands for changes to stop-and-frisk, as well as my colleagues, to introduce stand-alone emergency legislation on the topic at the next legislative meeting of the Council.”
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