Gov. Whitmer Calls for Police Reform After George Floyd's Death

If there's one theme that's been communicated since the death of George Floyd, it's the need for real police reform. One sign that really caught our attention at Flint's 'Justice for George Floyd' rally was one that read: Don't just walk with us, fight for us.

In the wake of George Floyd's death, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is putting her support behind a police reform bill which is expected to be presented today.

The governor is calling for police agencies in Michigan to:

Enhance their training and policies to help create a police culture where all Michiganders are treated with dignity and respect under the law,
Complete training on implicit bias and de-escalation techniques, and
Require their officers to intervene when they observe an excessive use of force by another officer, which will save lives and help keep people safe.

The governor said George Floyd's death is a result of "hundreds of years of inequity and institutional racism against Black Americans."

“Here in Michigan, we are taking action and working together to address the inequities Black Michiganders face every day," she said. "That’s why I'm calling on Michigan police departments to strengthen their training and policies to save lives and keep people safe. I am also ready to partner with the Michigan Legislature and law enforcement officials to pass police reform bills into law.”

Senat bill #945, which is expected to be presented this morning (6/4), would require all new police officers in Michigan to go through training on implicit bias, de-escalation techniques, and mental health screenings.