Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced additional police reform policies, utilizing a four-pronged approach. The governor’s proposed reforms include:
Policy:
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- Ban chokeholds/windpipe blockage.
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- Further limit the use of no-knock warrants.
- Require “duty to intervene” policies.
- Classify false, racially-motivated 911 calls as a hate crime.
- Require in-service training for all licensed law enforcement officers to maintain licensure.
- Authorize MCOLES to do the following:
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- Audit law enforcement agencies to ensure they are accurately reporting violations of law or improper use of force.
- Establish penalties for agencies who don’t comply with reporting.
- Direct the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Mental Health Diversion Council to make recommendations on best practices and training for police departments when responding to situations involving persons with mental illnesses.
Personnel:
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- Provide incentive programs for law enforcement agencies to hire/retain officers who live where they work.
- Require retention of disciplinary records resulting from violations of law or improper use of force.
Community Engagement:
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- Invest in programming in communities around the state that connect local police and community leaders to build relationships.
- Invest in expanding existing community relationship programs to break down barriers between police and communities around the state.
Prevention and Accountability:
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- Require independent investigations of all shootings and use of force that resulted in the death of unarmed civilians at the hands of law enforcement.
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