PHILADELPHIA — June 5, 2020 — State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) issued the following statement in response to recent calls from Gov. Tom Wolf and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to address police use of force and law enforcement reform across Pennsylvania and in the City of Philadelphia:
“This push is the direct result of the peaceful protests we have seen across the U.S., which is a testament to the power of an amplified collective voice working together to force change. Our communities are better served by taking a different approach to community safety and I am especially heartened that the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are taking steps to enact U.S Department of Justice recommendations for 21st century policing made under President Barack Obama. Addressing the racial disparities in policing as announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and Mayor Jim Kenney is the beginning of a reconciliation. The longstanding racial disparities and injustices that have plagued black and brown communities cannot continue to exist. We must not let this moment pass without enacting the positive steps towards justice, equity and true equality. My hope is that the tragic, unjustified murder of George Floyd sparks a real reckoning on this nations issues and bring about much needed change.”
Read the full U.S. Department of Justice report the senator referenced below:
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