Monroe Review

Sen. Dale Zorn voted for legislation to help law enforcement training and relations with Michigan residents — a direct reaction to the murder of George Floyd. 

The senator, who represents Lenawee and Monroe Counties, grieved the crime against George Floyd, according to a press release from Zorn's website.

“The shocking and sickening murder of George Floyd is the latest in a long line of tragedies that illustrate that in many areas of our society, we still have a long way to go to achieve our founding principle that all men are created equal,” Zorn said in the press release. “Racism in all its forms is immoral and has no place in our society.”

The murder of Floyd clearly shows that there is still systemic racism in this nation that needs to be eradicated and that making the necessary changes begins with listening and bettering the education that law enforcement officials receive, according to the press release from Zorn.

The bill which Zorn referred to, S.B. 945, requires law enforcement officials finish training on “implicit bias, procedural justice, de-escalation techniques” and also that they receive training on available mental health resources. Additionally, officers would have to complete annual continuing education as a way to ensure that they were evolving in positive ways as keepers of the peace and protectors of justice. 

“This measure is a good step forward,” Zorn said in the press release. “It will help ensure that all law enforcement officers in our state have the best training to keep our communities safe and protect the rights of all Michigan residents.”

All law enforcement agencies would be required to agree to adding a policy that would require the officers to use de-escalation techniques as often as is possible, according to the press release.

The policy would also have to be submitted by the deadline of Jan. 1, 2022. 

The bill currently has proceeded to the House of Representatives where it will be discussed and considered for implementation.