Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts, today released the following statement in response to today’s passage of an omnibus policing bill in the House and Senate:
“Massachusetts lawmakers have acknowledged and responded to the urgent local and nationwide demands for police accountability and justice—justice for Black and brown people who are disproportionately hurt by police misconduct. The need for reform in Massachusetts is longstanding, and this bill offers a bold first step by establishing a police licensing system, making police misconduct investigations subject to public records law, and limiting chokeholds, tear gas, and no-knock warrants.
“This bill represents meaningful progress for Massachusetts, even as more work remains to be done. The ACLU will keep fighting for reforms to protect Massachusetts communities from over-policing and police violence—and end the impunity with which some officers operate. It’s time for systemic change and an end to policing as usual.
“The ACLU is deeply grateful for the commitment and hard work by the House and Senate leadership to advance this bill. Their resolve to begin the process of dealing with police reform and racial injustice will help our state move closer to the ideals of liberty and justice for all.”
For more information about the ACLU of Massachusetts’ work on racial justice and policing, go to: https://www.aclum.org/en/beyond-reform-racial-justice-policing-and-path-forward