ATLANTA — The murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd delivered closing arguments on Monday. However, the conversations the trial and the death of George Floyd have sparked surrounding police reform have only begun.
"People are tired, they are fed up, they're angry, they're afraid, and people need answers," said Sandra Scott.
Georgia State Representative Sandra Scott introduced her Criminal Justice Reform packet which she hopes will make an impact in building a better future.
"I introduced this legislation, criminal justice reform package, at the end of the last session with the death of Ahmaud Aubrey. I heard the crowds of the people and I went into action," Scott explained.
She represents District 76. The district serves Clayton and Henry County.
"The violence, obviously, the violence, the police shooting black, unarmed men, we must do something. And the time is now," said Scott. "People should not have to worry about their kids with the police."
Scott said her attention is on Minneapolis as the jury is set to begin deliberations.
"We have all heard the cries going on for months now about George Floyd, and it is my hope that the jury will look at the preponderance of the evidence, that they will be able to look at the evidence, and look at what happened," Scott stated. "And make the right decision to convict the officer, but I know that the makeup of the jury. It only takes one. It only takes one."
Her package will be eligible for consideration during the 2022 legislative session.
"Something must be done, something must be done, and it must be done not only here in Georgia but across the nation," said Scott.
Criminal Justice Reform Package Bills:
- House Bill 15: Requires police departments to provide de-escalation training to law enforcement officers
- House Bill 16: Prohibits law enforcement officers and agencies from possessing military-grade weapons or equipment from the U.S. Department of Defense
- House Bill 17: Prohibits racial profiling by law enforcement officers and agencies
- House Bill 18: Requires law enforcement agencies to provide body cameras to on-duty law enforcement officers
- House Bill 19: Increases the burden of proof for the government in civil forfeiture proceedings and provide public defenders to Georgians in civil forfeiture proceedings which are a result of criminal cases
- House Bill 35: Provides additional procedures and requirements for law enforcement officers and agencies in order to ensure “ethical policing” in Georgia and set standards for “ethical policing” in Georgia law; also authorize local municipalities to create and operate citizen review boards to ensure accountability, and direct the attorney general to create a form for local agencies to use to record complaints alleging police misconduct and disciplinary actions for such misconduct