"A Tragedy"

Bumstead supports bill to improve law enforcement training
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 LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Jon Bumstead on Thursday voted for legislation to ensure all law enforcement officers receive training to help improve their community relationships and protect all Michigan families from excessive force.

“The death of George Floyd is a tragedy, and the officers responsible should be held accountable for their actions,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “Americans are justifiably upset, and I fully support everyone’s First Amendment right to protest and peacefully assemble. There have been many recent incidents of Michiganders peacefully demonstrating to make their voices heard and I commend those who have participated in these demonstrations.”

 Senate Bill 945 would require that all law enforcement officers complete training on implicit bias, procedural justice, and de-escalation techniques and receive education on mental health resources. It also would require ongoing annual continuing education for officers.

 Law enforcement agencies would be required to adopt a policy stating the officers employed have an affirmative duty to use de-escalation techniques whenever possible. The policy would need to be adopted by Jan. 1, 2022. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) would be tasked with creating a model policy for agencies to adopt.

 “I stand with the Michigan State Police, Police Officers Association of Michigan, and other law enforcement organizations in supporting the reforms in Senate Bill 945,” Bumstead said. “I hope to see quick action taken in the House as the bill makes its way to the governor’s desk.”
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 SB 945 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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