Horsford Statement On Ferguson Police Chief's Press Conference

Statement

Today, Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) released the following statement regarding Ferguson, Missouri Police Chief Thomas Jackson's press conference on the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown:

"It was disappointing to watch Police Chief Jackson's press conference. Instead of being transparent and forthcoming about the events that led to Michael Brown's death, Chief Jackson used the time to focus on Michael Brown as a robbery suspect.

"I applaud the new leadership of Missouri Highway State Patrol Captain Ron Johnson. Last night, there were no violent conflicts between police and protestors because Captain Johnson's force moved toward community engagement. Through positive communication, they have been able to foster cooperative interaction with the community. Ferguson residents simply want to know the facts of this case and exercise their First Amendment rights.

"The events of the past week in Ferguson demonstrate the difference between profiling tactics and community engagement. It's time for every law enforcement agency in America to embrace anti-profiling policies and engage in community policing approaches."

Horsford is the lead sponsor of the Universal RESPECT Act, a bill that would help prevent racial profiling practices. The legislation would amend the Homeland Security Act to require that recipients of federal law enforcement grants and training facilities do not engage in racial profiling. House Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (MI-13) and House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (MS-2) joined Rep. Horsford in introducing the Universal RESPECT Act, which currently has 67 cosponsors.

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