Torres Signs onto Justice in Policing Legislation
Press Release
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today became an original co-sponsor of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, legislation to address systemic racism in law enforcement and protect black and brown communities from discriminatory police practices.
Congresswoman Torres, who spent 17.5 years as a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department, released the following statement:
"It is time for transformational change in America," Rep. Torres said. "George Floyd is far from the first unarmed black man to die in police custody -- it's up to each of us to make sure that he is the last.
"As someone with long-standing ties to the law enforcement community, I know the badge comes with daunting challenges, and I know many who serve faithfully want nothing more than to keep their community safe," Torres continued. "I also recognize that many agencies have failed to provide updated rules and training to help officers meet 21st century community policing needs.
"But none of that changes the fact that police officers should be accountable to the laws they enforce, and practices that undermine good faith in law enforcement like racial profiling and no-knock warrants have no place in our society," Torres added. "To be a public servant is to be accountable to the community at large, including transparency into data about misconduct and use-of-force.
"Justice for the black and brown communities who've faced discrimination and racism since this nation's founding starts with the systemic reforms I am co-sponsoring in Congress, but it won't end there. To address a wound that cuts back for generations, we must invest in programs that help communities of color advance right now. From equity in education, to access to healthcare, to fair housing practices, the true test of this moment is about recognizing that these are all forms of discrimination and violence too. We can't end just one of these injustices and expect to succeed -- we must end them all."
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